2 research outputs found
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in recycled waters used for irrigation and first description of Cryptosporidium parvum and C-muris in Greece
Here, we present the first time findings regarding the occurrence of
Cryptosporidium and Giardia in sewage waters and the first molecular
characterization of Cryptosporidium species in Greece. Biological
treatment plants from three regions in Greece have been investigated.
The detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts was by modified Ziehl-Neelsen
acid fast (MZN-AF) and by immunofluorescence microscopy (IFT) for
Cryptosporidium and Giardia (oo)cysts, whereas nested PCR based on the
SSU rDNA assay was used for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium
followed by sequencing for the genetic characterization of the species.
In total, 73 samples (37 raw sewage samples and 38 of treated water
samples) were collected and analyzed. Of the 73 water samples, 4 samples
were Cryptosporidium-positive by IFT and staining, 12 samples were
Cryptosporidium-positive by nested PCR; 9 samples were Giardia-positive
by IFT. We showed that Cryptosporidium cysts are found both in the input
and the discharge of the biological treatment plants. Molecular
characterization of Cryptosporidium based on the small subunit ribosomal
DNA gene resulted in the determination of Cryptosporidium parvum and
Cryptosporidium muris Greek isolates. This is the first report of
Cryptosporidium and Giardia occurrence in wastewaters and the first
molecular identification of Cryptosporidium species in Greek
environments. As the treated water is used for irrigation, or it is
discharged into the sea, our findings indicate that biological treatment
facilities constitute a possible risk for public health because the
related species are prevalent in humans; the results invite for further
epidemiological investigations to evaluate the real public health risk
in Greece