scholarly journals Echinococcus Multilocularis and other Cestodes in Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) of Northeast Italy, 2012-2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
CARLO CITTERIO ◽  
FEDERICA OBBER ◽  
Karin Trevisiol ◽  
DEBORA DELLAMARIA ◽  
ROBERTO CELVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Domestic Carnivores ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Pcr Targeting ◽  
Filtration Technique

Abstract Background Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm affecting wild and domestic carnivores and voles in a typical prey-predator life cycle. In Italy, a focus of E. multilocularis has been in existence since 1997 in the northern Italian Alps, later confirmed in foxes collected from 2001 to 2005. In this study, we report the results of seven years of monitoring on E. multilocularis and other cestodes and describe the changes occurred over time and among areas showing different environmental and ecological features (eco-regions). Methods Eggs of cestodes were isolated from faeces of 2,872 foxes with a sedimentation/filtration technique. The cestode species was determined through multiplex PCR, targeting and sequencing ND1 and 12S genes. Results Overall, 217 (7.55%) samples resulted positive for cestode eggs at coproscopy, with differences of prevalence according to year and sampling area. Eight species of cestodes were identified, with Taenia crassiceps (2.6%), Taenia polyacantha (2%) and E. multilocularis (1%) as the species most represented. The other species, Mesocestoides litteratus, Taenia krabbei, T. serialis, T. taeniaeformis and Dipylidium caninum, accounted for less than 1% altogether. Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in foxes from two out of six eco-regions, in 30 faecal samples, accounting for 1.4% within the cestode positives at coproscopy. All E. multilocularis isolates came from Bolzano province. Prevalence of cestodes, both collectively and for each of the three most represented species (T. crassiceps, T. polyacantha and E. multilocularis) varied based on the sampling year, and for E. multilocularis an apparent increasing trend across the last few years was evidenced. Conclusions Our study confirms the presence of a low prevalence focus of E. multilocularis in red foxes of northeast Italy. Although this focus seems still spatially limited, given its persistence and apparent increasing prevalence through the years, we recommend that future work deepen the ecological factors allowing persistence of this zoonotic species at a smaller scale. On the same scale, we recommend an informative campaign on how to behave to avoid contamination, targeted at people living in the area, especially hunters, dog owners, forestry workers and other categories at risk.

scholarly journals Echinococcus multilocularis and other cestodes in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of northeast Italy, 2012–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Vittorio Citterio ◽  
Federica Obber ◽  
Karin Trevisiol ◽  
Debora Dellamaria ◽  
Roberto Celva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Domestic Carnivores ◽  
Pcr Targeting ◽  
Typical Prey ◽  
Filtration Technique

Abstract Background Echinococcus multilocularis is a small tapeworm affecting wild and domestic carnivores and voles in a typical prey-predator life cycle. In Italy, there has been a focus of E. multilocularis since 1997 in the northern Italian Alps, later confirmed in red foxes collected from 2001 to 2005. In this study, we report the results of seven years of monitoring on E. multilocularis and other cestodes in foxes and describe the changes that occurred over time and among areas (eco-regions) showing different environmental and ecological features on a large scale. Methods Eggs of cestodes were isolated from feces of 2872 foxes with a sedimentation/filtration technique. The cestode species was determined through multiplex PCR, targeting and sequencing ND1 and 12S genes. Analyses were aimed to highlight variations among different eco-regions and trends in prevalence across the study years. Results Out of 2872 foxes, 217 (7.55%) samples resulted positive for cestode eggs at coproscopy, with differences of prevalence according to year, sampling area and age class. Eight species of cestodes were identified, with Taenia crassiceps (2.65%), Taenia polyacantha (1.98%) and E. multilocularis (1.04%) as the most represented. The other species, Mesocestoides litteratus, Taenia krabbei, T. serialis, T. taeniaeformis and Dipylidium caninum, accounted for < 1% altogether. Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in foxes from two out of six eco-regions, in 30 fecal samples, accounting for 1.04% within the cestode positives at coproscopy. All E. multilocularis isolates came from Bolzano province. Prevalence of cestodes, both collectively and for each of the three most represented species (T. crassiceps, T. polyacantha and E. multilocularis), varied based on the sampling year, and for E. multilocularis an apparent increasing trend across the last few years was evidenced. Conclusions Our study confirms the presence of a focus of E. multilocularis in red foxes of northeast Italy. Although this focus seems still spatially limited, given its persistence and apparent increasing prevalence through the years, we recommend research to be conducted in the future on the ecological factors that, on a smaller scale, allow this zoonotic species to persist. On the same scale, we recommend a health education campaign to inform on the measures to prevent this zoonosis, targeted at people living in the area, especially hunters, dog owners, forestry workers and other potentially exposed categories.

scholarly journals Endoparasites of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the Slovak Republic with the emphasis on zoonotic species Echinococcus multilocularis and Trichinella spp.

