Differences between the intestinal microbial communities of healthy dogs from plateau and those of plateau dogs infected with Echinococcus.

OBJECTIVE: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) represents a profoundly perilous zoonotic disease. The advent of viral macrogenomics has facilitated the exploration of hitherto uncharted viral territories. In the scope of this investigation, our objective is to scrutinize disparities in the intestinal microbiotic ecosystems of canines dwelling in elevated terrains and those afflicted by Echinococcus infection, employing the tool of viral macrogenomics. METHODS: In this study, we collected a comprehensive total of 1,970 fecal samples from plateau dogs infected with Echinococcus, as well as healthy control plateau dogs from the Yushu and Guoluo regions in the highland terrain of China. These samples were subjected to viral macrogenomic analysis to investigate the viral community inhabiting the canine gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS: Our meticulous analysis led to the identification of 136 viral genomic sequences, encompassing eight distinct viral families. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study hold the potential to enhance our comprehension of the intricate interplay between hosts, parasites, and viral communities within the highland canine gut ecosystem. Through the examination of phage presence, it may aid in early detection or assessment of infection severity, providing valuable insights into Echinococcus infection and offering prospects for potential treatment strategies.

Detection of circulatory E. granulosus-derived cell-free DNA in the plasma and urine of human cystic echinococcosis using an in-house PCR: a potential promising diagnostic biomarker.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic tool for identifying cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients at an early stage is currently lacking. However, circulatory cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has shown potential as a biomarker for parasitic infections and could be used for diagnosing CE. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The plasma and urine samples were collected from 39 patients with confirmed CE through imaging and histopathological techniques. All plasma samples were tested for anti-echinococcal antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Total plasma and urine cfDNA were extracted and an in-house PCR assay was developed to detect E. granulosus specific cfDNA in the samples of CE patients. RESULTS: Out of the 39 patients, 30 tested positive for E. granulosus using serology, with a sensitivity of 76.9%. Moreover, the detection rates for the cfDNA were 79.5% in plasma samples and 58.97% in urine samples using the 80 bp COX1 gene. The plasma-based PCR and serology test showed the highest agreement (Kappa = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma-based PCR has been found to be a reliable diagnostic tool for identifying CE patients at different cyst stages. It offers validity, speed, and sufficient sensitivity, making it an alternative to serology in diagnosing CE in endemic areas.

High genetic diversity of Echinococcus canadensis G10 in northeastern Asia: is it the region of origin?

Echinococcus canadensis consists of 4 genotypes: G6, G7, G8 and G10. While the first 2 predominantly infect domestic animals, the latter are sylvatic in nature involving mainly wolves and cervids as hosts and can be found in the northern temperate to Arctic latitudes. This circumstance makes the acquisition of sample material difficult, and little information is known about their genetic structure. The majority of specimens analysed to date have been from the European region, comparatively few from northeast Asia and Alaska. In the current study, Echinococcus spp. from wolves and intermediate hosts from the Republic of Sakha in eastern Russia were examined. Echinococcus canadensis G10 was identified in 15 wolves and 4 cervid intermediate hosts. Complete mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences were obtained from 42 worm and cyst specimens from Sakha and, for comparison, from an additional 13 G10 cysts from Finland. For comparative analyses of the genetic diversity of G10 of European and Asian origin, all available cox1 sequences from GenBank were included, increasing the number of sequences to 99. The diversity found in northeast Asia was by far higher than in Europe, suggesting that the geographic origin of E. canadensis (at least of G10) might be northeast Asia.

Understanding the role of pigs in the transmission of zoonotic Echinococcus ortleppi in Haryana, India.

