Explore the vast range of titles available.

The island of Cyprus was a historical endemic area for cystic echinococcosis (CE) in the Mediterranean. During the last decades, Cyprus has been an open-air laboratory and a model for testing and implementing control measures aiming to eliminate CE as a public health problem. Despite control and surveillance measures implemented during last 50 years, molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato specimens has been never provided. In February 2023, the carcass of a stray dog collected in the Nicosia district was examined by the Veterinary Services and found infected with Echinococcus spp. worms. The worms were sent to the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURLP) for species/genotype identification. The sequences analyses of nad2 and nad5 genes allowed us to identify the tapeworms as Echinococcus canadensis, genotype G7b. In November 2023, a parasitic liver cyst was observed during the post-mortem examination of a mouflon from the same area of the dog's finding. The cyst sample was also referred to EURLP for identification and comparison with tapeworms previously collected from the dog. The sequences analysis of cox1 gene allowed to identify the cyst as E. granulosus sensu stricto, genotype G1. The finding of 2 different species of E. granulosus s.l. in a limited area raises epidemiological questions on the origin of the samples: whether distinct transmission cycles are present or a recent introduction event have occurred. From a public health perspective, it will be essential to conduct further molecular epidemiology studies to clarify the recent transmission dynamics of Echinococcus species in Cyprus.

European wolf populations have expanded their distribution ranges in recent decades and their spatial behaviour may contribute to the spread of Echinococcus spp. across Europe. In this study, the occurrence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato was monitored in the faecal samples from grey wolves from areas covering the substantial part of their range in Slovakia. Samples were collected from several geographical areas, including Poloniny National Park in the easternmost part of the country, as well as Muráň Plateau National Park, the Vepor Mountains and the Poľana Protected Landscape Area in central Slovakia. The overall occurrence of the parasite in 112 samples collected between 2014 and 2017 was 5.4%. Echinococcus canadensis (genotype G7), the main causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in Central Europe, was confirmed in all six positive faeces through sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Geographically, five positive samples were derived from the Vepor Mountains and one from the Poľana Protected Landscape Area. The occurrence of E. canadensis G7, the primary cause of human cystic echinococcosis in Central Europe, in wolves in Slovakia indicates its presence in a sylvatic cycle, which may contribute to sustaining its circulation within the country.

Background Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease causing serious health problems in both humans and animals in different endemic regions across the world. There are two different forms of human echinococcosis: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). CE is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and AE by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis . Geographically, CE is universally distributed, while AE is prevalent in the northern hemisphere. Although the disease is endemic in neighboring countries (China, Iran and India) of Pakistan, there are limited reports from that country. Besides, there are no comprehensive data on the genotyping of Echinococcus species in humans based on sequence analysis. This study aimed to detect the presence of human CE and to identify Echinococcus spp. in human isolates through genetic characterization of hydatid cysts in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Methods Genetic analysis was performed on 38 human hydatid cyst samples collected from patients with echinococcosis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1), cytochrome b ( cytb ) and NADH subunit 1 ( nad 1). Patient data including age, epidemiological history, sex, and location were obtained from hospital records. Results According to the sequence analysis we detected E. granulosus sensu stricto ( n  = 35), E. canadensis (G6/G7) ( n  = 2), and E. multilocularis ( n  = 1). Thus, the majority of the patients (92.1%, 35/38) were infected with E. granulosus s.s. This is the first molecular confirmation of E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis in human subjects from Pakistan. Conclusions These findings suggested that E. granulosus s.s. is the dominant species in humans in Pakistan. In addition, E. canadensis (G6/G7) and E. multilocularis are circulating in the country. Further studies are required to explore the genetic diversity in both humans and livestock.

