Detection and genetic characterization of the GP60 Gene of Cryptosporidium parvum isolated from HIV+/AIDS patients - Kurdistan Province, Northwest Iran: predominance of subtype IId

BACKGROUND: /AIDS patients. METHODS: Stool samples were examined microscopically and by nested PCR targeting the GP60 gene. PCR-positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using MEGA12 software. RESULTS: /AIDS patients, seven (4.34%) and four (2.48%) positive samples were detected by PCR and microscopy, respectively (OR = 1.94, P = 0.536). Two factors showed a statistically significant association with a higher risk of Cryptosporidium infection, including using untreated drinking water and contact with animals. Patients using untreated water had a 30% infection rate, compared to 2.6% for those using purified water (OR = 15.19, P = 0.011). Patients with animal contact had a 33.3% infection rate, compared to 3.2% for those without animal contact (OR = 14.73, P = 0.047). No significant association was found with the patient's sex or urban/rural location. All isolates belonged to the C. parvum IId subtype. Phylogenetic analyses clustered all isolates within the IId clade, which are closely related to animal-derived subtypes. CONCLUSION: /AIDS patients.