The etiological agents of zoonotic cystic echinococcosis comprise the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) species complex. The present study was aimed at investigating the zoonotic genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. circulating in the pig population of Haryana, India. Out of 253 slaughtered pigs screened, 5 showed the presence of hydatid cysts. The amplification of the partial mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) gene for the molecular confirmation and phylogenetics of the retrieved metacestodes (n = 2) revealed the presence of E. ortleppi. The sequences generated herein exhibited 99.80% homology to the GenBank archived E. ortleppi sequences. Cladistics targeting genetic diversity and haplotype network analysis involved 37 E. granulosus s.l. GenBank archived sequences from India corresponding to different hosts (large and small ruminants and humans) along with the sequences (n = 2) generated in the present study. Overall, 14 haplotypes with high haplotype (0.780 ± 0.059) and low nucleotide (0.033 ± 0.010) diversities were recorded for the overall data set, which evinced a population expansion. The median-joining haplotype network revealed a stellate shape of E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) sequences, which was indicative of rapid population expansion. High genetic differentiation (FST = 0.840 - 0.983) and low gene flow (Nm = 0.003 - 0.047) were recorded between the pig intermediate hosts infected with E. ortleppi and other hosts infected with E. granulosus s.s. The findings are of paramount significance for the formulation of effective control strategies considering the public health and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis.

Human cystic echinococcosis: first molecular identification of Echinococcus canadensis G7 in Brazil.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a species complex with the potential to cause cystic echinococcosis (CE). Contact with the feces of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) fed with raw viscera of intermediate livestock hosts is a risk factor for this infection in the southern region of Brazil. Although the region has been considered endemic to CE for many years, molecular data regarding the species of the complex causing CE in humans are scarce. This study aimed to perform a molecular analysis of the biological fluid from a human liver cyst to investigate the species responsible for CE. Genetic material obtained from the hydatid fluid of a hepatic cyst from a human with CE was subjected to PCR to amplify mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the human infection by Echinococcus canadensis G7 in the state of Paraná, Brazil. This is the first molecular record of E. canadensis G7 infecting a human in Brazil, and it is important to reiterate the risk of human CE caused by this species in South America, as reported by a previous study in Patagonia, Argentina. From the epidemiological point of view, this finding is of great relevance for the southern region of Brazil, since this parasite has previously only been detected in pigs in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, neighboring Paraná. The finding points to the importance of this identification in the molecular epidemiology of E. granulosus s.l., especially in South America.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus canadensis (Cestoda, Taeniidae) in Wolf from the Kirov Region.

This work presents the results of studying the molecular characteristics of parasitic tapeworms Echinococcus canadensis. The helminths were discovered during the autopsy of a wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) killed by hunters in the Kirov oblast in 2021. A molecular phylogenetic study was performed by analyzing the sequence of a fragment of the first subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (CoxI). It was found that the detected echinococci belong to the G10 genotype of E. canadensis, which is common in wolves in the northern territories of the Holarctic. We discovered four positions at which the substitutions characteristic only of this genotype are revealed. A substitution at one of the positions that is characteristic exclusively for the representatives of the G10 genotype found in Russia and Finland was also discovered.

Cystic echinococcosis in donkeys in eastern Africa.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in humans and domestic animals in eastern Africa. All the species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex have been reported in this region except for E. equinus, possibly due to the small number of studies involving equids. This study reports the frequency of different Echinococcus species in donkeys from eastern Africa. A total of 5961 donkeys were examined during meat inspection in 3 slaughterhouses in Kenya. Identification of Echinococcus spp. was achieved through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism and sequencing of the mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene. The prevalence of CE was 5.7% (337/5961). The 263 genotyped cysts belonged to E. equinus (n = 163), E. granulosus sensu stricto (n = 70), E. canadensis (G6/7) (n = 26) and E. ortleppi (n = 4). One donkey harboured a metacestode of Spirometra theileri. All E. equinus cases, except 2, originated from southern Ethiopia, whereas the other species were more evenly distributed across the study area. Most of the cysts belonging to E. equinus were fertile (111/163), while those of the other species were non-fertile. This is the first report of Echinococcus spp. in donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa and the first confirmation of E. equinus in East Africa. The frequent fertility of E. equinus cysts in donkeys affirms their suitability as intermediate hosts of this species, while low frequency and cyst fertility suggest a marginal role of donkeys in the transmission of E. granulosus s. s., E. canadensis (G6/7) and E. ortleppi.

Exploring the genetic diversity of genotypes G8 and G10 of the Echinococcus canadensis cluster in Europe based on complete mitochondrial genomes (13 550-13 552 bp).

