Cryptosporidium Species and Giardia Genotypes Detected in Surface Water Supply of Campinas, Southeast Brazil, by Molecular Methods - Abstract
Data about the presence of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia genotypes in water samples from Brazil are scarce. We investigate the occurrence of these pathogenic protozoa in raw water samples of Atibaia and Capivari Rivers which are the main water supplies of Campinas city (Southeast Brazil). These rivers show high degree of eutrophication. All samples were subjected to membrane filtration technique using 45°C heated elution solution followed by immunofluorescence and nested PCR. Recovery efficiencies were estimated using water aliquots spiked with Color Seed®. Average recovery efficiencies of spiked samples in Atibaia River were 18.0% ± 18.4 and 74.0% ± 22.1 for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, respectively. For Capivari River, recovery efficiencies were 29.7% ± 24.6 and 65.1% ± 33.0 for oocysts and cysts. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in 42.8% samples from Atibaia River and in 85.7% samples from Capivari River, whereas Giardia cysts were present in 100% of samples in both rivers using immunofluorescence. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of C. hominis and C. parvum as well as G. duodenalis subgroup BIII in Atibaia River. All samples from Capivari River were PCR negative, probably due to inhibitors. These findings suggest anthroponotic and zoonotic contamination of Atibaia River. The occurrence of these pathogenic protozoa in both rivers highlight the potential risk for human and animal health. Close monitoring of water quality of these rivers is highly recommended.