Hakim Azizi - Department of Medical Parasitology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran

Introduction and objectives: The detection of Fasciola species in various geographical regions is essential for health policy making. Here, we aimed to identify livestock (cattle and sheep) related Fasciola genotypes by restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR. Materials and Methods: Seventy adult Fasciola flukes were collected from infected livers of cattle and sheep slaughtered in Zabol abattoir. Fasciola species were determined based on morphological and molecular features. For molecular detection, Fasciola ITS1 region was amplified and sequenced. A 700 bp fragment was amplified. These were digested with Ras1 enzyme. Fasiola hepatica specific fragments were 47, 59, 68, 104, and 370, while those related to Fasciola gigantica had 45, 55, 170, 370. Results: Our results showed that the two main species of F. hepatica and F. gigantica are responsible for fasciolosis in sheep and cattle in our region. No intermediate species were detected. Conclusion: Genotypic variability of Fasciola species was high in our region. It is recommended to assess molecular variation of Fasciola isolates in other host livestock.

ITS1 PCR-RFLP, Genotyping; Fasciola hepatica; Fasciola gigantica; Fascioliasis