Work

Study of genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto in France based on full cox1 gene

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato ( s.l. ) complex with E. granulosus sensu stricto ( s.s. ) the main species responsible of humans CE. This study highlights the genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. in France to clarify the parasite's circulation in livestock, interactions with wildlife, and distinguish autochthonous from imported cases of human CE. A total of 129 full cox1 gene sequences were obtained: 101 from livestock, 12 from wildlife, and 16 from human CE patients operated in France. This study reveals a broad genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. in France and little differentiation between sheep and cattle parasite populations, or between geographic areas. The G3 genotype (67 %) was predominant, mainly in sheep from the Alps, a historical focus in Southeast France. Despite farms being less than 20 km apart, no common haplotype was found, suggesting separate infections sources, without excluding the potential role of transhumance in parasite transmission. Haplotypes shared by livestock and wolves remain insignificant in maintaining the life cycle given the low occurrence of infection in wolves. Concerning the 16 cases of human CE, full cox1 haplotypes provide additional genetic argument supporting their status as mainly imported cases. Nevertheless, as autochthonous human cases have already been reported, further genetic characterization of E. granulosus s.s. in both humans and livestock in France is important to identify epidemiologic links and develop action plans to prevent and control this parasite. • First genetic study of E. granulosus s.s. in France using the complete cox1 gene. • Broad genetic diversity in France despite very low cystic echinococcosis prevalence in livestock. • Low genetic differentiation observed among intermediate hosts and geographic areas. • Microlocal transmission of CE on all farms studied may be due to transhumance. • Our genetic data support the idea that most CE cases in our study are imported.

Source: Infection Genetics and Evolution

DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105757

Authors: Carine Peytavin de Garam, Franck Boué, Jenny Knapp, Yannick Blanchard, Gérald Umhang

Institutions: Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement, Université de Franche-Comté

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic infections in humans and animals

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,730