Molecular identification of Taenia hydatigena from goats in Khishig-Undur, Mongolia

Abstract Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Taenia hydatigena, is a global challenge to the livestock industry. In this study, 56 goats slaughtered in Khishig-Undur, Mongolia, were evaluated for the presence of cystic lesions. The mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was analyzed for collected cysts to determine genetic variability. In total, 46.4% (26/56) of the evaluated goats were positive for T. hydatigena infection, with most of the cysts found attached to the omentum, mesentery, liver, or spleen. Partial 12S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from all evaluated cysts and aligned with known sequences for T. hydatigena. Infection prevalence was higher in goats three years of age and older (50.0%; 17/34) than in goats less than three years of age (40.9%; 9/22), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.356). No significant differences were noted in infections between male (38.1%; 8/21) and female (51.4%; 18/35) animals (p = 0.245). Infection with T. hydatigena appears to be highly prevalent in goats in Khishig-Undur; however, additional studies are needed to evaluate local parasite transmission dynamics and the impact of this parasite on local livestock production.