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<p><i>Giardia duodenali</i>s is a major contributor to the global burden of waterborne diseases, with drinking and recreational water sources vulnerable to fecal contamination from human and animal waste. Between November 2021 and August 2022, a total of 400 source water samples were collected from eight different supply systems in Baghdad. Samples were analyzed using both traditional microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to detect the <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> cysts. The results revealed that 7% of samples were positively identified by microscopy while nPCR demonstrated higher prevalence 12.5% (<i>P</i>≤0.01) confirming the greater sensitivity of molecular techniques. Lugol’s iodine staining performed better than wet mount in microscopic detection. The highest contamination was observed in July with nPCR identifying up to 39.39% positivity, while no cyst were detected during the winter months. Geographically, the eastern part of Baghdad, especially Rashidiya, had the highest prevalence (16%) in contrast to the western side (8%). Physicochemical parameters were also evaluated and showed strong correlations with <i>Giardia</i> prevalence. Higher contamination was associated with elevated total dissolved solids (up to 534 ppm), nitrate (up to 15&#xa0;mg/L), and turbidity (up to 8.4 NTU), particularly in sites such as Rashidiya and Al-Nahrawan. pH remained neutral (about 7.5), while temperature ranged from 22.8&#xa0;°C to 25.4&#xa0;°C. Rainfall and humidity patterns were relatively stable across sites. Furthermore, electrical conductivity (704–804 μS/cm) and total dissolved solids exceeded, in some cases, the USA EPA freshwater standard (500 ppm), reflecting localized anthropogenic impacts. This study highlights the role of environmental factors - such as temperature, nitrate, total dissolved solids, and turbidity - in shaping the prevalence of <i>G. duodenalis</i> in Baghdad’s water sources. It underscores the need for integrated monitoring strategies that combine molecular diagnostics with water quality surveillance to safeguard public health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive molecular survey of <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> across multiple water source systems in Baghdad. The study’s novelty lies in its large-scale sampling effort, integration of advanced molecular diagnostics (nPCR) with conventional microscopy, and the inclusion of detailed physicochemical and seasonal analyses to better understand environmental risk factors in an underreported Middle Eastern urban setting.</p>

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Prevalence and molecular identification of Giardia duodenalis in different water sources in Baghdad City

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月23日

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  • Suhad Hassan Mahmood,
  • Ali Gargouri,
  • Haider Mohammed Ali Al-Rubaie

摘要

Giardia duodenalis is a major contributor to the global burden of waterborne diseases, with drinking and recreational water sources vulnerable to fecal contamination from human and animal waste. Between November 2021 and August 2022, a total of 400 source water samples were collected from eight different supply systems in Baghdad. Samples were analyzed using both traditional microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to detect the Giardia duodenalis cysts. The results revealed that 7% of samples were positively identified by microscopy while nPCR demonstrated higher prevalence 12.5% (P≤0.01) confirming the greater sensitivity of molecular techniques. Lugol’s iodine staining performed better than wet mount in microscopic detection. The highest contamination was observed in July with nPCR identifying up to 39.39% positivity, while no cyst were detected during the winter months. Geographically, the eastern part of Baghdad, especially Rashidiya, had the highest prevalence (16%) in contrast to the western side (8%). Physicochemical parameters were also evaluated and showed strong correlations with Giardia prevalence. Higher contamination was associated with elevated total dissolved solids (up to 534 ppm), nitrate (up to 15 mg/L), and turbidity (up to 8.4 NTU), particularly in sites such as Rashidiya and Al-Nahrawan. pH remained neutral (about 7.5), while temperature ranged from 22.8 °C to 25.4 °C. Rainfall and humidity patterns were relatively stable across sites. Furthermore, electrical conductivity (704–804 μS/cm) and total dissolved solids exceeded, in some cases, the USA EPA freshwater standard (500 ppm), reflecting localized anthropogenic impacts. This study highlights the role of environmental factors - such as temperature, nitrate, total dissolved solids, and turbidity - in shaping the prevalence of G. duodenalis in Baghdad’s water sources. It underscores the need for integrated monitoring strategies that combine molecular diagnostics with water quality surveillance to safeguard public health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive molecular survey of Giardia duodenalis across multiple water source systems in Baghdad. The study’s novelty lies in its large-scale sampling effort, integration of advanced molecular diagnostics (nPCR) with conventional microscopy, and the inclusion of detailed physicochemical and seasonal analyses to better understand environmental risk factors in an underreported Middle Eastern urban setting.