Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in Humans and Calves Through Nested PCR and Carbol Fuchsin Staining Methods in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, a total of 130 fecal samples, obtained from 98 humans and 32 calves from different hospitals and dairy farms in Ankara, respectively were analyzed with carbol fuchsin staining and nested PCR to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. Nested PCR revealed a total of 13 (10.0%) positive amplification results; 12 (37.5%) were from calves and 1(1.02%) from humans. Oocysts were observed in 8 (6.15%) fecal samples belonging to 7 (21.88%) calves and 1 (1.02%) human by carbol fuchsin staining. Concerning the detection technics, it was concluded that nested PCR can be successfully used in diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis, and although carbol fuchsin staining method has sufficient specificity it is less sensitive, especially in cases characterized with excretion of fewer oocysts.