MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF Cysticercus bovis AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE HOST-PARASITE INTERACTION PROCESS

Abstract

Bovine cysticercosis is considered the main epidemic link of human taeniasis caused by Taenia saginata and responsible for great damage in the whole productive chain of meat. The aim of this study was to verify the species-specific molecular identity of bovine cysticerci classified into four stages of the process of host-parasite interaction. The cysticerci were collected during the bovine’s post mortem examination by the service of federal inspection in a slaughterhouse in the State of Goiás. Initially, the cysticerci were classified according to anatomopathological criteria. Subsequently, the PCR technique was applied using specific primers for the amplification of fragments of the Cysticercus bovis gene LSU RNAr. The results showed that PCR may be applied
in the species-specific identification of bovine cysticerci. The assertiveness in its results was larger in DNA samples from cysticerci classified in VS (Vesicular Stage) and CVS (Colloidal Vesicular Stage) in relation to the assertiveness in the results of PCR from DNA samples from cysticerci classified in GNS (Granular Nodular Stage) and CNS (Calcified Nodular Stage). The negativity in the PCR results was larger in DNA samples from cysticerci located in the heart and classified in GNS than the negativity from samples of the same cysticerci stage located in the mastication muscles.