Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato by molecular analysis with Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) method by collecting stool samples from stray animals that can be reached in 9 of the 10 determined districts of Izmir province (Aliaga, Menemen, Bornova, Urla, Selcuk, Bayindir, Odemis, Tire, Kiraz).
Materials and Methods: Thirty samples from Aliaga, 41 samples from Menemen, 35 samples from Bornova, 10 samples from Urla, 40 samples from Selcuk, 40 samples from Bayındır, 33 samples from Odemis, 45 samples from Tire, 26 samples from Kiraz, totally 300 stool samples were collected. The samples were left at −80°C for 5 days for inactivate. Afterwards, all inactivated stool samples were kept at -20°C until they were taken into the study. DNA isolation from stool samples was carried out with DNA extraction kit. The purity of all isolated samples was measured by spectrophotometer. The analysis of the RT-PCR results was performed with the Rotor-Gene Q series software 2.3.1 program and the samples were evaluated for E. granulosus s.l. positive/negativeness.
Results: According to the results of RT-PCR analysis, E. granulosus s.l. positive sample was not found in stool samples collected from stray dogs in the study area.
Conclusion: Since no molecular studies have been carried out in the districts included in our study, the results obtained could not be compared. It also can be thought that the number of samples is insufficient. Therefore, a larger sample pool should be examined to find out the prevalence of E. granulosus s.l. Since there is limited data about the prevalence of E.granulosus s.l. in stray dogs, it also is important to investigate the prevalence of E. granulosus s.l. in different regions of Turkey.
Key words: Cystic echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus, DNA, Real Time PCR
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