Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in clinical samples: PCR-RFLP analysis of the TRAP-C2 gene.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. among children with diarrhea by PCR-RFLP using the TRAP-C2 gene.

Background: Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of bovine Cryptosporidium in Qazvin province, Iran.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, variability with host age, and the genotypes of species of Cryptosporidium in cattle from 15 dairy farms in Qazvin province, Iran. Fecal samples, collected from 272 cattle during May 2006 to December 2007, were characterized microscopically. Oocysts from 51 positive samples were analyzed using PCR assay of 18S SSU rRNA, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing.

Determination of definitive and intermediate hosts of cercarial dermatitis-producing agents in northern Iran.

Background: The study concerns the prevalence of avian schistosomes in intermediate and definite hosts in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

Methods: A total of 14190 fresh-water snails belonging to various genera were sampled and tested for cercarial emission by lighting and then crushing. During the same period, the nasal blood vessels and mesenteric veins of aquatic birds, mainly belonging to the Anatidae family, were examined under dissecting microscope for detecting adult worms.