Genotypic Characterization of Cryptosporidium hominis from Water Samples in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium has emerged as one of the most important water contaminants, causing waterborne outbreaks of diarrheal diseases worldwide. The small size of oocysts under the microscope and the possibility of changes in characteristics of oocysts, mainly in environmental samples, make the taxonomy of the genus difficult if morphologic characteristics are considered. This limitation encouraged the application of molecular methods to identify this microorganism. The aim of this study was to detect and identify by nested-polymerase chain reaction oocysts of Cryptosporidium present in water samples in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Water samples were concentrated through a membrane filter, DNA was extracted by using a standard technique, and both amplification reactions used forward and reverse oligonucleotides that were complementary to Cryptosporidium 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Thirty water samples from different sites of collection in the state of São Paulo were evaluated. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 30% of the samples. By genoptyping, C. hominis and Cryptosporidium sp. were identified in recreational water and C. meleagridis was identified in surface water samples. This is the first report of C. hominis in environmental samples in Brazil. Although identification of Cryptosporidium is still a difficult task, molecular methods are essential for specific identification and are a helpful tool to aid to understand the epidemiology of this parasite in Brazil.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in a public water-treatment system, Paraná, Southern Brazil

“…In China, Xiao et al (2013) found oocysts of this parasite in 86.4% of water catchment areas and Lee et al (2014) reported its prevalence in 23.1% of Malaysian rivers. In Brazil, Araújo et al (2011) described the occurrence of this parasite in 30% of the water samples collected in state of São Paulo, whereas Osaki et al (2013) found Cryptosporidium spp. in 2/4 of the water catchment systems in Curitiba, Paraná State.…”

“…have been conducted with the goal of better understanding the environmental epidemiology of this parasite. Many studies describe the occurrence of C. meleagridis, C. hominis, C. parvum and C. andersoni in water samples (ARAÚJO et al, 2011;LEE et al, 2013;RUECKER et al, 2013).…”

Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Neo-Tropical Rodents and Marsupials: Is There Any Zoonotic Potential?

“…Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan parasite whose oocysts are often transmitted via water, with several species of Cryptosporidium spp. being identified in the water (reservoirs) in Brazil [ 16 , 17 ], and also in the water of swimming pools [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. The parasite lifecycle and pathophysiology have been well described [ 21 ], and it has been found in over 150 vertebrate hosts [ 22 ].…”

Giardia duodenalis: Number and Fluorescence Reduction Caused by the Advanced Oxidation Process (H2O2/UV)

“…Giardia spp. cysts were detected in many Brazilian environmental samples: wastewater, water (superficial and recreational), and bivalve mollusks [ 6 , 11 – 14 ].…”