Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Turkish River and Drinking Water Samples by Different PCR and LAMP Methods

In this study, we investigated the occurence of Toxoplasma gondii and checked the sequencing in 56 samples collected from in the Ordu province, Middle Black Sea, Turkey. The samples were collected from drinking and river water and DNA was extracted from all samples. After DNA isolation, the 18S rRNA target gene and B1 gene of T. gondii were amplified by conventional PCR, nested PCR, and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, respectively. Twenty out of 56 samples (35.7%) were Toxoplasma positive by LAMP. The conventional PCR and nested PCR confirmed that 12 and 16 out of 56 samples (21.42 and 28.57%) were positive for Toxoplasma, respectively. All drinking water samples were negative by all three methods. Thirteen Toxoplasma nested PCR products were successfully sequenced. This study achieved detection and sequencing of Toxoplasma from water supplies in the Middle Black sea area in Turkey. The performed research achieved to understand the importance of the protozoan parasites in water and to estimate the removal of T. gondii with an efficient water treatment. The protection of river water is necessary by sensitive detection. The methods nested PCR and LAMP should be applied together to improve sensitive detection.