Prevalence and Characterization ofSpecies in Tibetan Antelope ().

Abstract

is an entericparasite, which can infect multiple mammals including livestock and wildlife. Tibetan Antelope () is one of the most famous wildlife species, that belongs to the first class protected wild animals in China. However, it has not been known whether Tibetan Antelope is infected withso far. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and characterization ofspecies infection in Tibetan Antelope and the corresponding species by using molecular biological method. In the current study, a total of 627 fecal samples were randomly collected from Tibetan Antelope in the Tibet Autonomous Region (2019-2020), and were examined by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Among 627 samples, 19 (3.03%, 19/627) were examined as-positive, with 7 (2.33%, 7/300) in females and 12 (3.67%, 12/327) in males. The analysis of SSU rRNA gene sequence suggested that only twospecies, namely,and, were identified in this study. This is the first evidence for an existence ofin Tibetan Antelope. These findings extend the host range forspp. and also provide important data support for prevention and control ofinfection in Tibetan Antelope.