Molecular diagnosis and therapeutic trials against bovine fasciolosis in and around Okara

Abstract

Abstract: Bovine fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a major parasitic disease affecting cattle worldwide, leading to significant economic losses in the livestock industry. In Pakistan, particularly in and around Okara, the disease remains a persistent challenge due to favorable environmental conditions for parasite transmission. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Okara using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods and to evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic interventions. A total of three hundred forty-eight samples (348) (n = 174 buffaloes; n = 174 cattle) were collected by using a simple random sampling technique. For this study all samples were collected from different cattle and buffalo herds, mainly those that were kept on natural grazing and other seasonal green fodders. For the isolation and DNA extraction, the Fasciola eggs from fecal and bile samples were recovered by using a standard washing–sieving procedure. The PCR was carried out with standard conditions and then run on agarose gel. Out of 174 samples of cattle, 25 (14.36%) samples were positive by microscopic examination, while 29 (16.67%) samples were positive by PCR for F. hepatica. PCR has been applied for the identification and confirmation, which is a more reliable, sensitive, and accurate diagnostic method. This research contributes to the broader understanding of fasciolosis in endemic regions and provides a foundation for the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cattle.