A Saleh Mohammed Al-Samarrai - College of Applied Science, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq
R Razooq Hameed Al-Samarrai - Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Applied Science, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq
B Ibrahim Hamdi - Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Applied Science, University of Samarra, Samarra, Iraq

Protozoan parasites are very important in drinking water production systems because their cystic forms are stable in the environment and resistant to conventional disinfection methods. The present study aimed to investigate protozoan parasites in the drinking water of different places in Samarra, Iraq. To this end, ۱۰۰ samples of tap drinking water were collected from ۱۰ places in Samarra, Iraq (i.e., Al-Sekek, Al-Kadesia, Alzeraa, Al-Shuhdaa, Al-Muthana, Al-Shorta, Al-Mamal, Al-Khedraa, Al-Efraz, and Al-Jubereaa), from the beginning of December to the end of February. After sample collection, water samples were examined to detect oocysts or cysts of protozoan parasites by using Direct wet smear, Lugol’s iodine, and Modified Ziehle Nelseen stain methods. The results indicate that ۸۰% of the samples under investigation were infected with protozoan parasites, and the ratio of diagnostic parasites in the samples under investigation was determined at ۳۶% with Entamoeba histolytica, ۲۳% with Giardia lamblia, and ۲۱% with Cryptosporidium parvum. The findings reveal the presence of protozoan parasites in the drinking water of the area under study and specify the need for a rapid improvement of the monitoring systems for the treatment of drinking water to control diseases caused by these pathogens, as well as to identify the sources of contamination.

Cryptosporidium parvum, Drinking water, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Protozoa parasite