Molecular identification of Giardia duodenalis isolates from dogs in Moscow (Russia)

The purpose of the research is to genetically characterize Giardia duodenalis isolates from dogs in the city of Moscow (Russia). Materials and methods. A total of 423 fecal samples from dogs were investigated for G. duodenalis cysts in 2025. Twentyfive isolates were detected, 19 of which were characterized. Genetic analysis was performed based on the β-giardin locus which is 569–581 base pairs long. The obtained sequences were compared with reference sequences in the GenBank database. Results and discussion. In the present study, for the first time, genotyping of G. duodenalis isolates obtained from domestic dogs in Moscow (Russia) was carried out. Assemblage C was identified in 15.8% of dogs (n = 3/19), assemblage D in 68.4% of dogs (n = 13/19) and three isolates were found to be mixed C and D in 15.8% (n = 3/19). The study revealed the presence of dog-specific assemblages of G. duodenalis that are not zoonotic. However, it is possible that dogs may have other Giardia assemblages , so further studies with a larger number of isolates are needed.