An epidemiological and diagnostic study of Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite in Anbar province - Iraq

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in humans, animals, and vegetables in Anbar province- Iraq. The parasite was diagnosed by examining the samples microscopically, by examining 560 stool samples (262 males and 298 females) that were collected from patients attending hospitals (Ramadi, Fallujah, and Haditha), and its health centers. The results showed that the total infection rate was 12.1%, and no significant difference was recorded between the infection of both sexes. The highest rate of infection was 25.8% in the age group (1-9) years, with significant differences (P ≤0.05) from the rest of the age groups. The infection rate in the rural was 14.5% higher than in the urban 8.4%. The highest rate was recorded at 41.5% in April and the lowest at 2.5% in November, while the summer months did not record any infections. The study also included an examination of 188 samples of animal feces (48 sheep, 50 cows, 47 goats, and 43 dogs), the parasite was not diagnosed in any of the examined animals. This is the first study in the country to investigate the parasite in goats. The study also included the investigation of the C. cayetanensis parasite in five types of vegetable leaves (garden cress, radish, leek, green onions, and purslane). Where it is observed the presence of Oocyst in vegetables washing water by a percentage (6, 7.8, 7.2, 4.4, and 3.2) Oocyst/ liter respectively.