Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from intermediate hosts in Khuzestan province in 2019

Introduction and Objectives: Echinococcosis (Hydatid Cyst or Hydatidosis) is a helminthic disease caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus spp that occurs in a number of herbivorous and omnivorous animals. Hydatidosis is an important public health problem in some parts of Iran. Depending on the infected host, Echinococcus can cause serious morbidity, livestock production losses, reduction in carcass weight, fertility and milk production, and possibly death. The aim of this study was to genotyping of E. granulosus isolates from intermediate hosts in Khuzestan province of Iran. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, isolates of 30 hydatid cysts were collected from the liver, lungs, heart and spleen of intermediate hosts (human, sheep, cattle, goat camel and buffalo). DNA was extracted and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of Cytochrome C Oxidase I (COX- I) gene. Results: Three different genotypes were found in Khuzestan province. Sheep strain (G1) (n =17), buffalo strain(G3) (n =9) and camel strain (G6) (n =4) in among all samples in this region. The results indicate that G6 was the only genotype found in the camel samples. But genotype G1 was observed in sheep, goat, human, buffalo and cattle; and also G3 in cattle and buffalo samples. Conclusion: The molecular results showed that the common genotype in Khuzestan is sheep strain (G1 genotype), which occurs in human, cattle, sheep and goat populations. In conclusion, these results may have important implications for Echinococcosis control in Khuzestan province.