Abstract

Background: This study was conducted with the aim of determining surface water contamination with cysts of Entamoeba histohytica using PCR in Rasht City, Northern Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 49 water samples including 18 rivers and 6 wetlands were collected from different regions near the city of Rasht in autumn of 2012. After filtration using 0.22 mu m nitrate cellulose membrane filters, the samples were examined using microscope and PCR method. Results: In microscopic examination, four samples of the 49 samples were positive for cysts of E. (histolytica / dispar / muschkovskii). By using PCR method and moelcular analysis, one sample was positive for E. histolytica. Conclusion: In this molecular analysis, contamination by E. histolytica was proved in the waters of Rasht City. Furhter investigations including more samples and necessary preparations must be applied to prevent contamination.