Untreated Iranian spring water contained two potentially harmful protozoans

Researchers detected Cryptosporidium parvum in two springs and Acanthamoeba in five others across three provinces.

Editorial illustration — not from the study.

Researchers tested 29 springs commonly used by locals, hikers and mountaineers in Iran’s Hamedan, Kordestan and Esfahan provinces. Samples collected from March to July 2023 were examined for Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Acanthamoeba and Microsporidia using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Two springs in Kordestan contained Cryptosporidium parvum. Five springs across the three provinces contained Acanthamoeba genotypes: four identified as T4 and one as T2. The researchers did not detect Giardia or Microsporidia in the tested samples.

What the water contained

The study found Cryptosporidium parvum in two of the 29 springs tested, both in Kordestan province. Acanthamoeba was detected in five springs across Hamedan, Kordestan and Esfahan: four samples contained genotype T4 and one contained genotype T2. The researchers found no Giardia or Microsporidia. They describe the detected Acanthamoeba genotypes as potentially pathogenic, but the study did not establish that people using the springs became infected.

Why spring water matters

Spring water is often viewed as a healthier alternative to tap water, but untreated water does not undergo the same filtration and disinfection processes. Detecting Cryptosporidium parvum and potentially harmful Acanthamoeba in some commonly used springs supports the need for routine monitoring of spring water used for drinking and recreation.

Evidence and limitations

This was a molecular survey of 29 springs in three Iranian provinces. Researchers concentrated material from water samples, used genus-specific polymerase chain reaction tests and confirmed positive results by DNA sequencing. The study covered a limited number of springs and samples collected during March to July 2023, so it does not show how widespread these organisms are across Iran or throughout the year. Molecular detection also indicates that the organisms’ genetic material was present; the study did not measure infectious dose or document human infections.

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