Detection and Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in the Environmental matrices (Soil and Water) in Gaza-Palestine

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence as well genotyping of T. gondii oocysts, which is the environmental infectious stage, in Gaza- Palestine. METHODS: For this purpose, 290 environmental samples were collected for T. gondii oocysts detection and genotyping through the use of sheather’s solution and PCR techniques. More specifically, soil samples were collected from five sites, which were Wadi-Gaza, Near trash dumpsters, residential house yards, open-air markets, public squares and gardens. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that from the 290 environmental samples, 22 (7.58%) and 31 (10.68%) were contaminated with T. gondii oocyst according to the test methods of PCR and Sheather’s solution, respectively. The highest rate of contamination detected was from samples collected from residential house yards, while public squares and gardens represented the lowest rate. Moreover, 26 (13%) from the 200 soil samples pool were contaminated according to the Sheather’s solution method, while under the PCR, 18 (9.99%) samples were contaminated. Regarding the prevalence of contamination in water samples, only samples collected from Wadi-Gaza reported contamination levels. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the contamination of T. gondii oocyst in soil is higher than water. The highest rate of soil contamination detected were from samples collected from residential house yards, while public squares and gardens represented the lowest rate. On another hand, the contaminated water samples are only from running water samples collected from Wadi- Gaza, while water which collected from other sources are free of contamination. Finally, this study concluded that all samples that were genotyped belong to T. gondii type I. It is recommended that the Gaza Municipality should take measure towards the sanitation of the contaminated sites. KEY WORDS : Toxoplasma gondii – oocysts – Environment – Soil- Water – PCR- Sheather’s - Gaza