Uncinaria stenocephala in the Balkans ITS-2 rDNA gene and isotype 1 beta tubulin gene
The northern hookworm (Uncinaria stenocephala) infects dogs small intestines and can cause zoonotic disease. We conducted a molecular survey of hookworm identities and their susceptibility to benzimidazole from dog faeces with strongyle eggs. Dog samples came from two dog shelters from Kosovo in the Balkans, Europe. Using ITS-2 rDNA sequencing, we identified only Uncinaria stenocephala and evaluated Q134, F167, E198 and F200 residues of the isotype 1 beta-tubulin mutations. No mutations in isotype 1 beta-tubulin were identified in Uncinaria stenocephala. ITS-2 rDNA sequencing revealed presence of Haemonchus contortus (parasite of sheep and goats) whose eggs are largely indistinguishable from hookworm eggs. The presence of H. contortus in dog faeces is considered consequence of coprophagy and so spurious result.