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Miterpáková ◽  
Z. Hurníková ◽  
D. Antolová ◽  
P. Dubinský
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Slovak Republic ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Nematode Species ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Helminth Species ◽  
Hymenolepis Diminuta ◽  
Red Foxes

AbstractDue to specific geographical localization, climatic and geomorphologic conditions, several serious parasitic diseases circulate in the territory of the Slovak Republic that makes this area an ideal model territory of the central European red fox system. The red fox is an important reservoir host of parasites, which can be spread to another animals and humans. Our study was aimed at determining the current prevalence of certain parasites in red foxes from the entire territory of the Slovak Republic and identifies some ecological factors influencing their epidemiology. Within the first systematic investigation of red foxes carried out between the years 2000 and 2006 in total 4026 foxes were examined for Echinococcus multilocularis (prevalence 31.1 %) and 4699 foxes were investigated for the presence of Trichinella spp. larvae (10.4 % infected). The results of the next separate study revealed that 83.3 % of 1198 red foxes in the Slovak Republic had coccidian oocysts and helminth eggs in their faeces. Fifteen helminth species including two trematode, four cestode and nine nematode species were detected by coprological examination. Nine of these parasite taxa have zoonotic potential: Capillaria spp. (prevalence 22.4 %), Ancylostoma caninum (18.1 %), Toxocara canis (12.5 %), Taenia spp. (12.2 %), Mesocestoides spp. (5.8 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.6 %), Hymenolepis diminuta (0.6 %), Dipylidium caninum (0.4 %) and Opisthorchis felineus (0.3 %). Toxascaris leonina was the most common helminth species found in this survey (42.9 %).

scholarly journals Wild carnivores as source of zoonotic helminths in north-eastern Italy

2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Cerbo ◽  
M. Manfredi ◽  
M. Bregoli ◽  
N. Milone ◽  
M. Cova
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Wild Carnivores ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Zoonotic Parasites ◽  
Trichuris Vulpis

AbstractTwo hundreds and sixty red foxes, eighteen badgers and eight stone martens from north-eastern Italy were examined for zoonotic parasites by SCT, with particular attention to Trichinella sp. and Echinococcus multilocularis. No adult worms of E. multilocularis were observed in the intestine of red foxes or mustelids. Out of 223 fox faecal samples analysed by a commercial CA-ELISA, 5.8 % was positive to Echinococcus coproantigens. Trichinella sp. was detected by digestion of muscle in 1.2 % of examined foxes (2/172), but not in mustelids (0/11). Toxocara canis, responsible for human toxocarosis, resulted to be common in fox population (48.5 %). This parasite was found both in young (53.3 % of cubs and 61.9 % of sub-adults) and in adult animals (42.7 %). Other zoonotic parasites as Uncinaria stenocephala (52.3 %) and Trichuris vulpis (0.4 %) were detected in fox populations.

Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in faeces by nested PCR with the use of diluted DNA samples

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Karamon
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Dna Isolation ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Standard Samples ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Positive Results

AbstractThe aim of this study was to choose the optimal variant of PCR examination of faeces to detect Echinococcus multilocularis infection which would allow to reduce the influence of different inhibitors in faeces. The investigation was carried out by comparison of 3 different methods of DNA isolation from faeces and different DNA dilutions used in PCR. Thirty five intestines of red foxes were used. Small intestines were examined by the sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). Faeces were collected from the rectum for PCR and flotation. DNA were isolated with the use of 3 different methods. Two methods were dedicated for faeces: method 1 (M1) - for larger samples and method 2 (M2) - for standard samples. The third method, method 3 (M3), was not dedicated for faeces. DNA samples were tested by nested PCR in 6 variants: not diluted (1/1) and 5 diluted (1/2.5, 1/5, 1/10. 1/20, 1/40). E. multilocularis was found by SCT in 18 from 35 (51.4%) intestines. Taenia-type eggs were detected only in 20.0% of faecal samples. In PCR the highest number of positive results (45.7%) were obtained during examination of DNA isolated by M1 method, and then 40.0% and 34.3%, respectively, for M2 and M3. In some samples positive results in PCR were obtained only in diluted DNA. For example, 8 from 12 positive samples isolated by M3 method gave the PCR negative results in non-diluted DNA and positive only after dilution 1:2.5, 1:10 or 1:20. Also 3 samples isolated by methods dedicated for stool gave positive results only after DNA dilution. The investigation has revealed that in copro-PCR for detection of E. multilocularis infection additional using of diluted DNA (besides non diluted) can avoid false negative results causing by PCR inhibition. In the best method of DNA isolation (M1), the use of non diluted DNA sample together with diluted in proportion 1:10 seems to be optimal.

