Detection and genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in oreto river (Sicily, south Italy)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify whether the origin of Oreto river Giardia contamination was derived from one of the influents, which flows near Monreale city and receives its treated wastewater, or from livestock living in farms along the river. Genotypes were characterized by DNA sequencing analysis of PCR products of TPI gene. 17 water samples coming from Oreto basin, 20 fecal animal samples and 7 human fecal samples from 3 patients with giardiasis were processed. Cysts were typed as assemblage A (n=11), B (n=2) and A+B (n=4) in water samples, as assemblage A (n=4) and B (n=2) in human samples, while in livestock was found only assemblage E. Subtype AII was prevalent in both water and human samples. This work suggests the need to increase the efficacy of wastewater treatment in order to avoid any further river contamination.