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Title: GIARDIA GENOTYPES IN COYOTES FROM NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Author
item Trout, James
item SANTIN, MONICA - ARS VISITING SCIENTIST
item Fayer, Ronald

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2004
Publication Date: 7/24/2004
Citation: Trout, J.M., Santin, M.D., Fayer, R. 2004. Giardia genotypes in coyotes from Northeastern Pennsylvania. [Abstract]. ASP/AAVP Joint Meeting, July 24-28, 2003, Philadelphia, PA. p. 112.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In order to evaluate coyote populations in the east as a potential reservoir of Giardia infectious for humans and domestic animals, sponsors of managed hunts in PA were contacted and agreed to make samples available for testing. The managed hunts were conducted in northeastern PA to reduce the expanding coyote populations. All animals carcasses were brought to a central location for weight and age assessment. At the processing center, fecal samples were collected in plastic specimen cups, and gut scrapings were placed into either DNA extraction buffer for subsequent PCR and DNA sequence analysis or fixed in MIF for microscopic examination for the presence of trophozoites. Fecal specimens were later sieved, concentrated by density gradient centrifugation, and examined by fluorescent microscopy for the presence of cysts. Using a combination of microscopy and PCR for determination of infected animals, Giardia was detected in 20% of the coyotes. DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of three genotypes of Giardia, Assemblages B, C, and D. Assemblages C and D have been reported in domestic dogs, thus it is not surprising to find these types in another member of the canine family. Assemblage B Giardia has been reported in a number a different host species including humans. Therefore, coyotes may be a source of Giardia infectious not only to domestic dogs, but to humans as well.