Echinococcus multilocularis in carnivores from the Klatovy district of the Czech Republic

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Martínek ◽  
L. Kolárová ◽  
J. Cervený
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Alveolar Echinococcosis ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Faecal Samples

A unique human case of alveolar echinococcosis was described in 1979 from the Klatovy district of the Czech Republic. However, there were no previous epidemiological studies in this area focusing on detection of the source of infection –Echinococcus multilocularisadults producing eggs. During the period June 1997 to April 1999, 29 out of a total of 46 (63.3%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the Klatovy district and one of four foxes (25.0%) in the Pilsen South district were found to be infected with adult worms ofE. multilocularis. NoE. multilocularisadults were found in other animals from the Klatovy district (i.e. three specimens ofMartes martes, twoMartes foina, oneMustela erminea, twoMeles melesand oneFelis catusf.domestica). An examination of faecal samples from 55 dogs (Canis familiaris) from the Klatovy district resulted in the detection ofE. multilocularisDNA in one (1.8%) sample. The present results support the possibility that human alveolar echinococcosis previously described in the Czech Republic had the character of an autochthonous infection. There are also indications of a potential risk of infection to humans.

Occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes from the Carpathian regions of Slovakia and Poland

2006 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Reiterová ◽  
Ewa Dziemian ◽  
Martina Miterpáková ◽  
Daniela Antolová ◽  
Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Worm Burden ◽  
Alveolar Echinococcosis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Border Regions ◽  
Faecal Samples

AbstractThe extensive distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis cestode from endemic alpine areas to the parts of Central Europe has been recorded in recent years. The first confirmed finding of E. multilocularis in Slovakia was recorded in 1999 in the area adjacent to the Polish border. At present, this serious zoonosis occurs almost across the whole territory of Slovakia. The occurrence of these tapeworms in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) at the border regions of Slovakia and Poland has been monitored. In these districts, out of 152 faecal samples examined, 36.2% were positive for the coproantigen-ELISA. With the sedimentation and counting technique the prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was up to 38.8%. The examination of foxes from neighbouring districts revealed worm burden ranging from 1–15,000 specimens, but the majority of animals harboured medium number of tapeworms. In the Small Carpathian and Sub-Carpathian regions of Poland, out of 65 samples examined, 13.8% were coproantigen positive. Using the small intestine scraping method only 6.1% prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was determined, mostly with a high worm burdens over 1,000 specimens. The results suggest possible transborder transmission of E. multilocularis, the causative agent of serious alveolar echinococcosis.

scholarly journals Dynamics of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in red fox populations with high and low prevalence of this parasite in Poland (2007–2014)

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Karamon ◽  
Maciej Kochanowski ◽  
Joanna Dąbrowska ◽  
Jacek Sroka ◽  
Mirosław Różycki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Stable Degree

Abstract The aim of the study was to estimate the current prevalence of E. multilocularis in selected populations of red foxes in Poland and to evaluate the changes in prevalence of this parasite by comparison with the results obtained in the same area during earlier surveillance. The investigations were performed in the area of four Polish provinces: 2 eastern/south-eastern (Lubelskie and Podkarpackie) and 2 south-western (Śląskie and Opolskie). Five hundred red foxes coming from the investigated areas were examined between 2013 and 2014 to estimate the current situation in selected provinces. Moreover, 550 red foxes from the same areas examined between 2007 and 2013 were used for comparison of differences in E. multilocularis prevalences in time. Intestines were examined with the use of the sedimentation and counting technique. Among 500 foxes examined in the current study, 118 were positive for E. multilocularis. There were differences in prevalence between individual provinces: Podkarpackie Province - 54.6%, Lubelskie Province - 18.9%, Śląskie Province - 11.7%, and Opolskie Province - 3.9%. Statistical analysis demonstrated that in most cases there were no differences in prevalence between the current results and the results from previous studies. Only in Opolskie Province was a statistically significant increase observed between 2010 and 2014. A stable degree of infection in the region with high prevalence of this parasite was demonstrated. However, a significant increase in the region with very low prevalence of E. multilocularis points out the necessity to monitor this infection during the coming years to control the progress of the disease

Helminthes intestinaux du Renard commun (Vulpes vulpes L.) dans le Massif central (France)

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (7) ◽  
pp. 1562-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Deblock ◽  
A. F. Pétavy ◽  
B. Gilot
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Massif Central ◽  
Alveolar Hydatid Disease ◽  
First Time ◽  
Toxascaris Leonina

