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First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in rodent intermediate hosts in Turkey
Hamza Avcioglu1, Esin Guven1, Ibrahim Balkaya1
1Department of Parasitology,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Atatürk University,Erzurum 25240,Turkey.
Parasitology
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Echinococcus multilocularis infection was found in wild rodents in Turkey, confirming Microtus irani as a suitable intermediate host. This study highlights the need for further research on definitive hosts in this endemic region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is a serious zoonotic disease.
- Turkey has regions considered endemic for E. multilocularis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of E. multilocularis metacestodes in wild rodents in Erzurum, Turkey.
- To identify the specific rodent species acting as intermediate hosts.
Main Methods:
- Rodent trapping across twenty counties in Erzurum Province.
- PCR amplification of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for E. multilocularis detection.
- Morphological and molecular analysis (cytochrome b gene sequencing) for rodent species identification.
Main Results:
- E. multilocularis infection was detected in five out of 498 rodents sampled (1.3% prevalence in Microtus spp.).
- All infected rodents harbored fertile metacestodes.
- Infected rodents were identified as Microtus irani, confirmed by genetic analysis.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of E. multilocularis in rodent intermediate hosts in Turkey.
- Microtus irani is confirmed as a suitable intermediate host for E. multilocularis in Turkey.
- Further surveys are recommended to assess E. multilocularis prevalence in definitive hosts in the region.
