Abstract

Objective: To identify 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) partial sequences from three different points, namely, downstream, midstream and upstream of two major rivers in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: In this study, six river water samples were collected from three different points of both Kuantan River and Balok River. Each water sample was processed and concentrated using continuous flow centrifuge machine and purified using immunomagnetic separation technique. Nested PCR was applied to detect 18S rRNA sequence in those samples after DNA extraction. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis were carried out based on the gene of 18S rRNA sequence of Cryptosporidium. Results: A total of five samples from six different points of both Kuantan River and Balok River were contaminated with Cryptosporidium. Only river water sample from the upstream point of Kuantan River was negative for Cryptosporidium. In this study, the sequencing results of five samples from both Kuantan River and Balok River belonged to Cryptosporidium parvum. Conclusions: This is the first study of Cryptosporidium parvum genotyping in both Kuantan River and Balok River by using molecular approach nested PCR on 18S rRNA gene.

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