Hydatid cysts strains identification by mitochondrial dehydrogenase NADH subunit5 isolated from cattle and buffalo host in Babylon governorate, Iraq

Hydatid cysts represent the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm and cause echinococcosis (Hydatidosis)in herbivores. It is a zoonotic disease that is widespread in the world. This parasite has Ten genotypes (G1-G10). The current investigation was carried out to identify the prevalent genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in cattle and buffalo in Babylon governorate, Iraq. Forty hydatid cysts of the livers and lungs of cattle (25) and buffalo (15) were collected from the slaughterhouse of this governorate from March to October 2022. Cyst fluid was analyzed under a light microscope, and an eosin aqueous stain was used to determine the fertility based on the presence of protoscolices. Due to their high DNA purity and fertility of Hydatid cysts, 12 samples (6 include 3livers and 3lungs of cattle, were chosen (6 including three livers and three lungs’ buffalo). Each sample's mitochondrial dehydrogenase NADH subunit 5 (NAD5) was amplified by 297 bp using molecular techniques (conventional PCR method). Isolate samples were recorded at Accession No. (LC775105- LC775116) in the Genbank. The results designate that the sheep strain (G1) buffalo (G3) was responsible for the hydatid cyst infection in Babylon governorate in 91.6 and 8.4%, respectively. Moreover, their sequences correlated with local and regional sequences and genetic diversity compared to the reference strains.