Human cystic echinococcosis in South Africa
Date
2013
Authors
Mogoye, Benjamin Kgaile
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Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that is regarded as an emerging
disease worldwide. Effective control of the disease is based on understanding the variability
of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato), as genotypic characteristics may influence lifecycle
patterns, development rate, and transmission. No molecular epidemiological research has
previously been conducted to shed light on genotypes responsible for the disease in South
Africa. To identify strains circulating in the country, parasite material was collected from
patients between August 2010 and September 2012 and analyzed by PCR/RFLP methods. A
total of 32 samples was characterized as E. granulosus (G1) (81%), E. canadensis (G6/7)
(16%) and E. ortleppi (G5) (3%). Furthermore, two co-amplifying G6/7 genotypes were
confirmed as G7 by sequencing. This is the first report on genotyping of Echinococcus
species in South Africa, and, to our knowledge, the first report of the G5 and G7 genotypes
from humans in Africa.
Description
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in Medicine.
Johannesburg, May 2013