Abstract:
Purpose While Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it is a life-threatening protozoan in immunocompromised individuals. Its water-borne transmission to humans poses a serious public health concern. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has a considerable potential for the sensitive and specific detection of T. gondii oocysts in waters. Methods Comparative evaluation of RE 529-bp sequence and B1 gene to detect T. gondii tachyzoites and oocysts via PCR in agricultural irrigation water taken from downtown Denizli, Turkey and water samples collected from neighborhood fountains was performed for the first time in Turkish context. Results Based on real-time PCR targeting the B1 genetic markers and RE 529-bp sequence, T. gondii DNA was identified in 6 (16.7%) out of 48 samples collected from agricultural irrigation water. Besides, our PCR analysis did not establish any presence of T. gondii in drinking water samples. Conclusion T. gondii showed lower sensitivity in B1-based PCR than in PCR targeting RE 529-bp sequence.
Description:
WoS Categories : Parasitology; Veterinary Sciences; Zoology
Web of Science Index : Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
Research Areas : Parasitology; Veterinary Sciences; Zoology
Open Access Designations : Green Published, Bronze