Genetically 'pure' Fasciola gigantica discovered in Algeria: DNA multimarker characterization, trans-Saharan introduction from a Sahel origin and spreading risk into north-western Maghreb countries

Abstract

Fascioliasis is a freshwater snail-borne zoonotic helminth disease caused by two species of trematodes: Fasciola hepatica of almost worldwide distribution and the more pathogenic F. gigantica restricted to parts of Asia and most of Africa. Of high pathological impact in ruminants, it underlies large livestock husbandry losses. Fascioliasis is moreover of high public health importance and accordingly included within the main neglected tropical diseases by WHO. Additionally, this is an emerging disease due to influences of climate and global changes. In Africa, F. gigantica is distributed throughout almost the whole continent except in the north-western Maghreb countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where only F. hepatica is present. The present study concerns the DNA multimarker characterization of the first finding of F. gigantica in sheep in Algeria by the complete sequences of rDNA ITS-1 and ITS-2 and mtDNA cox1 and nad1 genes. Sequence comparisons and network analyses show sequence identities and similarities suggesting a south-north trans-Saharan geographical origin, with introduction from Ghana, through the Sahel countries of Burkina Faso and Mali into Algeria. This way perfectly fits with nomadic pastoralism according to interconnecting intranational and transborder herd transhumance routes traditionally followed in this western part of Africa from very long ago. The risk for further spread throughout the three north-western Maghreb countries is multidisciplinarily analysed, mainly considering the present extensive motorization of the intranational transhumance system in Algeria, the lymnaeid snail vector species present throughout the north-western Maghreb, the increasing demand for animal products in the growing cities of northern Algeria and the continued human infection reports. Control measures should assure making anti-fasciolid drugs available and affordable for herders from the beginning and along their transhumant routes and include diffusion and rules within the regional regulatory framework about the need for herd treatments.