Genetic variation and epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus in Argentina

MARA CECILIA ROSENZVIT; ZHANG, L.; KAMENETZKY, L.; CANOVA, S.; GUARNERA, E.; MCMANUS, D.

PARASITOLOGY

Año: 1999 vol. 118 p. 523 - 530

0031-1820

Polymerase chain reaction-ribosomal ITS-1 DNA (rDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) genes were used tocharacterize 33 Echinococcus granulosus isolates collected from different regionsand hosts in Argentina, and to determine which genotypes occurred in humans with cystic hydatid disease. The results of the study demonstrated the presence of at least 4 distinct genotypes; the common sheep strain (G1) in sheep from ChubutProvince and in humans from Río Negro Province, the Tasmanian sheep strain (G2)in sheep and 1 human from Tucumán Province, the pig strain (G7) in pigs fromSanta Fe Province and the carnel strain (G6) in humans from Río Negro and Buenos Aires Provinces. The finding that pigs harboured the pig strain and theoccurrence of the Tasmanian sheep strain has considerable implications for theimplementation of hydatid control programmes due to the shorter maturation timeof both strains in dogs compared with the common sheep strain. Furthermore, this is the first report of the presence of the G2 and G6 genotypes in humans whichmay also have important consequences for human health.