Giardia in Muskoxen in the Canadian Arctic
Author Information
Author(s): Susan J Kutz, Andrew C Thompson, Lydden Polley, Kami Kandola, John Nagy, Caroline M Wielinga, Brett T Elkin
Primary Institution: Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary
Hypothesis
Is Giardia duodenalis Assemblage A present in muskoxen in the Canadian Arctic?
Conclusion
Giardia duodenalis Assemblage A was found in 21% of muskoxen fecal samples, indicating a potential zoonotic transmission in this remote region.
Supporting Evidence
- 21% of muskoxen fecal samples tested positive for Giardia.
- Giardia duodenalis Assemblage A is a zoonotic genotype.
- The study highlights the potential for interspecies transmission of Giardia in remote ecosystems.
Takeaway
Scientists found a germ called Giardia in poop from muskoxen in the Arctic, which might have come from people or their pets.
Methodology
Fecal samples were analyzed for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using modified methods including PCR for genetic identification.
Limitations
Further molecular characterization was limited due to inhibiting compounds in the samples.
Participant Demographics
Muskoxen from Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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