The Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Parasites in Drinking Water Resources of Alborz province , the Central Part of Iran in 2018

Abstract

Background: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common parasitic protozoa that cause acute intestinal infections in children. These two parasites are mostly found in aquatic environments, including raw water, wastewater, and even treated water. Objective: The present study aimed to examine parasitic contamination of drinking water resources by cysts and the oocyst of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Alborz province, Iran. Materials and Methods: Water samples from three rivers and seven randomly-selected wells of Alborz province were examined using Sheather, formol-ether, and immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA) techniques. The prepared slides were examined with optical and fluorescence microscopes. Results: IFA technique revealed that 28% of the wells were contaminated with both parasites. It was also shown that all rivers’ drainage basins were contaminated with Cryptosporidium parasite, while 66% of rivers’ drainage basins were contaminated with Giardia parasite. Conclusion: The results showed that water resources of Alborz province contained Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts, which required health care officials to pay serious attention to treating drinking water.