Cyclospora, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium are among the main protozoan parasites of concern for the food industry, biofilms can serve as a reservoir for these parasites. Biofilms were collected from surfaces in contact with agricultural waters in an endemic area for Cyclospora cayetanensis. Samples were collected monthly over a seven month period at the same locations and processed for molecular analysis. Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were detected using nested PCR-RFLP using the 18S ribosomal RNA as a target gene. Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected by staining with fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibodies (IFA). Analysis of 178 samples resulted in 4 positive Cyclospora samples. Nineteen samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by IFA and 4 by nPCR. Giardia spp. was identified in 70 samples by IFA and 47 by PCR. This study demonstrates the biofilms formed on surfaces in water used for agricultural purposes can serve as a reservoir for protozoan parasites.
