Author/Authors :
HEMMATI, Arash Dep. of Microbiology - Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran , HOOSHMAND, Elham Dep. of Veterinary - Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran , HOSSEINI, Mohammad Javad Molecular Biology Research Center - School of Medicine - Baqiyatallah University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: This study was conducted with the aim of determining surface water contamination with cysts of Enta-moeba histolytica using PCR in Rasht City, Northern Iran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 49 water samples including 18 rivers and 6 wetlands were collected from dif-ferent regions near the city of Rasht in autumn of 2012. After filtration using 0.22 μm nitrate cellulose membrane fil-ters, the samples were examined using microscope and PCR method.
Results: In microscopic examination, four samples of the 49 samples were positive for cysts of E. (histolytica / dispar / muschkovskii). By using PCR method and molecular analysis, one sample was positive for E. histolytica.
Conclusion: In the molecular analysis, contamination by E. histolytica was proved in the waters of Rasht City. Further investigations including more samples and necessary preparations must be applied to prevent contamination.
