First report of Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) by sequence analysis from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan

Genetic diversity and haplotypes of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from cattle and buffaloes and first report of E. ortleppi (G5) in buffaloes in Pakistan based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 gene (mt-CO1) markers

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease that is caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm, one of the most important and neglected zoonotic disease. Although the echinococcosis is endemic in the neighboring countries, information regarding circulating genotypes of E. granulosus sensu lato is scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, the main purpose of this report was to contribute in molecular epidemiology and to find genetic variation and haplotypes of E. granulosus s.l. in cattle and buffalo isolates. To identify species circulating in country, parasite samples were collected from different slaughterhouses and butcher shops of two major cities, Rawalpindi and Peshawar located in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces, Pakistan, respectively. A total of 100 CE cyst samples were investigated from buffalo (n = 61), and cattle (n = 39) hosts. After genomic DNA extraction from individual cyst materials, mt-CO1 (875 bp) gene was amplified by PCR. After that, PCR products were electrophoresed on the agarose gel then purified and sequenced using forward primer. The sequences were trimmed (779 bp), aligned and matched with NCBI published sequences. E. granulosus s.s. (G1, G3) (71.4%; n = 20/28) was confirmed as the dominant species in buffalo and cattle. E. ortleppi (G5) (28.6%; n = 8/28) was recorded for the first time in both buffalo and cattle isolates from Rawalpindi. E. granulosus s.l. haplotype network showed single predominant haplotype, which comprised 40% of population. Tajima's D and Fu's Fs were negative and significant for E. ortleppi (G5), suggesting population expansion in Pakistan. Therefore, more studies using isolates of E. granulosus s.l. from various locations and intermediate hosts across Pakistan will add new data on molecular epidemiology and genotyping for effective control strategies of CE in Pakistan.

First report of Echinococcus ortleppi and E. canadensis (genotype G6) from southern Punjab, Pakistan and a global overview on genetic structure and host adaptation of E. ortleppi

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a neglected tropical disease known mainly for its zoonotic nature. CE is endemic to Pakistan, however, the disease is not given due consideration and millions of people remain at health risk. This study was undertaken to assess the species and genotypes of E. granulosus sensu lato in sheep, buffaloes and cattle, brought to slaughterhouses of two major cities (Multan and Bahawalpur) of south Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 26 hydatid cyst specimens were characterized through complete cox1 mitochondrial gene (1609 bp) sequencing. Species and genotypes of E. granulosus sensu lato discovered in the southern Punjab consisted of E. granulosus sensu stricto (n =21), E. ortleppi (n=4) and E. canadensis G6 genotype (n=1). Of E. granulosus s.s. isolates, the genotype G3 was predominantly involved in causing infections to the livestock of this region. Since all of these species are zoonotic, wide and effective surveillance studies are required to ascertain the risks to human population in Pakistan. Additionally, a global overview on cox1 phylogenetic structure of E. ortleppi was carried out. Despite the widespread occurrence, the species is mostly limited to the southern hemisphere. The highest burden has been reported in the South America (62.15%) and Africa (28.44%) and by far the most common host is cattle, accounting for >90% of cases.

The polymorphic analysis of cox1 and cob genes of Echinococcus granulosus in the Ngari region of Tibet in China

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). CE seriously threatens human health and the development of animal husbandry. The Ngari region is one of the world's highest endemic regions for CE, while genetic polymorphisms of E. granulosus were unclear. Paraffin slices of liver Cyst were collected from seventy-nine surgical patients with echinococcosis in the Ngari region. DNA was extracted from samples. The cox1 and cob genes of mitochondrial DNA of E. granulosus were simultaneously amplified and sequenced. The sequencing results were compared with the standard sequence (KU925397.1and HF947574.1). Phylogenetic trees and the haplotype network of cob and cox1 genes were constructed and analyzed genotypes of E. granulosus isolated from humans in the Ngari Region of Tibet. Out of 79 hydatid cyst samples collected from surgery patients, 60 isolates were identified as G1/ G3, and two isolates were identified as G6/ G7. Analysis of the cob/ cox1 genes revealed 9/7 mutations resulting in 8/6 haplotypes, respectively. The cob and cox1 neutrality indices computed by Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests showed high negative values in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s. s.). The result suggested that E. granulosus in the Ngari region experienced population expansion or a negative selection. We found that G1/ G3 was still the main genotype, and G6/ G7 was found occasionally in humans of the Ngari region. Therefore, we recommend future surveys and control efforts to investigate G1/ G3 and G6/ G7 transmission in the Ngari region.

