Molecular and morphological characterization of Echinococcus in cervids from North America
- Author(s)
- Thompson, RCA; Boxell, AC; Ralston, BJ; Constantine, CC; Hobbs, RP; Shury, T; Olson, ME;
- Journal Title
- PARASITOLOGY
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- Many issues concerning the taxonomy of Echinococcus have been resolved in recent years with the application of molecular tools. However, the status of Echinococcus maintained in transmission cycles involving cervid intermediate hosts remains to be determined. The recent characterization of the parasite from cervids in Finland has highlighted the paucity of data available, particularly that from North America. Ill this study, we have characterized a large number of Echinococcus isolates from cervids from Western Canada oil the basis of morphology and molecular genetic techniques. Our results support earlier studies Suggesting that Echinococcus of cervid origin is phenotypically and genetically distinct to Echinococcus maintained in domestic host assemblages, and also confirms that Echinococcus of cervid origin does not Constitute a genetically homogeneous group. However, our data do not support the existence of 2 distinct genotypes (strains/subspecies) with separate geographical distributions. Our data appear to Support the existence of only I species in cervids, but additional isolates from cervids and wolves in other endemic regions should be characterized before a final decision is made oil the taxonomic status of Echinococcus in cervids.
- Publisher
- CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
- Keywords
- GENUS ECHINOCOCCUS; GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION; CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS; NADH DEHYDROGENASE-1; TAXONOMIC REVISION; HYDATID-DISEASE; GRANULOSUS; STRAIN; ORIGIN; ALASKA
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182005009170
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2006-03-01 12:00:00