Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Acta Parasitologica, cilt.71, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Purpose: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Istanbul’s large stray dog population represents a significant risk for human CE transmission. However, prevalence and genotype studies about E. granulosus s.l. in dogs remain limited. This study aimed to determine the presence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. in stray dogs on the Anatolian side of Istanbul using microscopy, Copro-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Copro-ELISA), and molecular diagnostic methods. Methods: Fecal samples (n = 110) were collected from stray dogs in seven districts. Samples were examined using modified formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation (mFEAS). Coproantigens were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Genomic DNA was extracted for PCR targeting the mitochondrial CO1 gene, and positive amplicons were sequenced and evaluated phylogenetically. Results: Microscopy revealed Taeniid-type eggs in 2 samples (1.8%) and these were confirmed molecularly. Copro-ELISA detected 7 positive samples (6.4%); however, none of these were confirmed by molecular and microscopy. Sequencing analysis revealed E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (G1 genotype) in 2 dogs from Sultanbeyli and Beykoz. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated both isolates clustered within the E. granulosus s.s. (G1–G3) clade. Conclusions: This study provides the first molecular confirmation of E. granulosus s.s. in stray dogs on Istanbul’s Anatolian side, showing active zoonotic transmission potential in this highly populated region. The discrepancy between Copro-ELISA and molecular/microscopic findings highlights the requirement for multi-methodological approach. Continuing prevalence studies and molecular surveillance within a One Health framework are essential to reduce the public health threat posed by CE.