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a group of tapeworm species known to cause cystic echinococcosis. Within this group, the Echinococcus canadensis cluster includes genotypes G8 and G10 that have a predominantly sylvatic life cycle ­ transmission occurs between wild cervids and wolves. Relatively few studies have explored the genetic variation of the elusive G8 and G10, and their extent of genetic variation is yet to be investigated at the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome level. The aim was to explore the genetic variation of these 2 genotypes in Europe using complete mtDNA sequences and provide a high-quality reference dataset for future studies. Sequences of complete mt genomes were produced for 29 samples of genotype G8 and G10 from wolves, moose, reindeer and roe deer, originating from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Latvia and Estonia. Genetic variation was explored based on phylogenetic network analysis, revealing marked differences between G8 and G10 (over 400 mutations), and more detailed patterns of variability within the 2 genotypes than previously observed. Understanding the mt genetic composition of a species provides a baseline for future studies aiming to understand whether this mt distinctiveness is mirrored in the nuclear genome and whether it has any impact on any phenotypic traits or parasite transmission.

Cystic echinococcosis in Iceland: a brief history and genetic analysis of a 46-year-old Echinococcus isolate collected prior to the eradication of this zoonotic disease.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered the most severe parasitic disease that ever affected the human population in Iceland. Before the start of eradication campaign in the 1860s, Iceland was a country with very high prevalence of human CE, with approximately every fifth person infected. Eradication of CE from Iceland by 1979 was a huge success story and served as a leading example for other countries on how to combat such a severe One Health problem. However, there is no genetic information on Echinococcus parasites before eradication. Here, we reveal the genetic identity for one of the last Echinococcus isolates in Iceland, obtained from a sheep 46 years ago (1977). We sequenced a large portion of the mitochondrial genome (8141 bp) and identified the isolate as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotype G1. As G1 is known to be highly infective genotype to humans, it may partly explain why such a large proportion of human population in Iceland was infected at a time . The study demonstrates that decades-old samples hold significant potential to uncover genetic identities of parasites in the past.

Optimization of single-tube nested PCR for the detection of Echinococcus spp.

Echinococcosis is a serious zoonotic life-threatening parasitic disease caused by metacestodes of Echinococcus spp., and appropriate sensitive diagnosis and genotyping techniques are required to detect infections and study the genetic characterization of Echinococcus spp. isolates. In this study, a single-tube nested PCR (STNPCR) method was developed and evaluated for the detection of Echinococcus spp. DNA based on the COI gene. STNPCR was 100 times more sensitive than conventional PCR and showed the same sensitivity to common nested PCR (NPCR); but with a lower risk of cross-contamination. The limit of detection of the developed STNPCR method was estimated to be 10 copies/µL of the recombinant standard plasmids of Echinococcus spp. COI gene. In clinical application, 8 cyst tissue samples and 12 calcification tissue samples were analysed by conventional PCR with outer and inner primers and resulted in 100.00% (8/8) and 8.33% (1/12), 100.00% (8/8) and 16.67% (2/12) positive reactions, respectively, while STNPCR and NPCR were all able to identify the presence of genomic DNA in 100.00% (8/8) and 83.33% (10/12) of the same samples. Due to its high sensitivity combined with the potential for the elimination of cross-contamination, the STNPCR method was suitable for epidemiological investigations and characteristic genetic studies of Echinococcus spp. tissue samples. The STNPCR method can effectively amplify low concentrations of genomic DNA from calcification samples and cyst residues infected with Echinococcus spp. Subsequently, the sequences of positive PCR products were obtained, which were useful for haplotype analysis, genetic diversity, and evolution studies of Echinococcus spp., and understanding of Echinococcus spp. dissemination and transmission among the hosts.

