Identification of COX1 gene in urinary schistosomiasis among school children at al-Fasher town northern Darfur-Sudan

Abstract EN

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most important human diseases in terms of morbidity and mortality particularly in tropical area.

The disease is endemic in many developing countries that adds primarily on water bodies.

The disease remains highly prevalent in Sudan, especially amongst rural communities.

Objective: The study was conducted to detect the frequency of schistosomiasis and to investigate possible genetic variations in S.

haematobium, in AlFasher Town.

Methods: Urine samples were collected from 195 school children enrolled in this study and examined using microscopic and molecular analysis involved PCR amplifications and visualization (on agarose gel) detection for of possible genetic variants in the mitochondrial genes (COX1) .

Results : The study showed the frequency rate of Schistosoma haematobium in urine samples was 12/196 (6.1%).

All the cases identified by microscopy got amplified, some were found to vary in their ability to express the mitochondrial genes COX1.

Conclusions: Out of 12, positive microscopically urine samples eight was positive by COX1 gene PCR (8/12(66.6%), This finding will therefore add to knowledge on genetic variations in S.

haematobium.