Investigation on Descriptive Epidemiology, Geographical Distribution, and Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in Bovine from Romania

SIMPLE SUMMARY: During a period of two years (2020–2021), the study investigated the presence and geographical distribution of cystic echinococcosis, as well as the genetic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in slaughtered cattle in Romania. From a total of 2693 examined cattle, 66 (2.45%) harbored cysts, with a dominant occurrence at the level of the lungs. Out of them, 6, 11, 41, and 8 cattle belonged to the 2–12, 13–16, 17–20, and >21 years age categories, respectively. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of 10 randomly selected samples showed positive results for DNA fragments detection in 5 samples, which were identified as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). The study results indicate that the disease is still present in several of the investigated regions of Romania, highlighting a potential public health risk. ABSTRACT: Bovine echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, causing significant economic losses in the affected animals and important public health concerns. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence and geographical distribution of cystic echinococcosis, and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. from slaughtered cattle in Romania. In the period 2020–2021, a total of 2693 cattle (aged 2–21 years) slaughtered from the breeds Bruna de Maramureș, Bălțată Românească, and a mixed breed were examined to identify hydatid cysts. Cysts were identified in 66 cattle (2.45%). The predominant location of hydatid cysts was the lungs. Most cysts were non-fertile. By age categories, hydatidosis was reported in the age categories 2–12 years (6/2341; 0.25%), 13–16 years (11/244; 4.5%), 17–20 years (41/85; 48.23%), and over 21 years (8/23; 34.78%). Following the PCR analysis of 10 samples from the lungs (protoscoleces/proliferative membrane/hydatid liquid), DNA fragments were identified in 5 samples. Following sequencing, the identified species was Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). The study results indicate that the disease is still present in several of the investigated regions of Romania, highlighting a potential public health risk.