Molecular genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from human Echinococcal cysts in Hatay, Türkiye.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the zoonotic infections in human, an important global health problem. It was aimed to determine the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of isolates obtained from patients diagnosed with CE in Hatay province, according to the cox1 gene region. A total of 31 patients, 14 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 35.19 (±14.28) years were included in the study. 35 cyst materials obtained from patients were studied. DNA isolation was performed from the samples with protoscoleces determined in the cyst fluid. One-way DNA sequencing was performed with the Sanger Sequencing Protocol through the obtained PCR products. In the study, 35 hydatid cysts of human origin were examined and protoscoleces was detected in 11 (31.43%) of them. Twenty of the patients had liver involvement, seven had lung involvement, and four had both liver and lung involvement. All the samples with protoscoleces detected were observed of PCR product with a size of approximately 446 bp. When the sequence results of the isolates were evaluated within themselves, it was seen that there were three different sequences with 99% similarity to each other. As a result, of the phylogenetic analysis, it was determined that the isolates were identified in the Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s. s.) (G1-G3) complex. This study is thought to contribute to the epidemiology, parasite control, effective diagnosis and treatment techniques, eradication, vaccine and drug development studies of E. granulosus s. s in Türkiye.

Molecular characterization of cattle and sheep isolates of Echinococcus granulosus from Elazig province in Turkey and expression analysis of the non-coding RNAs, egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a common zoonotic disease seen in human and animals worldwide, caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. In this study, E. granulosus s.l. species and haplotypes were determined in hydatid cysts isolated from cattle and sheep, and the expression levels of egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96 miRNAs were compared in different cyst structures. A total of 82 (cattle, n = 41; sheep, n = 41) hydatid cyst isolates (germinal membranes and/or protoscoleces) were collected from a slaughterhouse in Elazig province of Turkey. After mt-CO1 gene sequences were made, 81 out of 82 hydatid cyst isolates were determined as E. granulosus s.s. (G1 and G3), while an isolate of cattle origin was determined as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7). A total of 26 nucleotide polymorphisms and 29 haplotype groups were identified in the samples. miRNA expressions in germinal membranes of sterile cysts and germinal membrane and protoscoleces of fertile cysts were investigated by qRT-PCR and Real Time PCR analyses. It was determined that miRNAs were expressed at high levels in 79.31% of the 29 haplotype groups and at low levels in the remaining 10.34%. In 10 fertile samples of sheep origin, egr-miR-7, egr-miR-71 and egr-miR-96 miRNAs were found to be 44, 168, and 351-fold higher in expression, respectively, in the germinal membrane compared to the protoscoleces. Especially egr-miR-96 may have the potential to be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of active CE.

Application and evaluation of native antigen B from Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis alone or mixture for serodiagnosis of human G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes cystic echinococcosis sera, using ELISA and Western blotting.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important helminthic diseases in the world with different genotypes distribution. The application of specific genotype antigens together with sera from patients with specific cyst genotypes have not been reported, so far. The present study aimed to apply and evaluate native AgB from Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (Eg) and Echinococcus canadensis (Ec) alone or mixture for serodiagnosis of human G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes cystic echinococcosis sera, using ELISA and Western blotting. A total of 47 human sera along with 47 human CE cysts were collected. CE genotypes were determined. Native AgB were prepared from E. granulosus s.s and E. canadensis genotypes. ELISA and Western blot were performed on human specific G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes sera. Species specific native AgB were used alone or mixed. The sensitivity of ELISA using alone and mixed 1Eg-1Ec, 1Eg-2Ec, and 2Eg-1Ec of native AgB from E. granulosus s.s and E. canadensis genotypes for human G1-G3 sera were 92.10, 89.47, 97.37, 100, and 100%, respectively; while using AgBs, alone and mixed for human G6/G7 sera were 100%. The sensitivity of Western blotting using native AgB of E. granulosus s.s and E. canadensis genotypes alone and mixed 2Eg-1Ec were 78.95% and 100% for human G1-G3 and G6/G7 genotypes sera, respectively. The mixture of AgB from Echinoccus granulosus sensu stricto and Echinococcus canadensis genotypes increased ELISA sensitivity for the diagnosis of human CE. Preparation and application of native AgB from specific and prevalent genotypes of CE in endemic regions is recommended.