Genetic characterization of human echinococcosis in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Introduction

Echinococcosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic infection that affects both the human and livestock populations. In Pakistan, the infection is long-standing, but data on its molecular epidemiology and genotypic characterization in the southern Punjab region are limited. The aim of the current study was the molecular characterization of human echinococcosis in southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

Echinococcal cysts were obtained from a total of 28 surgically treated patients. Patients' demographic characteristics were also recorded. The cyst samples were subjected to further processing to isolate DNA in order to probe the Nad1 and Cyt-b genes, followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for genotypic identification.

Results

The majority of the echinococcal cysts were from male patients (60.7%). The liver was the most commonly infected organ (60.71%), followed by the lungs (25%), spleen (7.14%), and the mesentery (7.14%). Molecular and genotypic identification through sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that most of the cysts (24/28, 85.7%) were caused by the species Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (E. granulosus s.s.) (G1 and G3), followed by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) and Echinococcus canadensis (E. canadensis) (G6/G7) (3/28, 10.8%, and 1/28, 3.5%, respectively).

Conclusion

The current study concluded that the majority of human infections were caused by E. granulosus s.s., followed by the E. multilocularis and E. canadensis species (G6/G7). Genotypic characterization among both human and livestock populations is needed to explore the genetic diversity of echinococcosis.

Molecular Epidemiology of Cystic Echinococcosis in Rural Baluchistan, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), or hydatid cyst disease (HCD), is a zoonosis of significant importance caused by the cestode of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) that affects mainly nomadic populations and has substantial economic consequences. Due to the 76% rural and nomadic population, Baluchistan is a highly endemic region in Pakistan for CE; however, it has not yet been investigated for CE. For this purpose, this study was carried out to investigate the molecular epidemiology of CE in this region. In total, 23 human hydatid cyst samples were collected from tertiary health care units in Baluchistan and processed for DNA extraction, which was then followed by sequencing of the cox1 mitochondrial gene of all 23 collected samples, genotyping, and phylogenetic and haplotype analysis. Most subjects were livestock owners (39.13%) in rural settings (73.91%). Most patients (73.19%) were pet owners (dogs) and used water from open sources for drinking. The liver was the most affected organ (52.17%), followed by the lungs (17.39%). Sequence analysis based on the cox1 gene revealed that EG genotype 1 (G1) was the most prevalent (56.52%), followed by G3 (34.78%), while some samples (8.7%) were identified as the Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7) genotype. A total of five haplotypes were detected with high haplotype diversity (0.80) and low nucleotide diversity (0.033). Phylogenetic analysis revealed two diverse sub-clades, each of G1 and G3 isolates from Baluchistan, that were evolutionarily related to previously reported G1 and G3 isolates from Pakistan and China. On the other hand, the G6/7 isolates of this study were evolutionarily identical to the already reported G6/7 isolates from Pakistan, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. This study concludes that diverse G1 and G3 EG isolates are present in this part of Pakistan, while the G6/G7 genotype was reported for the first time from Baluchistan.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (Pakistan) Based on 16 Years of Hospital Discharge Records

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide-distributed parasitic zoonotic disease, which represents a threat for both human and animals. The current study aimed at estimating the prevalence of human CE in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province of Pakistan. Clinical records from four major hospitals in this region were reviewed for CE human cases during the period of 2006–2021. Out of 251 (0.00071%) CE patients identified during the considered period, 142 (56.6%) were females, and 109 (43.4%) were males. The highest number of CE cases was recorded in the 21–30 (27.9%) age group, followed by 31–40 (23.1%) and 41–50 (16.3%). Most of the CE patients in KPK province were members of the Afghani ethnic group (17.1%); secondarily, they were Pakistani (6.4%), while for 76.5% ethnicity data were not available. The liver (41%) and the lungs (4.8%) were the most infected organs identified among CE patients in KPK province. The present study identified CE as a significant public health problem in KPK province, and the current findings demonstrated a constant endemicity of CE during the last 15 years. Further filed studies on the active search of CE carriers by means of ultrasound population-based surveys are needed to fill knowledge gaps on clinical and molecular epidemiology of human CE in Pakistan.

Phylogenetics and Pathology of Hydatid Disease in Slaughtered Buffaloes of North India

PURPOSE

Hydatid disease is one of the neglected and challenging (for diagnosis as well as for treatment) parasitic diseases. Along with adverse effect on animal's health leading to production losses, hydatidosis is also associated with huge economic losses. The present study was envisaged with an aim to assess the phylogeny and pathological changes due to natural hydatid cysts in lungs and liver of slaughtered buffaloes in north India.

METHODS

A total of 137 slaughtered buffaloes intended for human consumption were screened for the presence of cysts. The retrieved cysts were confirmed molecularly based on the amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (mtCO1), exhibiting a product size of approximately 446 bp. The samples collected from infected lungs and liver were subjected to histopathological examination.

