Detection and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Recreational Waters of Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiyari Province of Iran Using Nested-Pcr-Rflp

Background: the aim of this study was to detect and characterize cryptosporidium spp. in water samples collected from recreational ponds of chaharmahal va bakhtiyari province of iran . methods: thirty water samples were collected from november 2009 to may 2010. each sample contained 10 liters of water. we used the ssu rrna-based pcr-rflp technique. results: out of thirty samples examined, 6 (20%) were positive for different cryptosporidium spp. restriction pattern analysis showed that c. parvum has been the most prevalent genotype, followed by c. hominis and c. canis , respectively. in this area, the higher prevalence of c. par- vum compared with other genotypes is consistent with the distribution of cattle. conclusion: farm animals, particularly cattle are the main source of cryptosporidial contamina- tion for recreational waters in this area.