[Isolation of Cystic Echinococcosis Causative Agents of Echinococcus equinus and Echinococcus ortleppi Species from Humans in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye]. / Türkiye'nin Iç Anadolu Bölgesindeki Insanlardan Kistik Ekinokokkoz Etkeni Echinococcus equinus ve Echinococcus ortleppi Türlerinin Izole Edilmesi.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu strico is neglected in Türkiye despite being one of the common diseases due to agriculture being at the forefront, low socioeconomic status and unhygienic animal slaughter. Considering the morbidity, mortality, and difficulties in treatment, more studies and precautions are needed regarding this disease. In this study, it was aimed to genotype Echinococcus isolated from CE patients in the Central Anatolia region. DNA isolation from tissue samples taken from 60 CE patients was performed using the QIAamp DNA FFPE tissue kit. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit gene region of Echinococcus was targeted and JB3/JB4.5 primers were used for genotyping. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were purified according to the instructions for use of the QIAquick PCR purification kit. PCR products were prepared using the ABI Prism BigDye Terminator V3.1 Cycle sequencing kit and the nucleotide sequences in the samples were evaluated with the ABI 3100 sequencing device. The nucleotide sequences obtained in the study were analyzed using MetaPIGA2, MRBAYES v.3.1.2, phyogenetic analysis using parsimony, Unigen programs, maximum likelihood, Bayesian and parsimony methods. It has been found that 88.4% (53/60) of Echinococcus isolates were E.granulosus s.s. in this study. It has been genotyped as 41.7% (25/60) G1, 30.0% (18/60) G3 and 16.7% (10/60) G2 genotype. It has been determined that 6.6% (4/60) of the other Echinococcus isolates were E.equinus and 5.5% (3/60) were E.ortleppi. It was observed that E.equinus and E.ortleppi were isolated from atypically located cysts and from those living in rural areas. The E.equinus and E.ortleppi species were not found in CE patients living in urban areas. CE cases are common in the Central Anatolia region due to dog and cattle breeding, and the disease agent Echinococcus species vary. Genotyping of Echinococcus species is effective in the development of CE treatment and control strategies. Study results can play an active role in the fight against CE, which has formed the basis of the "one health" approach in the world and in Türkiye in recent years.

Global distribution of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in domestic and wild canids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21 May 2021 were screened, relevant articles were selected and the random-effect model was used to draw forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Totally, 44 articles were included, mostly examined dogs (37 records), followed by wolf (8 records), jackal (7 records), fox (3 records), pump fox (3 records) and coyote (1 record). Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1­G3) and G6/7 cluster of Echinococcus canadensis were the most common genotypes among canids. Most studies were conducted in Asia and Europe with 17 and 15 datasets, respectively. Exclusively, Iran possessed the highest number of studies (10 records). Meta-analysis showed that the pooled molecular prevalence of echinococcosis was 33.82% (95% CI 24.50­43.83%). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of canine echinococcosis was calculated for South America (66.03%; 95% CI 25.67­95.85%) and Europe (19.01%; 95% CI 9.95­30.16%). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the global prevalence of echinococcosis in canines and publication year, continent, country, sample type, host and molecular test. These findings will elevate our knowledge on the poorly known canine echinococcosis worldwide.

Anti-echinococcal effects of sumac, Rhus coriaria, in a murine model of cystic echinococcosis: Parasitological and molecular evaluation.

Sumac has been traditionally used by people as a medicinal plant for the treatment of different disorders. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the major zoonotic diseases of human with a worldwide distribution. Long term albendazole therapy is usually associated with side effects including impaired liver function and leukopenia. The present study investigated the efficacy of the methanolic extract of Sumac, Rhus coriaria, on the secondary hydatid cyst development in mice and evaluated sumac effects on the expression of a profile of genes with a potential role in parasite development. Thirty-six mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with of with 3000 protoscoleces and six months after induction of infection were divided into three groups that received either oral sumac extract, albendazole or distilled water. The mice were necropsied 45 days later and the volume and weight of cysts were measured. The expression level of five target genes were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The volume and weight of the cysts were significantly lower in the sumac group compared to the controls. Decreased expressions were found in four out of the five genes following sumac administration. While significantly lower expressions in the sumac group were found for the cdk6, b-raf, fgfr and ras genes, no significant difference was found in cdk2 expression as compared with the control groups. Findings of the present study indicate high efficacy of sumac on the size and volume of secondary hydatid cysts in a murine CE model. Further studies are required to explore the most active and effective ingredients of this natural product.

