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Romig T, Wassermann M. Echinococcus species in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100913. [PMID: 38405672 PMCID: PMC10884515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of Echinococcus spp. in life cycles that involve mainly wildlife is well recognized for those species with small mammals as intermediate hosts (e. g. E. multilocularis), as well as for E. felidis and the 'northern' genotypes of E. canadensis (G8 and G10). In contrast, the remaining taxa of E. granulosus sensu lato are best known for their domestic life cycles, and the numerous wild mammal species (mainly ungulates) that have been recorded with cystic echinococcosis in the past were mainly considered a result of spill-over from the dog-livestock transmission system. This view was challenged with the advent of molecular characterization, allowing discrimination of the metacestodes, although the contribution of wild mammals to various Echinococcus life cycles has remained uncertain for scarcity of wildlife studies. Numerous records of cysts in wild ungulates date back to the 20th century, but cannot with certainty be allocated to the Echinococcus species and genotypes that are recognized today. This means that our current knowledge is largely restricted to studies of the past two decades that kept adding gradually to our concepts of transmission in various geographic regions. In particular, new insights were gathered in the past years on E. granulosus s.l. in wildlife of sub-Saharan Africa, but also on transmission patterns of E. multilocularis in previously neglected regions, e. g. North America. Here, an update is provided on the current state of knowledge on wild mammals as hosts for all Echinococcus species, listing >150 species of wild hosts with references, as well as estimates on their epidemiological impact and our current gaps of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- University of Hohenheim, Parasitology Unit, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Hohenheim, Center for Biodiversity and Integrative Taxonomy, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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2
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Arrabal JP, Arce LF, Macchiaroli N, Kamenetzky L. Ecological and molecular associations between neotropical wild felids and Taenia (Cestoda: Taeniidae) in the Atlantic Forest: a new report for Taenia omissa. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2999-3012. [PMID: 37874392 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Ecological associations between wild felids and parasites from the Taeniidae family are related to predator-prey interactions, where felids act as definitive hosts while their prey, herbivores and/or omnivores, act as intermediate hosts. In the Atlantic Forest, six neotropical felid species coexist in sympatry, but the ecological parasite-host interactions remain poorly studied. Taenia omissa is a tapeworm that parasitizes cougars (Puma concolor) as its only definitive host and their ungulate prey as intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to identify tapeworms present in road-killed fauna using both molecular and morphological characteristics and their predator-prey relationship. Adult tapeworms found in a cougar, a jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), and two ocelots (Leopardus pardalis); and metacestodes found in a red brocket deer (Mazama americana) and a wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) were analyzed. Through morphological analysis of rostellar hooks and molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genetic marker cox1, Taenia omissa adult individuals were identified in the cougar, and metacestodes in the red brocket deer, proving the existence of a full host-parasite life cycle in the Atlantic Forest region. This new report reveals the southernmost record of T. omissa and broadens its geographic distribution. In addition, isolates of the Taenia genus divergent from those described so far in molecular databases were reported and suggested a wild cycle that involves the jaguarundi and agouti (Dasyprocta asarae) as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. These results highlight the complexity of the tapeworm population in the region and the need to study it with both morphological and molecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Arrabal
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS), CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM), Garupá, Argentina
- Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico (CeIBA), Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Lucas Federico Arce
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biología Celular de Proteínas Que Unen Lípidos, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner" (INIBIOLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Natalia Macchiaroli
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Bioinformática de Patógenos, Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Kamenetzky
- Laboratorio de Genómica y Bioinformática de Patógenos, Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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3
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Alvi MA, Alsayeqh AF. Food-borne zoonotic echinococcosis: A review with special focus on epidemiology. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1072730. [PMID: 36605765 PMCID: PMC9807814 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1072730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a neglected, WHO-listed cyclozoonotic parasitic disease that is caused by a number of species belonging to the genus Echinococcus. This disease is widespread across the globe, resulting in heavy economic losses for farmers and cystic disease in aberrant human hosts. This review paper briefly discussed taxonomy, a brief history, the magnitude of economic losses, host spectrum and life cycle, risk factors, and clinical manifestations. Furthermore, the copro- and sero-ELISA-based prevalence of echinococcosis on different continents was summarized. Finally, the authors analyzed the frequency and use of molecular epidemiology in the taxonomy of Echinococcus species based on molecular markers. This review will serve as a quick reference to Echinococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mughees Aizaz Alvi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
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4
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Arrabal JP, Pérez MG, Arce LF, Kamenetzky L. First identification and molecular phylogeny of Sparganum proliferum from endangered felid ( Panthera onca) and other wild definitive hosts in one of the regions with highest worldwide biodiversity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:142-149. [PMID: 33083226 PMCID: PMC7554206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