The parasitic species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (sl) complex are the causative agents of cystic echinococcosis in humans. The lifecycle of E. granulosus sl is essentially domestic, and is based on the consumption by dogs of hydatid cysts in viscera of livestock species. The aim of this study was to survey E. granulosus sensu lato in livestock in France. A 1-year national survey of E. granulosus sl in livestock at the slaughterhouse was organized in 2012 in France, with systematic molecular confirmation. The prevalence of E. granulosus ss nationally was 0.002% in sheep, mainly focused in the Alpine area, and 0.001% in cattle, with the distribution of cases throughout the country. Echinococcus canadensis G6/7 was observed only in Corsica in pigs, with a prevalence of nearly 1% in the island. A national prevalence of 0.0002% was estimated for E. ortleppi in cattle, due to seven cases distributed in two foci. The results of this survey are of particular interest because of the zoonotic risk associated with the presence of these parasite species, for which systematic control at the slaughterhouse should enable their elimination.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), remains a significant zoonotic parasitic infection worldwide. This study provides a preliminary investigation of the nuclear Hsp90 gene diversity within the E. granulosus s.l. complex to evaluate its potential use for species identification. Forty-nine DNA samples of the G1 genotype from human and animal CE cysts, two G3 genotype samples, one of Echinococcus ortleppi , four of Echinococcus canadensis (G7), and four samples of other Taenia species ( Echinococcus multilocularis , Taenia hydatigena , Taenia pisiformis , and Taenia ovis ) were analyzed. Four primer pairs were designed to amplify the Hsp90 gene, followed by PCR amplification, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Successful amplification and sequencing of nearly the entire Hsp90 gene revealed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 222 conserved across all genotypes. Notably, significant genetic variations were observed between E. ortleppi (G5 genotype) and E. canadensis (G7 genotype) compared to E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1 and G3 genotypes). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed clustering consistent with established taxonomic relationships, with G1 and G3 forming a cluster, and G5 and G7 forming a distinct group. The findings suggest that the nuclear Hsp90 gene could be used as an additional marker for species-level differentiation within the E. granulosus s.l. complex.

Human echinococcosis is a neglected zoonosis caused by parasites of the genus Echinococcus. The most frequent clinical forms of echinococcosis, cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), are responsible for a substantial health and economic burden, particularly to low-income societies. Quantitative epidemiology can provide important information to improve the understanding of parasite transmission and hence is an important part of efforts to control this disease. The purpose of this review is to give an insight on factors associated with echinococcosis in animal hosts by summarising significant results reported from epidemiological studies identified through a systematic search. The systematic search was conducted mainly in electronic databases but a few additional records were obtained from other sources. Retrieved entries were examined in order to identify available peer-reviewed epidemiological studies that found significant risk factors for infection using associative statistical methods. One hundred studies met the eligibility criteria and were suitable for data extraction. Epidemiological factors associated with increased risk of E. granulosus infection in dogs included feeding with raw viscera, possibility of scavenging dead animals, lack of anthelmintic treatment and owners' poor health education and indicators of poverty. Key factors associated with E. granulosus infection in intermediate hosts were related to the hosts' age and the intensity of environmental contamination with parasite eggs. E. multilocularis transmission dynamics in animal hosts depended on the interaction of several ecological factors, such as hosts' population densities, host-prey interactions, landscape characteristics, climate conditions and human-related activities. Results derived from epidemiological studies provide a better understanding of the behavioural, biological and ecological factors involved in the transmission of this parasite and hence can aid in the design of more effective control strategies.

