Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Hatay, Türkiye: The First Molecular Investigation

Authors : Eylem Akdur Öztürk, Aykut Zerek, İpek Erdem, Funda Doğruman Al

Pages : 240-243

Doi:10.36483/vanvetj.1769297

View : 86 | Download : 194

Publication Date : 2025-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is an obligate intracellular, spore-forming parasite that can infect both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts and accounts for 90% of global human microsporidiosis cases. The increasing number of wild boars in rural and urban areas of Türkiye makes it necessary to investigate their potential as carriers of zoonotic pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. In this study, a total of 24 fecal samples collected from three different regions of Hatay province were analyzed using a nested PCR method to investigate the presence of E. bieneusi in wild boars (Sus scrofa) for the first time in Türkiye. All samples detected as negative. These findings may be due to factors such as regional ecological conditions, limited sample size, or low local prevalence. Although no positive samples were detected, these negative findings are still valuable for understanding regional distribution patterns and for guiding future surveillance efforts, particularly within the context of wildlife epidemiology. In conclusion, this is the first study to investigate the molecular screening of E. bieneusi in wild boars in Türkiye. These findings highlight the need for larger and more comprehensive epidemiological studies in different regions of Türkiye, including humans, domestic animals, wildlife species, and environmental samples.
Keywords : Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Hatay, Nested PCR, Yaban domuzu, Zoonoz

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