Cystic echinococcosis in sheep and goats of Lebanon.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is endemic in Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, where pastoral activity is widespread. Despite the chronic endemicity of the disease in Lebanon and neighbouring countries, recent data are scant. The objectives of this survey were to evaluate the current epidemiology of CE in Lebanon, investigate the prevalence and determine the infecting genotypes in locally raised sheep and goats. A multidimensional approach combining post-mortem inspection of slaughtered animals and molecular diagnosis of the parasite was conducted to this end. From 2018 to 2020, 62.9% of the sheep and 20.9% of the goats were found positive for CE. The presence of hydatids varied between organs, showing higher prevalence in the liver of sheep vs the lungs of goats, however, a higher fertility rate of hydatid cyst was observed in lungs for both animals. Molecular diagnosis based on partial mitochondrial cox1 gene (795 bp) showed that the majority of isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (98.7%) and only one isolate from goat was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (genotype G7; 1.3%). Echinococcus granulosus s.s. population among the sheep and goats was represented by 22 haplotypes having very little genetic differentiation and relatively moderate haplotype diversity. Population demographics explored through neutrality indices suggested expanding population within the intermediate hosts. These results document the high prevalence of CE in the livestock of Lebanon and reveal for the first time the presence of three different genotypes G1, G3 and G7.

Human and animal cystic echinococcosis in Konya, Turkey: molecular identification and the first report of E. equinus from human host in Turkey.

Cystic echinococcosis is a neglected, zoonotic disease in Turkey. The disease is commonly seen in rural areas where the local population is in close contact with livestock and dogs. This research aimed to molecularly identify of hydatid cysts in cattle and human isolates from Konya, Turkey. Following sample collection, direct microscopy was performed. After direct examination, total DNA was extracted, and positive PCR products of cox 1 mitochondrial gene (~ 875 bp) were sequenced. A total of 83 hydatid cysts (cattle n = 57 and human n = 26), 82 were identified as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3 genotypes), and one human isolate was characterized as Echinococcus equinus (G4 genotype). Fertility rates of cysts belonging to cattle for liver and lung cysts were 93.3% and 80%, respectively. Out of 26 human originated isolates, 18 (69.2%) of cysts were found to be fertile. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of E. equinus from human host in Turkey.

Genotypes of Echinococcus Species from Cattle in Tanzania.

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus species. Tanzania is one of the endemic countries with cystic echinococcosis. This study focussed on identifying genotypes of Echinococcus spp. in Tanzania. We collected 7 cysts from cattle in Mwanza municipal (n=4) and Loliondo district (n=3). The cysts from Mwanza were all E. ortleppi and fertile. In contrast, the cysts from Loliondo were all E. granulosus sensu stricto and sterile. Two from the 4 cysts were a new haplotype of E. ortleppi (G5). These results can improve the preventive and control programs for humans and livestock in Tanzania. To our knowledge, this study is considered the first to identify the genotype and haplotype of Echinococcus spp. in Tanzania.

Molecular survey on cattle and sheep hydatidosis and first detection of Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) in sheep in Turkey.

Larval stage of genus Echinococcus is the causing agent for the zoonotic infection which is life threatening known as Echinococcosis. The purpose of this study was the identification, molecular analysis and characterization of Echinococcus spp. in sheep and cattle. The sampling was done from slaughterhouse of Elazig, Turkey. A total of 85 isolates (sheep, n = 19 and cattle, n = 66) have been collected after slaughtering. Following the gDNA isolation and PCR products of mt-CO1 gene (446 bp) of all the samples were sequenced. Out of 85 isolates, 84 were recognized as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and one sheep isolate was found as Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7 ) which is identified for the first time in Turkey. However, single nucleotide polymorphism has been observed not only in samples of different animals but also in samples collected from the same cattle. Six liver and three lung hydatid cysts have been detected in cattle. Although no nucleotide differences have been observed in the liver samples, there was single nucleotide polymorphism (C→T) in 40th nucleotide of two lung cysts. As a result of haplotype analysis, 16 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. were detected in 66 cattle isolates whereas 7 haplotypes of E. granulosus s.s. were identified in 19 sheep samples.