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First detection and molecular characterization of Echinococcus equinus in a Mule in Turkey

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Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with a cosmopolital distribution. It is caused by the larval stages (metacestodes) of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus which infects different animal species. In this report, we present a case of E. granulosus infection in a mule and molecular characterization of the cyst. For this purpose parasite material was collected from the liver of a necropsied mule. DNA was isolated and PCR amplification of mitochondrial 12S rRNA as well as partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) genes were performed. Six unilocular cysts, filled with clear fluid were found in the liver and spleen. All cysts were found to be fertile. The 12S rRNA-PCR did not yield any band while mt-CO1-PCR yielded a 446 bp sized amplification product. Sequence corresponding to mt-CO1 gene was identical to a sequence reported for E. equinus (formerly G4) (Genbank accession number: KC953029). This is the first record of E. equinus as a cause of cystic echinococcosis in a mule in Turkey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey

    Sami Simsek

  2. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119, Elazig, Turkey

    Aydin Cevik

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  1. Sami Simsek
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  2. Aydin Cevik
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Correspondence to Sami Simsek.

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Simsek, S., Cevik, A. First detection and molecular characterization of Echinococcus equinus in a Mule in Turkey. Acta Parasit. 59, 773–777 (2014). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-014-0308-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-014-0308-1

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