Intestinal Protozoa and Cryptosporidium genotypes in North of West Bank/ Palestine

Objective: The aim of this project was to determine the predominant intestinal parasites infecting children with diarrhea residing in Northern Palestine. In addition, cryptosporidium isolates were genotyped. Materials and methods: A total of 300 stool samples were collected from several areas in Northern Palestine and aliquoted into two vials; one was preserved in 5% formaldehyde for concentration, staining with malachite green and microscopic identification. The other was emulsified in 95% ethanol and stored at -20o C for molecular manipulations and genotyping by PCR, nested PCR and restriction. Results: There were 19.8% (58/60) of the samples tested microscopically positive for intestinal parasites. The percentage of E. histolytica, G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium was 69% (40/58), 17.2% (10/58) and 13.8% (8/58) respectively. Two additional cryptosporidium spp. were further identified by the highly sensitive and specific PCR procedure. There were 6 C. hominis and 4 C. parvum. Further Genotyping of cryptosporidium by PCR revealed that 5 C. hominis isolates belong to family Ib and one isolate belong to Id. Furthermore, 2 isolates of C. parvum belonged to family IIa and 2 isolates belonged to IId. Conclusion: the results of this study provide significant information about the predominant intestinal parasites among Palestinian children residing in Northern Palestine. In addition, the genotypes of cryptosporidium have also been determined. This can provide important epidemiological information on one hand regarding the status of parasitic infections among children. On the other hand, it can guide physicians and healthcare specialists to take the necessary measures to prevent the acquisition and spread of these parasites among young children.