RESULTS

The hydatid cysts were recorded in 25 (18.2%) animals. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolated strain to be closely related to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) genotype. The nucleotide diversity (π) obtained was 0.014685, whereas, Tajima's D was negative (- 2.796053), which indicated purifying selection or recent population expansion. Histopathologically, in the infected lungs, fibrosis and inflammatory reaction comprising of mononuclear cells and fibroblasts around the thick coat of granulation tissue were observed. Marked calcified masses and necrosis were also observed in the calcified cysts. However, in case of infected livers, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, degeneration of hepatocytes, fibrosis and inflammatory cells were most commonly observed around the hydatid cysts.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study are of significant veterinary and medical importance owing to economic and public health impact of G1 genotype of E. granulosus.

Echinococcoses in Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan: Old Diseases in the New Millennium

Echinococcosis is considered a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by different species of small taeniid tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus and is regarded as a neglected zoonosis. Cystic and alveolar echinococcoses are endemic diseases of Tibetan, Pamir, and Iranian plateaus. All of the countries within the Iranian plateau are affected by echinococcosis. Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran are the three most populous countries of the region, in which echinococcosis is highly endemic. The three neighboring countries share strong cultural and socioeconomic ties. The present study aimed to provide a broad review of the status of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, summarizing the current knowledge about geographical distribution, molecular epidemiology, and transmission dynamics of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus multilocularis in this region. Additionally, we aimed to understand disease burden and risk factors as basic requirements for establishing a surveillance system and planning prevention and control programs. A considerable body of information is available on different aspects of echinococcosis in this region; however, several information and research gaps need to be filled before planning control programs. None of the countries in the region have an elaborate echinococcosis control program. Effective control programs require multi/intersectoral coordination within a One Health approach with a long-term political and administrative commitment and enhanced international collaboration among the three countries.

Demographics of Cystic Echinococcosis Patients Treated Surgically in Lahore, Pakistan: A Single Centre Study from 2007 - 2018

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. These parasites have a worldwide geographic distribution and pose a serious threat to livestock industry as well as human health in the endemic areas. CE is widely distributed in Pakistan. However, very few reports are available related to the regional transmission of E. granulosus. A retrospective analysis was conducted of surgically confirmed CE patients who were treated at Shoukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan from 2007 – 2018. In total, 536 CE patients were evaluated during the study period. Cases originated from the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (n=336), Punjab (n=147), Baluchistan (n=18), Sindh (n=3), Islamabad (n=2), Gilgit Baltistan (n=1), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (n=1). An additional 28 cases were from Afghanistan. The highest number of CE cases was reported in 2013 (n=90). Females made up a larger proportion of cases (n=310; 57.8 %) than males (n=226; 42.2 %). Most patients were members of the Pashtun (n=197; 36.7 %), Hindku (n=142; 26.5 %), and Punjabi (n=118; 22.0 %) ethnic groups. The largest number of cysts was obtained from the liver (137/536; 25.6 %). This study showed that CE is likely present throughout Pakistan. In order to control the disease, a comprehensive control program and regional surveillance are needed.

Survey of coyotes, red foxes and wolves from Wyoming, USA, for Echinococcus granulosus s. l

The paraphyletic group Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is comprised of parasitic tapeworms of wild and domestic canids such as wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), which serve as definitive hosts, and ungulates, which are the intermediate hosts. Members of this tapeworm group are characterized by both cosmopolitan distribution and zoonotic disease potential. This survey (conducted from 2012 through 2017) was designed to provide insight into the prevalence and distribution of this parasite in wild canids in Wyoming. Echinococcus sp. infections were documented in 14 of 22 gray wolves (63.6%), 1 of 182 coyotes (0.55%) and 0 of 5 red foxes (Vulpes fulva). Echinococcus granulosus s. l. was confirmed in 4 of these 14 specimens obtained from wolves with two parasite specimens corresponding morphologically with E. canadensis (G8/G10). These results suggest that wolves serve as the major definitive host of E. granulosus s. l. in Wyoming, while coyotes do not play an equivalent role. Limited sample size precludes evaluation of the importance of the red fox as a favorable definitive host. Whereas this study documents the occurrence of E. granulosus s. l. in Wyoming, the zoonotic disease risk does not appear to be high. Education remains the key to disease prevention, coupled with good hygienic practices by humans and anthelmintic treatment of domestic dogs exhibiting elevated risk of exposure.

Cystic Echinococcosis in Pakistan: A Review of Reported Cases, Diagnosis, and Management

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease that occurs in humans and ungulates due to infection with the larval stage of the taeniid cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. It has been estimated that approximately one million people are infected annually, resulting in US$3 billion in human and livestock-associated direct and indirect losses per year. CE is a serious public health concern in many parts of the world, including Pakistan. This review discusses the causative agent as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CE in Pakistan.