A PCR Analysis of Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus Genotype G1 in Small and Large Ruminants in Three Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1 was investigated in 55 cattle, 129 buffaloes, 10 sheep and 10 goat samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These 204 samples were collected from 64 liver and 140 lungs of slaughtered animals from three districts Okara (n= 29), Jhang (n = 43) and Lahore (n= 132). E. granulosus G1 genomic DNA was used for specific amplification of a 254-bp fragment. Twenty five (45.45%) cattle, 78 (60.46%) buffaloes, 2 (20%) sheep and 2 (20%) goat samples were positive for E. granulosus genotype G1. Twenty four (37.5%) liver and 80 (57.14%) lung samples were found positive. The prevalence of E. granulosus genotype G1 was 37.93 % in district Okara, 65.11 % in district Jhang and 50 % in district Lahore. These results indicate that the PCR is valid and sensitive for surveying the disease in epidemiological studies.