Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in Chile.

Knowledge of species and genotypes on Cryptosporidium involved in human transmission is fundamental in studying the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis. This is the first study in molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis that has been made in Chile. Cryptosporidium parvum species and genotypes involved in human and bovine cryptosporidiosis were determined by PCR-RFLP. Low prevalence of Cryptosporidium was found in humans and cattle. Of the 127 cattle studied, only in one was C. parvum detected . Of the 68 human fecal samples studied, four contained Cryptosporidium: two patients presented Cryptosporidium hominis and two C. parvum. Our results confirm that anthroponotic transmission is as common as zoonotic in Chile. These data can enable the establishment of the corresponding prevention and treatment measures.