Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city

Christina Ahlstrom; Michael P. Carey; Damian M. Menning; Jonathan A. O’Donnell; Andrew M. Ramey

doi:10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262

Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

By: Christina Ahlstrom, Michael P. Carey, Damian M. Menning, Jonathan A. O’Donnell, and Andrew M. Ramey

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262

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Abstract

Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. are globally distributed protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. These zoonotic parasites and their ecological relationships have been understudied in Alaska and elsewhere, despite being identified as priority zoonotic pathogens. We aimed to detect and characterize Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in waterbodies within Anchorage, Alaska, USA using two methods, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623 that relies on microscopy and a molecular detection approach. The molecular approach was ultimately unsuccessful and therefore only data obtained using Method 1623 are presented. Giardia or Cryptosporidium spp. was detected from nine of 15 urban streams and lakes sampled (60%), six of which were positive for both parasites (40%). Fewer than 10 cysts or oocysts were detected in 10 L of surface water. Further research to characterize Giardia and Cryptosporidium beyond the genus level would help elucidate the zoonotic potential and ecology of these parasites within the region and more broadly in Alaska.

Suggested Citation

Ahlstrom, C., Carey, M.P., Menning, D.M., O’Donnell, J.A., Ramey, A.M., 2025, Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city: Food and Waterborne Parasitology, v. 39, e00262, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262.

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Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city
Series title	Food and Waterborne Parasitology
DOI	10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262
Volume	39
Publication Date	April 11, 2025
Year Published	2025
Language	English
Publisher	Elsevier
Contributing office(s)	Alaska Science Center Ecosystems
Description	e00262, 6 p.
Country	United States
State	Alaska
City	Anchorage