Genetic Variation and Epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus in Argentina

ROSENZVIT M. C.; ZHANG L-H; KAMENETZKY L.; CANOVA S. G.; GUARNERA E. A.; MCMANUS D. P.

PARASITOLOGY

Cambridge University Press

Lugar: Reino Unido; Año: 1999 vol. 118 p. 523 - 530

0031-1820

Polymerase chain reaction of ribosomal ITS-1 DNA (rDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)analysis and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1)genes were used to characterize 33 Echinococcus granulosus isolates collected from diferent regions and hosts in Argentina,and to determine which genotypes occurred in humans with cystic hydatid disease. The results of the study demonstratedthe presence of at least 4 distinct genotypes; the common sheep strain (G1) in sheep from Chubut Province and in humansfrom Río Negro Province, the Tasmanian sheep strain (G2) in sheep and 1 human from Tucumán Province, the pig strain(G7) in pigs from Santa Fe Province and the camel strain (G6) in humans from Río Negro and Buenos Aires Provinces.The finding that pigs harboured the pig strain and the occurrence of the Tasmanian sheep strain has considerableimplications for the implementation of hydatid control programmes due to the shorter maturation time of both strains indogs compared with the common sheep strain. Furthermore, this is the first report of the presence of the G2 and G6genotypes in humans which may also have important consequences for human health.