Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) from Turkey

Introduction Cysticercus tenuicollis , the metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena has a worldwide distribution and is particularly common in rural areas and developing countries. In rare cases, T. hydatigena infection may result in the death of its host due to severe damage or secondary bacterial infections. Generally, when multiple cysts are attached to the liver, it causes economic losses. The infection can be detected using morphological, histopathological and more recently, molecular investigations. Methods In the present study, we describe molecular and morphological characterization of C. tenuicollis detected in a 3 month-old female red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) during necropsy. Cystic samples were stained with haematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome stain for histopathological examination, and molecular characterization of the complete mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene region was performed. Purpose This study provides the first morphological, histopathological, and molecular data on C. tenuicollis isolated from red deer in Turkey.