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The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the surface water matrix in tributaries of the
La Villa River, located in Los Santos, through the parasitic quantification of free-living organisms present in this
matrix, particular emphasis was placed on the recovery of Cryptosporidium spp. using molecular techniques
such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The EPA Method 1623 protocol was employed as the standard
procedure for the recovery of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., aiming to maximize the detection of
parasitic forms. The results revealed a broad parasitic diversity, which was subsequently categorized into
groups to facilitate analysis, demonstrating significant differences among genera. Upon the microscopic
observation of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts using specific staining techniques, PCR assays were conducted
to confirm the presence of this pathogen of public health importance in the region. Statistical analysis indicated
rejection of the null hypothesis, confirming that group means were not equal. These means were further
classified into three categories—significant, intermediate, and non-significant—for improved interpretation.
Based on these findings, further investigations were initiated to explore the relationship between this parasite
of sanitary relevance and physicochemical parameters across different water matrices.
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