Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Parasitology and Mycology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
2
Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Centre (CMBRC), Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
3
Laboratory Sciences Group, Faculty of Paramedical, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
4
Department of Medical Microbiology and Genito-Urinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite infecting a wide range of hosts. The current study
investigated the genetic profile of Cryptosporidium species in calves in Liverpool, England. Fifty-two calve fecal
samples were collected from a farm and initially screened by Auramine Phenol, modified Ziehl-Neelsen and
ELISA. PCR analysis of 18S rRNA gene was carried out for the positive samples. Then, positive PCR samples
were genotyped by an 18S rRNA- based PCR-RFLP, COWP - based PCR- RFLP; PCR of GP60 and HSP70
genes. Additionally, sequence analysis was carried out based on representative isolates of four loci.
Cryptosporidium oocysts and antigens were detected in 34 out of 52 (65.4%) samples using screening
techniques. Genotype analysis showed the presence of C. hominis and C. parvum in one and thirteen samples,
respectively. Furthermore, subtypes of C. hominis Ib, C. parvum IIa; C. parvum subtype 2 were identified by
GP60 and HSP70 sequences, respectively. These findings indicate the diversity of the molecular characteristics
of Cryptosporidium species in calves’ isolates. Moreover, referring to the literature; we report two new subtypes
of C. parvum IIa and a rare case of C. hominis Ib in calves population.
Keywords