Epidemiological and molecular characterization of Enterobius vermicularis cases in Mersin, Turkey: An analysis based on mitochondrial DNA cox1 gene sequences

Gülbudak Harun | Tezcan Ülger Seda | Bozok Taylan | Aslan Gönül

Enterobius vermicularis is among the most common intestinal helminths, especially in children. Mitochondrial cox1 gene analyses revealed three genotypes (A, B, C). We aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and cox1 genotypes of E. vermicularis cases diagnosed at Mersin University Hospital. Between January 2017 and December 2023, 1496 samples were examined using the cellophane tape method, and 75 positives were identified. Epidemiological data were retrospectively analyzed. DNA was isolated from 30 positive samples via the phenol–chloroform method, and nested PCR products of the cox1 gene were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using GenBank sequences. In a sample of patients with gastrointestinal signs, the positivity rate for E. vermicularis was 5 % (75/1496)...