Prevalence and molecular characterization of hydatid cyst isolates from cattle in Egypt

Abstract

Background and Objective: In view of the economic and public health threats of cystic echinococcosis, this study was planned in order to update the prevalence and to determine the genotypes of Echinococcus cysts isolates from cattle in Egypt, which has not been stated before. Materials and Methods: DNA of the recovered cysts from 500 slaughtered cattle at Mansoura abattoir, Egypt, was subjected to the molecular analysis using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Results: Hydatid cysts were noted in lungs of 2 (0.004%) out of the examined cattle. Two genotypes of Echinococcus species were detected, E. ortleppi (G5, cattle strain) and E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1, common sheep strain). Conclusion: This study firstly reported, the genotypes of Echinococcus species infecting cattle in Egypt as well as the occurrence of G5 genotype from natively reared animal in Egypt. Moreover, it highlights the role of the sheep-dog cycle in echinococcosis transmission. Such epidemiological data could help in the application of efficient control strategies against this zoonotic disease.