title: Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. Isolated From Immunocompromised Patients and Children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cryptosporidium is known to be one of the most important causes of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised patients. Genotype characterization of Cryptosporidium species in each region would help in the treatment of this disease, as well as to locate the source of infection and to prevent the disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This current research was conducted in order to analyze the molecular characterization of isolated Cryptosporidium spp. in the Southwest of Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this survey, 390 fecal samples were collected from immunocompromised individuals and children under five-years-of-age. Parasitic infection was evaluated using wet mount preparation, formalin ether, a modified acid fast staining method and microscopic examination. Finally, a PCR-RFLP assay was performed on the extracted DNA collected from fecal samples that were positive for Cryptosporidium by the acid fast method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 390 fecal samples, 16 cases (4.1%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. Molecular and genotype characterization found the following protozoan species; 11 Cryptosporidium parvum (68.8%), 4 C. hominis (25%), and one case of C. meleagridis (6.2%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study emphasized the public health importance of Cryptosporidium spp. in the study area. In addition, it seems that zoonotic species are the most important causes of infection in the region. As far as we are aware this the first report of a C. meleagridis infection in Iran.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran ; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Abdollah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rafiei
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Rashno
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Samarbafzadeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Shahram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khademvatan
keywords: Cryptosporidium; Epidemiology; Genotyping Techniques; Iran; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S