ABSTRACT

Cystic echinococcosis caused by the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a global zoonotic infection which is economically important and constitutes a major threat to public health in many countries, especially in Middle Eastern countries. Strain characterization is essential for the establishment of a preventive and control strategy in every endemic area. Before all molecular studies, it is necessary to achieve DNA of the parasite. The aim of this study was to compare four simple methods of DNA extraction from protoscolecses of E. granulosus in samples from the West Azerbaijan province of Iran.

After collecting sheep and cow hydatid cysts from several slaughterhouses of the province, DNA samples were extracted using four different methods involving the use of glass beads, commercial DNA extraction kit, boiling and crushing. For all DNA samples extracted, electrophoresis on 1.3% agarose gel was performed.

The methods were compared regarding DNA, time and cost effectiveness and facility. All methods showed some advantages and disadvantages. The commercial kit method, which was the most time and cost effectiveness method, achieved no bands and glass beads method had the best results on gel electrophoresis.

Glass beads and boiling methods were the most suitable methods regarding their ease, quickness and cost effectiveness.

Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus, DNA, Extraction methods