University of Tehran Press Journal of Veterinary Research 2008-2525 81 1 2027 02 20 Molecular Investigation of Bovine Hydatid Cyst Strains from A Slaughterhouse in Zabol, Southeast of Iran Molecular Investigation of Bovine Hydatid Cyst Strains from A Slaughterhouse in Zabol, Southeast of Iran 1 11 105936 10.22059/jvr.2025.385638.3467 FA Nahid Ozbakzaee Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 0009-0004-0940-0200 Maryam Ganjali Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Fereshteh Mirshekar Member of Young and Elite Researchers Club, Zabol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zabol, Zabol, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 22 BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst, caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases and a major global public health concern. In endemic regions, this parasite exhibits substantial genetic diversity in its biological characteristics. To date, 10 distinct genotypes of E. granulosus (G1–G10) have been identified. Studies worldwide demonstrate that the genotypic variation and complex nature of E. granulosus influence the parasite’s life cycle, transmission pathways, pathogenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, drug response, epidemiology, and disease control strategies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform a molecular characterization of bovine hydatid cyst strains collected from a slaughterhouse in Zabol, south of Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted in the autumn and winter of 2022 on 50 samples with a definitive diagnosis of hydatid cyst collected from a slaughterhouse in Zabol city. DNA was extracted from protoscolices and germinal layers, followed by PCR amplification of the ITS2 gene. The PCR products were then digested with the restriction enzyme HpaII and the samples were sequenced. RESULTS: The PCR product ITS2 was 750 bp in size and was digested with HpaII restriction enzymes. According to the Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, the isolates belonged to a single species named E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3 complex) and sequencing also confirmed the results. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the determination of parasite genotypes in the region, a sheep transmission pattern is proposed, which can provide the appropriate prevention pattern according to the life cycle of the parasite. BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst, caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases and a major global public health concern. In endemic regions, this parasite exhibits substantial genetic diversity in its biological characteristics. To date, 10 distinct genotypes of E. granulosus (G1–G10) have been identified. Studies worldwide demonstrate that the genotypic variation and complex nature of E. granulosus influence the parasite’s life cycle, transmission pathways, pathogenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, drug response, epidemiology, and disease control strategies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to perform a molecular characterization of bovine hydatid cyst strains collected from a slaughterhouse in Zabol, south of Iran. METHODS: This study was conducted in the autumn and winter of 2022 on 50 samples with a definitive diagnosis of hydatid cyst collected from a slaughterhouse in Zabol city. DNA was extracted from protoscolices and germinal layers, followed by PCR amplification of the ITS2 gene. The PCR products were then digested with the restriction enzyme HpaII and the samples were sequenced. RESULTS: The PCR product ITS2 was 750 bp in size and was digested with HpaII restriction enzymes. According to the Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, the isolates belonged to a single species named E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3 complex) and sequencing also confirmed the results. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the determination of parasite genotypes in the region, a sheep transmission pattern is proposed, which can provide the appropriate prevention pattern according to the life cycle of the parasite.

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