Original Articles
Echinococcus granulosus in Environmental Samples: A Cross-Sectional Molecular Study
Thamr O. Mohammed, Shvan L. Ezzat, Hawnaz S. Abdullah, Sangar J. Qadir, Aga K. Hamad, Sahar A. Faraj, Sasan M. Ahmed, Sarhang S. Abdalla and 7 more
IntroductionEchinococcosis, caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus genus, remains a significant zoonotic disease globally. The disease is particularly prevalent in areas with extensive livestock farming. Humans primarily acquire infection through consumption of contaminated food or water, often from environmental contamination by definitive host feces. This study aimed to detect the presence of E. granulosus DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in water and vegetable samples collected from Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq.
MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq, in April 2025. Water and vegetable samples were collected from both urban and rural areas. DNA extraction was performed from all samples, and E. granulosus DNA was explored using a qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) assay. Sample processing included filtering water, washing vegetables, and DNA extraction under optimized conditions.
ResultsA total of 245 samples, comprising 98 (40.0%) water samples and 147 (60.0%) vegetable samples, were analyzed, with 111 (45.3%) from urban and 134 (54.7%) from rural areas. Despite the comprehensive sampling, no E. granulosus DNA was detected in any sample. All control reactions yielded positive results, but no amplification was observed in the field samples, indicating the absence of E. granulosus contamination.
ConclusionThis study found no evidence of E. granulosus DNA in water or vegetable samples from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, suggesting a low likelihood of environmental contamination in this region. but seasonal changes, the restricted sample size, and methodological limitations mean that the presence of contamination cannot be completely excluded.
Keywords Cystic echinococcosis
· Hydatid disease
· Environmental contamination
· Zoonotic parasites
· Endemic regions
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