Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages in symptomatic patients from Damascus city and its suburbs

4^th International Conference on Parasitology

September 01-02, 2017 | Prague, Czech Republic

Samar Al Nahhas, Dania Skhal, Ghalia Aboualchamat and Ayman Al Mariri

Damascus University, Syria
Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Syria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most important human enteric parasites worldwide and is endemic throughout the world with a vast range of mammalian hosts. However, there is limited information on the prevalent genetic variability of G. duodenalis in Syria. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the predominance of G. duodenalis assemblages/sub-assemblages causing humans infection in the city of Damascus and its suburbs. Methods: 40 symptomatic giardiasis patients were recruited in this study. Fecal samples were genotyped using PCR/RFLP assay targeting the �?�?-giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. HaeIII, BspL1 and RsaI restriction enzymes were used to differentiate between G. duodenalis assemblages/sub-assemblages. Findings: Our data showed that 65% of isolates were of assemblage A; 45% belonged to sub-assemblage AII and 20% to subassemblage AI. Assemblage B was detected in 27.5% of isolates; 12.5% fit in sub-assemblage BIV, 5% fit in sub-assemblage BIII and 10.5% fit in Discordant genotype BIII/BIV. Mixed genotypes (AII+BIII and AI+BIV) were identified in three isolates (7.5%). Significant correlation was found between Giardia AII sub-assemblage and weight loss symptom (P-value=0.05) as well as between contact with domestic animals (cats, P-value=0.027). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between subassemblage AI and livestock breeding (P-value=0.000). Conclusion: The genotyping of human Giardia duodenalis isolates suggests anthroponotic transmission for the route of infection in Damascus and its suburbs. Further studies are needed to screen a wide geographic area in Syria and to estimate the prevalence of G. duodenalis infection in our population.