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Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe parasitic disease caused by the species complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Human infections are most commonly associated with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), comprising genotypes G1 and G3. The objective of the current study was to provide first insight into the genetic diversity and phylogeography of genotype G3. Despite the epidemiological importance of the genotype, it has remained poorly explored due to the ambiguity in the definition of the genotype. However, it was recently demonstrated that long sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) provide a reliable method to discriminate G1 and G3 from each other. Therefore, we sequenced near-complete mtDNA of 39 G3 samples, covering most of the known distribution range and host spectra of the genotype. The phylogenetic network revealed high genetic variation within E. granulosus s.s. G3 and while G3 is significantly less prevalent worldwide than G1, the genetic diversity of both of the genotypes is equally high. We also present the results of the Bayesian phylogeographic analysis, which yielded several well-supported diffusion routes of genotype G3 originating from Turkey and Iran, suggesting the Middle East as the origin of the genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence and seasonal abundance of Haemonchus contortus in the semi arid zone of Uttar Pradesh, India between January 2010 to December 2013. Entire gastrointestinal tract from slaughtered goats were brought to the laboratory. Parasites were collected from the abomasum, counted and recorded on monthly basis. The collected data were analyzed on the basis of temperature, rainfall and humidity of the months/seasons. Out of total 635 goats, 383 (60%) were found to be infected with H. contortus. The mean intensity and abundance was found as 354 and 263 respectively. Marked variations in the prevalence, mean intensity and abundance were noticed during different month/season of the year. Highest values of these infection indices were found in the rainy season and lowest in summer. Although prevalence, intensity and abundance were positively correlated with temperature, rainfall and humidity but only the effect of rainfall was found to be statistically significant. The present study provides a consolidated account on the seasonal dynamics of H. contortus , which can be used for integrated control measures of this blood sucking parasite under local environment conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]