The 18S Ribosomal DNA Sequence of Strongyloides stercoralis in Iran

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is a prevalent parasite in some rural areas in the north of Iran. We decided to investigate whether the 18S ribosomal DNA sequence of the parasite in Iran is similar to the findings of the other re­searchers. Methods: We collected 3514 stool samples from Gilan and Mazandaran, northern Iran, during the year 2005-2006, from which 96 were found infected with S. stercoralis. Using Bearman method filariform larvae were isolated. The lar­val DNA was extracted and subjected for PCR amplification and sequencing. Results: We found 2.73% S. stercoralis infection in stool examination. The partially sequence of Iranian S. stercoralis 18S rDNA gene was deposited to GenBank at accession number of EF062571. Conclusion: The 18S rDNA sequence of S. stercoralis in Iran is very similar to the related sequences deposited in GenBank (94-93% identification).