Molecular characterization of cox1 and cob gene regions of cystic echinococcus isolates obtained from humans, sheep, and cattle in the Van province

The aim of this study is to determine the genotypes prevalent in the Van province by examining cystic echinococcus (CE) isolates obtained from humans, sheep, and cattle in the province using molecular methods. The study included CE fluid samples collected from 10 patients using the PAIR (Percutaneous Aspiration, Injection, and Reaspiration) method at the Dursun Odabaş Medical Center of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, as well as CE samples collected from a total of 150 animals, including 75 sheep and 75 cattle slaughtered at slaughterhouses in Van. Cyst fluid samples taken from animals and humans were examined under a light microscope for the presence of protoscoleces and hooks. Subsequently, DNA isolation was performed from germinal membrane samples obtained from cysts derived from animals and cyst fluid samples obtained from humans. The cox1 and cob gene regions of DNA isolates were amplified by PCR. Sequence analysis was performed on a total of 42 PCR products from 10 humans, 16 sheep, and 16 cattle that yielded good quality bands after electrophoresis. DNA sequences were determined by comparing the isolates with reference genotypes in GenBank (BLAST). It was determined that 100% of the human cysts, 48.4% of the sheep cysts, and 29.4% of the non-calcified cattle cysts were fertile. As a result of the BLAST process, it was determined that 100%, 85.7%, and 81.2% of CE isolates obtained from humans, sheep, and cattle, respectively, were of the G1 genotype. Additionally, it was found that isolates obtained from two sheep (14.3%) and one cattle (6.25%) belonged to the G3 genotype, while isolates from two cattle (12.5%) belonged to the G7 genotype. In conclusion, it was determined that G1 and G3 genotypes are dominant in Van, while the presence of the G7 genotype in Van was detected for the first time in this study.