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Molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis in an endangered carnivore - the African painted dog
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis in an endangered carnivore - the African painted dog

A. Ash, A. Lymbery, J. Lemon, S. Vitali and R.C.A. Thompson
Veterinary Parasitology, Vol.174(3-4), pp.206-212
2010
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Abstract

The African painted dog (Lycaon pictus) is an endangered carnivore of sub-Saharan Africa. To assist in conservation efforts a parasitological survey was conducted on wild and captive populations. Faecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of parasites using traditional microscopy techniques. The protozoan Giardia duodenalis was identified at a prevalence of approximately 26% in the wild populations and 62% in the captive population. Molecular characterisation of these isolates using three loci, 18S rRNA, β-giardin and the glutamate dehydrogenase gene revealed the zoonotic assemblages A and B existed in high proportions in both populations. The dog assemblages C and D were rarely observed. The identification of the zoonotic genotype suggests this species has the potential to act as a reservoir for human infections. Zoonotic transmission may be possible in captive populations due to the close interaction with humans however, in wild populations anthropozoonotic transmission seems more likely. This study is the first to observe G. duodenalis in the African painted dog and to identify a possible emerging disease in this wild carnivore.

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Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.246 Diarrheal Diseases
1.246.985 Cryptosporidium
Web Of Science research areas
Parasitology
Veterinary Sciences
ESI research areas
Plant & Animal Science
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