Molecular Characterization of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei from Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) in North of Iran.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to conduct a molecular characterization of Spirometra tapeworm from jungle cat (Felis chaus) in Guilan Province, north of Iran using DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and 12S rDNA sequences.

METHODS

Morphological features of the adult tapeworm of Spirometra were evaluated using specific staining and light microscopy. The molecular characterization was performed using partial Cox1 and 12S rDNA regions. Genetic diversity was calculated and phylogenetic trees of the obtained sequences were constructed.

RESULTS

Morphological features were compatible with previous description of adult Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. The Cox1 sequence of the specimen showed 100% similarity with S. erinaceieuropaei sequences in GenBank from Korea, China and Iran. Also, the 12S rDNA sequence revealed 99.7% similarity with S. erinaceieuropaei isolates from China and Japan. Intra-species variation within isolates of S. erinaceieuropaei was 0-1.4% and 0-4.6% for Cox1 and 12S rDNA genes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of molecular characterization of S. erinaceieuropaei in jungle cat, F. chaus in Iran. Jungle cat probably plays a major role as reservoir host in maintaining of this parasite in this area with favorable climate condition. Needs for further assessment on the role of appropriate hosts, especially intermediate/paratenic hosts as well as the potential risk of human infectivity with sparganosis is emphasized.