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Molecular and epidemiological characterization of Giardia Intestinalis assemblages detected in Djelfa, Algeria

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Abstract

Giardia intestinalis is a flagellated protozoan that lives and proliferates in the small intestine of the host causing giardiasis. The route of transmission is the fecal–oral route, either directly or indirectly. Limited genetic information on G. intestinalis is known in Algeria. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of G. intestinalis assemblages in the city of Djelfa. A total of 355 fecal samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic school children aged ranged between 6 and 11 years old. Genotyping was done to the Giardia positive samples (n = 30) targeting the beta-giardin gene by applying PCR/RFLP assay. Our data showed that most of the cases were asymptomatic (56.7%). Co-infection with other intestinal parasites was found in 16.6% of cases. We obtained 28/30 positive PCR products while two samples only showed false-negative results, and only 20 samples have shown strong PCR products suitable for RFLP analysis. Assemblage A (70%) was more prevalent than assemblage B (30%) and was more expressed by signs than assemblage B. Moreover, only assemblage A was associated with close contacts with domestic animals and birds. In conclusion, this study gave the first molecular data on G. intestinalis isolates in the city of Djelfa. Further expanded studies using more genes and covering other cities in Algeria are mostly needed.

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Acknowledgement

The authors thank all the patients’ families who participated in this study. This research was conducted with co assistance from both Damascus University, Syria and Zîane Achour University, Algeria.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Exploration and Valorization of Steppe Ecosystems, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Zîane Achour, Djelfa, Algeria

    Nadjat Rebih, Saad Boutaiba, Karim Souttou & Ahcen Hakem

  2. Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria

    Ghalia Aboualchamat & Samar Al Nahhas

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  1. Nadjat Rebih
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  2. Saad Boutaiba
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  3. Ghalia Aboualchamat
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  4. Karim Souttou
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  6. Samar Al Nahhas
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Correspondence to Samar Al Nahhas.

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Rebih, N., Boutaiba, S., Aboualchamat, G. et al. Molecular and epidemiological characterization of Giardia Intestinalis assemblages detected in Djelfa, Algeria. J Parasit Dis 44, 281–288 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-020-01206-8

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