NAD1 RFLP-PCR FOR DETECTING ECHINOCOCCUS PREVALENCE IN CARNIVORES IN WHITE NILE AREA, SUDAN. A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

One hundred fifty eight faecal samples were examined: 150 from stray
dogs, 5 from foxes (Vulpes pallida) and 3 from Wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)
in different localities within the White Nile Province in Sudan in the
period between April 2009 and September 2010 for eggs of Echinococcus
species. The origin of the faeces was tentatively determined by shape,
colour, odour and the presence of field signs. Taeniid eggs were
demonstrated in 73 dogs, 3 foxes and 1 wild dog. DNA was isolated from
311 eggs (292 form dogs, 15 from foxes and 4 form wild dogs) for
species identification. A previously described restriction fragment length
polymorphism (RFLP) - PCR of the mitochondrial nad1 gene was used
for species identification. Amplification products were obtained from 51
of the 73 (69.8%).taeniid egg-positive samples obtained from stray dogs,
1/3 (33%) of foxes and none (0%) of wild dogs. E.canadensis (G6) was
identified in 100% of those samples. This result was further confirmed by
mitochondrial DNA sequencing of a subset of 5 samples of dog and one
sample of fox.
It was concluded that E. canadensis (G6) appear to be the predominant
strain in carnivores in that areas. Further studies including more number
of carnivores are highly recommended.