Spirometra erinaceieuropaei in a wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Iran

Abstract The zoonotic helminth, Spirometra , has several species with almost global distribution. Herein, we describe the first detailed molecular detection of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei in a road-killed wildcat ( Felis silvestris ) in Iran and its identification at the species level using CO1 gene. Genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB extraction method. The DNA then was applied for PCR amplification of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) gene. Afterwards, PCR product was sequenced and obtained data were analyzed and multiple aligned using BLAST program, ClustalX and Bioedit software. Microscopy findings and diagnostic clues revealed that the parasite is a Spirometra sp. cestode. Consequently, molecular analysis on the basis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( CO1 ) gene demonstrated that the species is Spirometra erinaceieuropaei . Regarding optimum climate conditions and previous reports of animal infection in this region, the likelihood of human involvement should be potentially considered.