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Langner T, Otranto D, Bezerra-Santos MA, Franzen J, Johne A, Tonanzi D, Pfeffer M, Birka S. Detection of Spirocerca lupi and an unknown Trichinella-like nematode in raccoon ( Procyon lotor). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100911. [PMID: 38352914 PMCID: PMC10862008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100911] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The raccoon Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae) is an invasive species of growing importance for the introduction of alien pathogens or as additional hosts for autochthonous pathogens in Europe, including zoonotic parasites. As the population is steadily increasing and outcompeting the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany, the consumption of raccoon meat raises concerns about pathogens they may transmit. Therefore the presence of Trichinella larvae was here investigated in muscle samples (n = 904) of raccoons from northern Germany. No Trichinella larvae were found, thus confirming the general low occurrence of this parasite in Germany. However, Spirocerca lupi (n = 12) and an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode (n = 1) were accidently detected in the examined samples. The first is not a zoonotic parasite but has a high veterinary relevance as it can cause severe diseases in dogs. It is the first documented autochthonous infection of this nematode in Germany. The larvae of an unidentified Trichinella-like nematode were found in high abundance in all examined muscles of one raccoon, though they could not be identified to species level. Histological investigation revealed intramuscular cystic structures. This is the largest study investigating muscular parasites of raccoons in Europe so far, which suggests that this invasive animal species is infected by S. lupi and by a yet unknown Trichinella -like parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Langner
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food Hygiene, Germany
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. prov. per Casamassima km 3, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Jan Franzen
- Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, NRL for Trichinella, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniele Tonanzi
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Birka
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Food Hygiene, Germany
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2
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Reinhardt NP, Wassermann M, Härle J, Romig T, Kurzrock L, Arnold J, Großmann E, Mackenstedt U, Straubinger RK. Helminths in Invasive Raccoons ( Procyon lotor) from Southwest Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:919. [PMID: 37513766 PMCID: PMC10384161 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070919] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As hosts of numerous zoonotic pathogens, the role of raccoons needs to be considered in the One Health context. Raccoons progressively expand their range as invasive alien species in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal helminth fauna of raccoons in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, as no such screening had ever been conducted there. In total, we obtained 102 animals from hunters in 2019 and 2020. Intestinal helminths were retrieved using the SSCT (segmented sedimentation and counting technique) and identified morphologically and by PCR-based Sanger sequencing. Fecal samples were assessed using the ELISA PetChekTM IP assay (IDEXX, Germany) and flotation technique. The artificial digestion method was employed for analyzing muscle tissue. We detected species of four nematode genera (Baylisascaris procyonis, Toxocara canis, Capillaria spp., and Trichuris spp.), three cestode genera (Atriotaenia cf. incisa/procyonis, Taenia martis, and Mesocestoides spp.), and three trematode genera (Isthmiophora hortensis/melis, Plagiorchis muris, and Brachylaima spp.). Echinococcus spp. and Trichinella spp. were not found. The invasive behavior and synanthropic habits of raccoons may increase the infection risk with these helminths in wildlife, domestic and zoo animals, and humans by serving as a connecting link. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate additional studies assessing these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico P Reinhardt
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Marion Wassermann
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jessica Härle
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lina Kurzrock
- IDEXX Laboratories, Vet Med Labor GmbH, 70806 Kornwestheim, Germany
| | - Janosch Arnold
- Wildlife Research Unit, Agricultural Centre Baden-Wuerttemberg (LAZBW), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Ernst Großmann
- Aulendorf State Veterinary Diagnostic Centre (STUA), 88326 Aulendorf, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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3
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The Connection between Immunocompetence and Reproduction in Wildlife. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030785. [PMID: 36983939 PMCID: PMC10051471 DOI: 10.3390/life13030785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction rate is important for the survival of animal populations. During gravidity, a trade-off occurs between the individual well-being of gravid females and investment in offspring. Due to the high synthesis and energy requirements for the growing fetus, other physiological activities are downregulated in pregnant females. This causes changes in the composition of the reproductive microbiome and a decreased immune response to presented antigens and pathogens. As a result, the immunocompetence of gravid wild animals declines. In general, therefore, increased infection rates during pregnancy can be observed in all wildlife species studied. In the course of evolution, however, this has apparently evolved as a suitable strategy to ensure the survival of the population as a whole.
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Peter N, Dörge DD, Cunze S, Schantz AV, Skaljic A, Rueckert S, Klimpel S. Raccoons contraband - The metazoan parasite fauna of free-ranging raccoons in central Europe. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:79-88. [PMID: 36688078 PMCID: PMC9852791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Peter
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Dorian D. Dörge
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Anna V. Schantz
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Ajdin Skaljic
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Sonja Rueckert
- School of Applied Sciences and Center for Conservation and Restoration Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 1HX, UK
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany,Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt, Main, D-60325, Germany,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325, Frankfurt, Main, Germany,Corresponding author. Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60439, Germany.
