Microscopic and molecular Cryptosporidium parvum infection in individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms in South Khorasan, Iran

Document Type : Full paper (Original article)

Authors

1 Graduated from Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

2 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

3 Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

4 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

6 Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

10.22099/ijvr.2026.54365.8185

Abstract

Background: Cryptosporidium spp., an opportunistic protozoan affecting humans and animals, ranks as the third leading global cause of diarrheal disease. Aims: This study aimed to molecularly identify C. parvum in patients with gastrointestinal symptom in Birjand, South Khorasan province, Iran. Methods: Cryptosporidium parvum was molecularly confirmed and characterized using nested PCR and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene on 160 stool samples from symptomatic patients in Birjand. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to assess genetic relationships. The resulting phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks were compared. Results: In this study, molecular prevalence was 8.75 (14/160). Sequencing confirmed all positives as C. parvum. Phylogenetic clustering revealed overlap between human isolates and animal-derived strains. Conclusion: Molecular epidemiology is critical for mapping Cryptosporidium transmission. Phylogenetic evidence supports zoonotic cycles in South Khorasan, informing targeted public health strategies.

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Main Subjects

References

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