RESEARCH ARTICLE Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Lato from Farm Animals in

Little is known on the diversity and public health significance of Echinococcus species in livestock in Egypt. In this study, 37 individual hydatid cysts were collected from dromedary camels (n=28), sheep (n=7) and buffalos (n=2). DNA was extracted from protoscoleces/ger-minal layer of individual cysts and amplified by PCR targeting nuclear (actin II) and mito-chondrial (COX1 and NAD1) genes. Direct sequencing of amplicons indicated the presence of Echinococcus canadenesis (G6 genotype) in 26 of 28 camel cysts, 3 of 7 sheep cysts and the 2 buffalo derived cysts. In contrast, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1 ge-notype) was detected in one cyst from a camel and 4 of 7 cysts from sheep, whereas Echi-nococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype) was detected in one cyst from a camel. This is the first identification of E. ortleppi in Egypt