After decades of being neglected, broad tapeworms now attract growing attention thanks to the increasing number of reports from humans but also thanks to many advancements achieved by application of molecular methods in diagnosis and epidemiological studies. Regarding sparganosis, unfortunately general uniformity of most species, their high intraspecific variability and lack of agreement among researchers has led to confusion about the classification of Spirometra/Sparganum species. For the first time we determined adult, eggs and plerocercoid life cycle stages and the molecular phylogeny of Sparganum proliferum obtained from endangered wild felids (Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus guttulus and Herpailurus yagoauroundi) in one of the largest continuous remnants of worldwide biodiversity, the Atlantic Forest from South America. Our results showed that at least 57% of total species of wild felids in this natural area could act as definitive hosts of Sparganum proliferum. We conclude that the availability of more morphological characteristics are needed in order to secure reliable characterization and diagnosis of sparganosis. The integration of these data with molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences will be useful for species discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Arrabal
- INMet, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Neuquén y Jujuy S/n (3370), Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.,Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico (CeIBA), Bertoni 85, CP 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Matías Gastón Pérez
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Federico Arce
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Kamenetzky
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ciocco RB, Carpinetti BN, Rojas P, Castresana G, Notarnicola J. Endoparásitos de una población de cerdos silvestres (Sus scrofa) en Bahía Samborombón, Buenos Aires, Argentina. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2019. [DOI: 10.22201/ib.20078706e.2019.90.2851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Scioscia NP, Olmos L, Gorosábel A, Bernad L, Pedrana J, Denegri GM. Natural infection in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) by Lagochilascaris major Leiper, 1910 (Nematoda: Ascarididae) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3023-3027. [PMID: 29938376 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lagochilascariosis is an emerging parasitic disease limited to the American continent, caused by nematodes of the genus Lagochilascaris. Its life cycle is heteroxenous, involving natural definitive hosts (wild carnivores), accidental hosts (domestic carnivores and humans), and intermediate hosts (rodents). Here we report, for the first time, the occurrence of Lagochilascaris major in female of a Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) which was found in the Mar Chiquita basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. At necropsy, multiple Lagochilascaris larvae and several adults (1 female and 5 male) were observed inserted in the mucosa of the trachea and a male was also collected in the stomach. The diagnosis was made by observing the different stages with optical microscopy, by scanning electron microscopy of adult males and coproparasitological analysis. Although cases of lagochilascariosis have been reported in wildlife in different countries of the American continent, in Argentina, cases are really rare and were only found in domestic cats. Graphical abstract ᅟLagochilascariosis is an emerging parasitic disease limited to the American continent. In Argentina, sporadic cases of Lagochilascariosis were reported in domestic cats but this work represents the first record in a wild carnivore (L. gymnocercus) naturally infected with L. major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Paula Scioscia
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Leandro Olmos
- Grupo Sanidad Animal, EEA Balcarce, INTA, Ruta 226 km 73.5, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Antonella Gorosábel
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Grupo Recursos Naturales y Gestión Ambiental, EEA Balcarce, INTA, Ruta 226 km 73.5, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía Bernad
- Grupo Recursos Naturales y Gestión Ambiental, EEA Balcarce, INTA, Ruta 226 km 73.5, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Julieta Pedrana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Grupo Recursos Naturales y Gestión Ambiental, EEA Balcarce, INTA, Ruta 226 km 73.5, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Guillermo María Denegri
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Romig T, Deplazes P, Jenkins D, Giraudoux P, Massolo A, Craig PS, Wassermann M, Takahashi K, de la Rue M. Ecology and Life Cycle Patterns of Echinococcus Species. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:213-314. [PMID: 28131364 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The genus Echinococcus is composed of eight generally recognized species and one genotypic cluster (Echinococcus canadensis cluster) that may in future be resolved into one to three species. For each species, we review existing information on transmission routes and life cycles in different geographical contexts and - where available - include basic biological information of parasites and hosts (e.g., susceptibility of host species). While some Echinococcus spp. are transmitted in life cycles that involve predominantly domestic animals (e.g., dog - livestock cycles), others are wildlife parasites that do or do not interact with domestic transmission. In many cases, life cycle patterns of the same parasite species differ according to geography. Simple life cycles contrast with transmission patterns that are highly complex, involving multihost systems that may include both domestic and wild mammals. Wildlife transmission may be primary or secondary, i.e., resulting from spillovers from domestic animals. For most of the species and regions, existing information does not yet permit a conclusive description of transmission systems. Such data, however, would be highly relevant, e.g., for anticipation of geographical changes of the presence and frequency of these parasites in a warming world, or for initiating evidence-based control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Romig
- University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - P Deplazes
- University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D Jenkins
- Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - P Giraudoux
- University of Franche-Comté and Institut Universitaire de France, Besancon, France
| | - A Massolo
- University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - P S Craig
- University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - M de la Rue
- University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria RS, Brazil
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Scioscia NP, Petrigh RS, Beldomenico PM, Fugassa M, Denegri GM. Reprint of "Survey and first molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) in Buenos Aires province, Argentina". Acta Trop 2017; 165:21-25. [PMID: 27887693 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) has a world-wide distribution and its transmission is primarily maintained in a synanthropic cycle with dogs as definitive hosts and livestock species as intermediate hosts. However, many wild canids also function as definitive hosts for E. granulosus s. l. Echinococcosis in humans is mainly caused by E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) G1 genotype. In the present work, we expanded the epidemiological study on echinococcosis reported cases in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to provide a prevalence estimate for rural areas of southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Ninety-five whole intestines were analyzed using the sedimentation and counting technique with a result of 83 foxes (87.37%) harboring at least one helminth species. E. granulosus s. l. adults were found in one Pampas fox (1.05%). These adult helminthes were E. granulosus s. s. (G1) according to the genotyping analysis of a 450-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene.
