Abstract
BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) complex. In Nigeria, reports on the prevalence of CE, although limited, have been found to vary with location and host with higher prevalence and fertility rate observed in camels than other livestock. Until now, information regarding the molecular characteristics, genetic population structure, and genotypes of Echinococcus is lacking. Therefore, this study was aimed at addressing these gaps in knowledge.MethodsWe describe the genetic status of 31 Echinococcus isolates collected from slaughtered livestock (camels, cattle and goats) based on the full-length mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes.ResultsThe resulting nucleotide sequences via the NCBI BLAST algorithm and Bayesian phylogeny of cox1 and cox1–nad1 genes using MrBayes v.3.1.2 showed that all isolates were clearly E. canadensis (G6/G7) and were 99–100% identical to previously reported G6/G7 haplotypes across Europe, Asia, North and East Africa.ConclusionsAlthough, the G1 genotype is believed to be responsible for the majority of global CE burden, reports from a number of West African countries including Nigeria suggest that E. canadensis G6/G7 genotype could be the major causative agent of CE in the subregion. This study provides for the first time insight into the genetic population structure of Echinococcus species as well as implications for CE control in Nigeria.
Highlights
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of Echinococcus granulosus complex
Pigs serve as suitable intermediate host for the G6/G7 genotype, the dearth of data on this intermediate host across Africa limits a clear description of the role of pigs in the epidemiology of the G6/G7 genotype
The CE prevalence reported in this study showed some degree of variation among intermediate hosts as camels had a higher rate of infection
Summary
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) complex. In Nigeria, reports on the prevalence of CE, limited, have been found to vary with location and host with higher prevalence and fertility rate observed in camels than other livestock. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by larval stage metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) of which canids are definitive hosts while a wide range of domestic ungulates act mainly as intermediate hosts. The seeming impact of CE infection on livestock production is yet to be evaluated in Nigeria In furthering this course, information regarding species variation and genotypes responsible for infection could be crucial.
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