Roya Omidi - Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abolhossein Dalimi - Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Majid Pirestani - Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Giardia duodenalis, is one of the main causes of gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, which infects the small intestine of humans and animals. Based on the genetic characteristics of the parasite, eight genotypes (A to H) have been identified in clinical samples. The main purpose of the present study was to find the genetic diversity of Giardia in people referred to health centers in Semnan city using PCR. Totally, ۳۰۰ stool samples were collected from people who were referred to health centers in Semnan city. The stool samples were first examined using the microscopic method (direct method and Lugol staining) and the samples were checked with trichrome staining. After DNA extraction, the GDH gene of positive samples was amplified by semi-nested PCR method. The genotype of positive samples was determined by the sequencing method. Out of ۳۰۰ samples, only ۲۰ (۶.۶۶%) were positive in the microscopic examination of the stool. In the PCR test, only ۱۳ (۴.۳۳%) of the samples were positive. According to the multiple alignment results, it was found that the isolates belong to AII, BIII, and BIV genotypes. Most of which are related to people without clinical symptoms of diarrhea. Identification of AII, BIV, and BIII genotypes indicates the anthroponotic and anthropozoonotic transmission cycle of Giardia infection in Semnan city.

G. duodenalis, Glutamate Dehydrogenase Gene, genotype, Iran