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Scioscia NP, Beldomenico PM, Denegri GM. Ancylostoma (Ancylostoma) buckleyi (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae): new wild host and distribution expansion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 25:231-4. [PMID: 27334825 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Here we report the occurrence of Ancylostoma (Ancylostoma) buckleyi (Le Roux and Biocca, 1957) (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) in the small intestine of Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) (Mammalia: Canidae). This fox is the most abundant native carnivore in southern South America, where it inhabits grasslands, open woodlands and areas highly modified by extensive ranching and agricultural activities. Material from 80 foxes in rural areas of southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina was examined. The intestinal tracts were carefully removed from each carcass and subsequently isolated by ligatures (pylorus and rectum). Examination of the intestinal content was performed using the sedimentation and counting technique. Four foxes (5%) were found to be parasitized with adult specimens of A. buckleyi. This is the first report of Ancylostoma (A.) buckleyi in Argentina and adds L. gymnocercus as new host of this nematode species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Paula Scioscia
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata , Argentina, Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - UNMdP, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, , Argentina, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martín Beldomenico
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, , Argentina, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza , Argentina, Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - UNL, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermo María Denegri
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata , Argentina, Laboratorio de Zoonosis Parasitarias, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - UNMdP, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, , Argentina, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Survey and first molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Acta Trop 2016; 158:1-5. [PMID: 26892869 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) has a world-wide distribution and its transmission is primarily maintained in a synanthropic cycle with dogs as definitive hosts and livestock species as intermediate hosts. However, many wild canids also function as definitive hosts for E. granulosus s. l. Echinococcosis in humans is mainly caused by E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) G1 genotype. In the present work, we expanded the epidemiological study on echinococcosis reported cases in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to provide a prevalence estimate for rural areas of southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Ninety-five whole intestines were analyzed using the sedimentation and counting technique with a result of 83 foxes (87.37%) harboring at least one helminth species. E. granulosus s. l. adults were found in one Pampas fox (1.05%). These adult helminthes were E. granulosus s. s. (G1) according to the genotyping analysis of a 450-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene.
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Abstract
Summary
The present study reports the first case of infection by Pterygodermatites affinis in Lycalopex gymnocercus, and the first report of this nematode in Argentina. Examining 80 foxes from Buenos Aires province, specimens of this species were recovered from 21.25 % of the small intestines and eggs were found in 7.5 % of the fecal samples.
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12
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Scioscia NP, Petrigh RS, Beldomenico PM, Denegri GM. The Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) as new definitive host for Spirometra erinacei (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae). Acta Trop 2014; 133:78-82. [PMID: 24561071 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Spirometra erinacei, Faust, Campbell and Kellogg, 1929, is a pseudophyllidean cestode of the family Diphyllobothriidae. The genus Spirometra is cosmopolitan and these parasites infect carnivores, specially felids and canids. In Argentina, S. erinacei and S. mansonoides have been reported sporadically only in domestic definitive hosts. The Pampas fox, Lycalopex gymnocercus, is the most abundant native carnivore in southern South America, where it inhabits grasslands and open woodlands and areas highly modified by extensive ranching and agricultural activities. This report describes the first finding of S. erinacei infecting Pampas fox, and provides an estimate prevalence of this cestode in rural areas of southern Buenos Aires province, Argentina based on 78 complete Pampas fox intestine samples analysis. This study found a 15.4% of prevalence of S. erinacei in small intestine (adult stage) and a 21.8% in fecal samples (egg stage). In the present work, the first case of S. erinacei in a wild definitive host from Argentina was reported expanding the list of definitive hosts of S. erinacei in South America.
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