Genotype Analysis of Giardia lamblia Isolated From Children in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran

Giardia lamblia is an enteric protozoan parasite, which infects human and a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate genotypes of G. lamblia from children fecal samples in Ahvaz, South West of Iran by PCR-RFLP method. Fecal samples were collected from 58 children who were positive for G. lamblia. DNA extractions were performed by QIAamp Stool Mini Kit. DNA were evaluated by semi nested PCR-RFLP assay, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene, which was used to distinguish within and between genotypes A and B. Fifty samples (86%) were confirmed by semi-nested PCR. Genotype analysis among 50 isolates indicated 5 (10%) and 8 (16%) assemblages AII and B, respectively. Mixed Infections with both assemblages AII and B were also detected in 37 (74%) cases. Current study indicated the molecular characterization of G. lamblia in southwest of Iran. Postulated sources of contamination by accidental discharge of sewage effluent and faecal contamination from animals may contribute to this high rate of mixed infection in the current study. Further studies are needed to underestand the source and route of infection better.