Genetic and morphological characterization of echinococcus spp. isolated from lions in the Kruger National Park South Africa
Steenkamp-Jonker, Sone
Steenkamp-Jonker, Sone
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Abstract
Echinococcosis/hydatid disease is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by a cestode of the genus Echinococcus. Several different life-cycle patterns occur. A sylvatic cycle involving the lion and a number of intermediate host species has been reported from several African countries. Although felids were not considered suitable hosts, Echinococcus felidis was reported in African lions in South Africa and in the Kruger National Park based only on morphological descriptions done in the past. In this study the adult morphology and mitochondrial genome of the Echinococcus spp. obtained from lions in the KNP was compared with already published data of E. felidis, Echinococcus equinus and Echinococcus granulosus, to describe and characterize the species that occur in African lions. Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, hosting free-roaming lions, and this area was utilised for collections. The samples were collected on the ad-hoc availability of post mortem examinations from lions. Adult Echinococcus worms were obtained from the small intestine of lions. Genetic characterization based on full mtDNA from adult worms was needed to validate the genotypic grouping. DNA of the adult worms was extracted and amplified using primers previously described. The final product was sent for sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were preformed to obtain the final results. Morphological descriptions and measurements were completed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The parasites were stained with different staining methods and mounted to obtain the best results for studying the internal morphology of the parasite. The aim of this study was to genetically and morphologically characterize and describe Echinococcus spp. found in lions in the KNP. The hypothesis of this study was accepted and indicated that Echinococcus spp. can be obtained from sylvatic cycles present in lions from the KNP, via both morphological and molecular analyses. Two species of Echinococcus parasites are present (confirmed in this study), in the KNP, namely E. felidis and E. equinus.
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Submitted in partial fulfiment of the requirements for the degree, Master Technologiae Veterinary Technology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology
Date
2017-03
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Genetic, Morphological characterization, Echinoccus, Lions, Kruger Park