A molecular genetic survey indicates the presence of a single, homogeneous strain of Echinococcus granulosus in north-western China.

A combination of DNA methods, including conventional RFLP, PCR-RFLP and mitochondrial sequence analysis did not detect genomic variation in any of 117 E. granulosus isolates examined from a range of intermediate hosts, including humans, in north-western China. The genotype infecting all hosts was indistinguishable from the widespread and well recognised sheep strain of E. granulosus. The public health implication of the study is that most, if not all, livestock infected with E. granulosus in this region will act as reservoirs of human infection.