Short communicationSpirometra erinaceieuropaei in a wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Iran

- This is the First molecular identification of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei in Iran.
- Based on Literature review, most reports of infection were associated with North territories of the Country.
- The finding of this study necessitates the implication of preventive measures in order to avoid human infections.

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.