Background Canids are definitive hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. This study aimed to survey these two Echinococcus species in canids of North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, using morphological criteria and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA. Methods The carcasses of 106 canids, namely 61 jackals ( Canis aureus ), 23 foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), 19 dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and three wolves ( Canis lupus ) were collected from the study area in 2013–2014 and examined for Echinococcus species. Morphological features were assessed by microscopy of adult worms. For molecular characterization, DNA was extracted, mostly from the adult worms but also from eggs. DNA fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 ( nad 1) mitochondrial genes were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and compared with reference sequences. Intraspecific and interspecific diversity were calculated and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results Overall, 9.4% of the canids (eight jackals and two foxes) were found infected with E. multilocularis by molecular methods, of which seven cases were also confirmed using morphological description of the adult worms. Echinococcus granulosus was found in 6.6% of the canines (four dogs, two jackals and one wolf) as determined by both molecular methods and adult cestode morphology. All E. granulosus isolates were identified as the G1 genotype. Comparative sequence analysis indicated 0–0.7% and 0% intraspecific divergence within E. granulosus isolates and 0% and 0–0.2% within E. multilocularis isolates for cox 1 and nad 1, respectively. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus in canids of North-Khorasan Province of Iran. Jackals were found infected with both E. multilocularis and E. granulosus , but infection with the former species was higher.

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.

In Xinjiang, previous reports of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in livestock have focused on West and Middle Tianshan Mountains. In contrast, there is an absence of research on CE in the East Tianshan Mountains. To determine the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) in domestic animals in the East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, the livers and lungs of 1773 domestic animals were examined, between January 2023 and March 2023, and 40 cysts were collected. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the molecular diagnosis of the cysts. Statistical results showed that the overall prevalence of echinococcosis in sheep was 6.92% (114/1646), which was significantly higher than that in cattle (1.57%, 2/127). A total of 40 cyst isolates were obtained, including 38 from sheep and 2 from cattle. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox1 ) gene was amplified by PCR to obtain the target 850 bp fragment. The results revealed that all the isolates had the G1 genotype, with similarities ranging from 98.88–100%. Haplotype network analysis revealed 32 haplotypes of the cox1 gene, among which Hap_7 was the main haplotype. Furthermore, haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.313 ± 0.093) and nucleotide diversity ( π  = 0.00173 ± 0.00079) were lower in the East Tianshan Mountains than in other regions, indicating that the populations are genetically less differentiated. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs tests were negative ( p  ≤ 0.01), indicating an expansion of the population in the East Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, similar to the results previously reported for Xinjiang. The low fixation index (Fst) ranged from negative values (Gansu Province) to 0.30346 (Mongolia), indicating that the genetic differentiation between the East Tianshan Mountains and Gansu, and Tibet, Xinjiang was relatively low, with frequent gene flow. In this survey, two ‘new’ haplotypes were identified in the East Tianshan livestock. In addition, two different haplotypes of liver and lung infections were found in one cattle. This survey provides information on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. in the East Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China.

Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious tapeworm infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus ( sensu lato ) which infects a wide range of animals and humans worldwide. Despite the millions of livestock heads reared in Pakistan, only a few reports on CE prevalence and even fewer on the genetic diversity are available for the country. Meanwhile, the available reports on the genetic diversity are predominantly based on short sequences of the cox 1 gene. Methods To close this knowledge gap, this study was designed to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Echinococcus spp. in Pakistan using the complete mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 ( nad 1) genes. Results Based on BLAST searches of the generated cox 1 and nad 1 gene sequences from a total of 60 hydatid cysts collected from cattle ( n  = 40) and buffalo ( n  = 20), 52 isolates were identified as E . granulosus ( s.s. ) (G1, G3) and 8 as E . ortleppi (G5). The detection of the G5 genotype represents the first in Pakistan. The phylogeny inferred by the Bayesian method using nucleotide sequences of cox 1 -nad 1 further confirmed their identity. The diversity indices indicated a high haplotype diversity and a low nucleotide diversity. The negative values of Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs test demonstrated deviation from neutrality suggesting a recent population expansion. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this report described the genetic variation of E. granulosus population for the first time in Pakistan using the complete cox 1 and nad 1 mitochondrial genes and confirms E. ortleppi as one of the causative agents of CE among livestock in Pakistan. While this report will contribute to baseline information for CE control, more studies considering species diversity and distribution in different hosts across unstudied regions of Pakistan are highly needed.