Detection and genotypic characterization of Giardia cysts in water samples.

Water samples were collected from a wastewater treatment plant and from two lakes in the vicinity of Rome (Italy) for detection and genotypic characterization of Giardia. All wastewater samples and all but two of the lake samples were scored by immunofluorescence as positive for Giardia. In addition, Giardia cysts were detected, by nested PCR, in all of the examined samples.