الملخص

Hydatid cysts are the immature form of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, responsible for causing a zoonotic disease known as echinococcosis, sometimes known as hydatid disease. Ten different genotypes of this parasite have been formally identified. The present study aimed to sequence and characterize the genotypes of E. granulosus using the antigen B subunit 2 gene of isolates obtained from sheep in Karbala Governorate, Iraq. Samples were collected between October 2024 and May 2025, and included sheep of both sexes and younger than five years of age. These samples were obtained from the Karbala slaughterhouse and from sheep farmers in the Al-Hussainiya area. A total of 5547 sheep were examined through necropsy. Hydatid cysts were detected and recorded in several organs, distributed as follows: 2635 liver samples, 1470 lung samples, 664 kidney samples, 212 mesenteric samples, and 549 meat samples. The samples were transported to the laboratory using sterile containers to ensure their safety. Molecular analysis of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from sheep in Kerbala provided important insights into the parasite's genetic diversity and local prevalence. Mitochondrial gene sequencing, particularly of CO1 and ND1, was used to identify genotypes and compare them to global reference strains, enabling a precise genetic map of the parasite isolates in the region.

 The study aim was to identify and characterize the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from sheep in Karbala Governorate, Iraq, using molecular analysis of the antigen B subunit 2, CO1, and ND1 genes to assess genetic diversity and local distribution