Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Wild Rats of Tehran, Iran Using 18s rRNA Gene and PCR_RFLP Method

Abstract

: Background: Wild Rats have been implicated as potential reservoirs of Cryptosporidium spp., thereby responsible for transimission of the infection to humans by acting as natural sources of C. parvum, a zoonotic species. Recently, and possibly due to much closer and more frequent contacts to these animals, concerns have raised about spread of the disease among human environments.Objectives: The purpose of this study is molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in rats of Tehran.Materials and Methods: Rats were hunted randomly from different zones of Tehran and their stool samples were studied by Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method using 18s rRNA gene. Subsequently, positive (i.e. infected) samples were characterized and sequenced.Results: Reported rates of Cryptosporidium infection among 77 rats by implementation of staining as well as nested PCR methods were %13 and 27.3 %, respectively. In order to recognize type of infective agent, all positive cases were tested by PCR – RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polyformism) method by which C. parvum pattern was obsereved. . The obsereved patten inPCR-RFLP test was checked via sequence determination method in all positive isolations and the results were approved.Conclusions: The results reveal that wild rats in Tehran are reservoirs of C. parvum that could be transmitted to humans. Also, it illuminates hygienic importance of freewildrats eradication throughout the city. Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:Result of this study unveils relationship between wild rats, humans and domesticated animals life cycle.Please cite this paper as:Bahrami F, Sadraei J, Frozandeh M. Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Wild Rats of Tehran, Iran Using 18s rRNA Gene and PCR_RFLP Method. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2012;5(3):486-490. DOI: 10.5812/jjm.3580 Copyright © 2012 Kowsar Corp. All rights reserved.