In the course of an epidemiological survey of Echinococcus multilocularis (Leuckart, 1863), causative agent of alveolar hydatid disease, the autopsy of 154 red foxes, Vulpes vulpes (L.), captured in the Department of Cantal between November 1984 and February 1985 disclosed 144 cases of intestinal helminthiases. Helminths consisted of cestodes and nematodes; no trematodes were found. Multiple infestations were very frequent. Cestoda recorded consisted of the following species: Mesocestoides litteratus (Batsch, 1786) (40 cases; 26%), Taenia crassiceps (Zeder, 1800) (36 cases, 24%), Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 (23 cases, 14.9%), Taenia polyacantha Leuckart, 1856 (17 cases, 11.4%), Amoebotaenia paradoxa (Rudolphi, 1802) (8 cases, 5.2%), and Taenia pisiformis (Bloch, 1780) (2 cases, 1.3%). The following Nematoda were recovered: Uncinaria stenocephala (Railliet, 1884) (90 cases, 58.4%), Toxocara canis (Werner, 1782) (79 cases, 51.3%), Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) (39 cases, 25.3%), Trichuris vulpis (Froelich, 1789) (25 cases, 16%), Pterygodermatites affinis (Jaegerskioeld, 1904) (6 cases, 4%), and undetermined Trichostrongylidae (4 cases, 2.7%). Hosts were not examined for Trichinella sp. The cartography of each helminthiase revealed propitious areas of maintenance of the parasite. Echinococcus multilocularis had a very limited distribution compared with other taeniid species with a near-identical life cycle. Unknown ecological factors may have an adverse effect on the free stage (egg) of the cestode. The nematode Pterygodermatites affinis is reported here for the first time in France.

Spatial and temporal aspects of urban transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis

Parasitology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. STIEGER ◽  
D. HEGGLIN ◽  
G. SCHWARZENBACH ◽  
A. MATHIS ◽  
P. DEPLAZES
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Clethrionomys Glareolus ◽  
Border Zone ◽  
Infection Pressure ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Temporal Aspects ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Domestic Carnivores ◽  
The City

High prevalences of Echinococcus multilocularis have been reported from foxes of the city of Zurich, Switzerland. In order to characterize transmission in urban areas, a coproantigen ELISA was evaluated for diagnosing the infection in fox faecal samples collected in the environment. In addition, trapped rodents were investigated for the presence of metacestodes. Faecal samples could reliably be classified as being of fox origin by assessing physical properties as shown by the different parasite spectra of putative fox and dog faecal specimens. From the total of 604 tested putative fox faecal samples 156 (25·8%) were positive in the ELISA with a distinct increase in the proportion of positive samples from the urban to the periurban zone. Furthermore, samples collected in the border zone had significantly more coproantigen-positive results during winter. Prevalence of E. multilocularis in rodents was 9·1% (81/889) for Arvicola terrestris (with 3·5% of the animals harbouring between 14 and 244400 protoscoleces) and 2·4% (2/83) for Clethrionomys glareolus. E. multilocularis-infected A. terrestris were found in 9 of 10 trapping sites in the border zone. The high infection pressure in the periphery of urban areas might pose a risk for infection with E. multilocularis for both domestic carnivores as well as for urban inhabitants. Interventions into the cycle aiming at reducing the infection pressure should therefore focus on these areas.

Potential remedy against Echinococcus multilocularis in wild red foxes using baits with anthelmintic distributed around fox breeding dens in Hokkaido, Japan

Parasitology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. TSUKADA ◽  
K. HAMAZAKI ◽  
S. GANZORIG ◽  
T. IWAKI ◽  
K. KONNO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Clethrionomys Rufocanus ◽  
Efficient Control ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Potential Remedy ◽  
Patent Infection

The effect of bait-delivered anthelmintic to reduce the prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in wild red foxes was evaluated in Koshimizu, in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan. The study area (200 km2) was divided into baited and non-baited sections. The anthelmintic baits were distributed around fox den sites in the baited section every month for 13 months. After 1 year of the anthelmintic bait distribution, the prevalence of E. multilocularis in foxes, evaluated either by the parasite egg examination (from 27.1 to 5.6%) or coproantigen ELISA (from 59.6 to 29.7%), decreased in the baited section contrasting to that in the non-baited section (parasite egg: from 18.8 to 24.2%; ELISA: from 41.9 to 45.8%). The prevalence of E. multilocularis in grey red-backed vole Clethrionomys rufocanus, caught around fox dens, born after bait distribution also decreased and was significantly lower than that in non-baited section. However, within the study periods, the coproantigen-positive rate in fox faeces sporadically increased, while egg-positive rate constantly decreased. Since coproantigen ELISA can detect pre-patent infection, this observation indicates that reinfection pressure in the baited section was still high even after the 13 months of anthelmintic bait distribution. Therefore, the bait distribution longer than our study period is required for the efficient control of E. multilocularis in wild red fox population.

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