Species Detection And Genotypic Profiling Of Fasciola Isolates From District Sialkot, Pakistan: A Novel Approach For Effective Disease Management

Fasciolosis is the most neglected parasitic infection caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica but hybrid forms also exist. Economic losses of about 3.6 billion US$ per year and an estimated 91 million people have been reported throughout the world. So, there is need to develop control measures to stabilize the economy and public health of any country. Objectives: Current study was conducted to characterize Fasciola genetically by mitochondrial marker (COX-I). To evaluate phylogenetic relationship and diversity among Fasciola isolates. Method: about 180 fecal samples were collected from different hosts. Light microscopy was employed for identification of Fasciola species from fecal samples. DNA was isolated from eggs. PCR was performed for 262bp length of mitochondrial gene. Out of 65 positive samples 21 samples showed clear amplified bands. PCR products were sequenced, after it BLAST was applied; at the end phylogenetic tree was constructed. Results: Results of BLAST interpreted that sequence for Cox-1 of current study samples showed 86.84% similarity with F. hepatica isolates reported from Egypt, Algeria and Iran, further these isolates showed 80% similarity with F.gigantica reported from Japan, Iran, China and Pakistan. So it is indicated that an intermediate form of Fasciola is recognized as the main causative agent in Sialkot. Conclusion: It is the first authentic report from this region that introduced a great avenue for molecular and phylogenetic analysis to ensure development of livestock industry and disease control strategies in District Sialkot, Pakistan, as traditional methods did not yield useful results so, it is mandatory to improve diagnostic techniques.