Molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of Fasciola hepatica from sheep in Xinjiang, China

作者：Xifeng Wang, Kai Zhang, Zhang Guo-wu, Zhiyuan Li, Yunxia Shang, Chengcheng Ning, Chunhui Ji, Qiao Jun, Meng Qingling, Cai Xuepeng · 发表于：Journal of Veterinary Research · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.2478/jvetres-2022-0018 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Helminth infection and control、Coccidia and coccidiosis research、Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Abstract Introduction Fasciola hepatica is a trematode infecting ruminants worldwide and occasionally affecting other animal species, including humans. It causes significant economic losses. Geographic distribution and patterns of infection must be considered before control and management measures are developed for this parasite. DNA molecular markers are useful for the identification of flukes and elucidation of their genetic evolution. Therefore, the population structure of F. hepatica was studied using this method in sheep in Xinjiang, China. Material and Methods The molecular characteristics, genetic relationships within the population and dispersal patterns of F. hepatica isolates were analysed based on the cox1 and nad1 genes. The population structure of F. hepatica from three regions of Xinjiang was explored and a neutrality test was conducted. Results The cox1 and nad1 genes have 21 and 42 variable sites, respectively, which can be classified into 34 and 33 haplotypes. Median-joining network and phylogenetic tree analyses showed that there was no significant variation in F. hepatica isolates between the three geographical regions. Analysis of variance revealed that the genetic variation of F. hepatica was mainly present within the populations. The neutrality test indicated that the populations were relatively stable but the Hami population may have undergone short-term expansion. Conclusion This study revealed for the first time the molecular characteristics, genetic ...