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Stope MB. The Raccoon ( Procyon lotor) as a Neozoon in Europe. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020273. [PMID: 36670814 PMCID: PMC9854693 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020273] [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] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a North American half-bear that is present in much of Europe and Asia as a result of both accidental and planned releases. In Europe, raccoons were introduced primarily as a source of fur for the fur industry. In the 1930s, raccoons were released into the wild in Central Europe. At the same time, animals from fur farms and private holdings continued to enter the wild. In the following decades, the raccoon spread over large parts of Europe. In addition to the invasive spread of the Central European initial population, individual releases of raccoons occurred frequently, mainly in Southern Europe. The high adaptability of the raccoon favors its expansion into new habitats. It has a high reproductive rate, is very mobile, and encounters few predators in Europe. Raccoons have recently become a topic of interest when large raccoon populations have colonized suburban and urban areas. Despite the proximity of raccoons and humans, however, there have been hardly any conflicts to date, unlike in North America. A significant negative impact on the native fauna has been suspected but not proven. Raccoons have been identified as vectors of zoonotic diseases. Nevertheless, monitoring of the increasing numbers of raccoons in Europe seems advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bernhard Stope
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Langner T, Hamedy A, Wellner H, Johne A, Mayer-Scholl A, Birka S. First detection of Trichinella spiralis in raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Germany. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100800. [PMID: 36436907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100800] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are foodborne parasites that can cause severe and potentially fatal disease in humans. Infections occur through consumption of meat containing the infectious stage (L1). In Germany the domestic cycle has been eradicated. In wild animals sporadic occurrence is observed in species such as wild boar, red foxes and raccoon dogs. The omnivore raccoon which is an invasive species in Europe is known as a potential host but has not been studied intensely regarding this parasite in Germany until now, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge about its role in the sylvatic cycle. Raccoons from the urban area of Leipzig were investigated for several pathogens including Trichinella spp. in a cooperative project. Muscle samples of 88 individuals were examined using the artificial digestion method (ADM). One animal was found positive, which is the first detection of this parasite in a raccoon in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Langner
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ahmad Hamedy
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wellner
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette Johne
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung; FGr 45 - NRL für Trichinella; Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10; 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung; FGr 45 - NRL für Trichinella; Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10; 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Birka
- Institut für Lebensmittelhygiene; An den Tierkliniken 1; 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Molecular surveillance revealed no SARS-CoV-2 spillovers to raccoons (Procyon lotor) in four German federal states. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022; 68:54. [PMID: 35967094 PMCID: PMC9362721 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01605-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Raccoons (Procyon lotor), which are closely related to the family Mustelidae, might be susceptible to natural infection by SARS-CoV-2. This assumption is based on experimental evidence that confirmed the vulnerability of farmed fur-carnivore species, including Procyon lotor to SARS-CoV-2. To date, there are no reports of natural SARS-CoV-2 infections of raccoons in Germany. Here, we use RT-PCR to analyze 820 samples from raccoons hunted in Germany with a focus on 4 German federal states (Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia). Lung tissues were homogenized and processed for RNA extraction and RT-qPCR for detecting SARS-CoV-2 was performed. No viral RNA was detected in any samples (0/820). Next, we compared raccoons and human ACE-2 residues that are known to serve for binding with SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). Interestingly, we found only 60% identity on amino acid level, which may have contributed to the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in raccoons. In conclusion, the chance of raccoons being intermediate reservoir hosts for SARS-CoV-2 seems to be very low.
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Stille M, Gasteratos I, Stille B. Alien and invasive terrestrial vertebrate species on Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.20126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bo Stille
- Kokkini Kefalovrysso, Corfu, Greece; e-mail: ,
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Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Wild Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Luxembourg Using an ELISA Approach. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:985-989. [PMID: 32494952 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00234-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause enteric infection in a wide range of mammals, including humans. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive species in many parts of the world and studies have shown that they can be infected with Cryptosporidium spp. both outside and in their original distribution area. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. antigens in the faeces of raccoons in Luxembourg. METHODS Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested 81 faeces samples, collected between 2014 and 2018, for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. coproantigens. Samples with an optical density equal to or greater than 0.15% were considered positive. RESULTS Antigens were detected in 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI 6.68-21.26) of the tested samples. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection between the sexes and age categories. Cryptosporidium spp.-positive raccoons were found in 7 of the 12 Luxembourg administrative districts (Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Mersch, Remich, Vianden and Wiltz). CONCLUSION The results show that Cryptosporidium infections are not uncommon in Luxembourg raccoons and suggest possible transmission of Cryptosporidium by raccoons.
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Orden JA, García-Meniño I, Flament-Simon SC, Blanco J, de la Fuente R, Martínez-Rodrigo A, Mas A, Carrión J, Sobrino F, Domínguez-Bernal G. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the Madrid region of Spain are carriers of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and enteropathogenic E. coli. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:69-78. [PMID: 33225569 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance is unclear. Raccoons in North America can carry a variety of enteric bacteria, with associated antimicrobial resistance, that could infect humans and livestock. The potential for raccoons to carry these bacteria in Europe, where they are an invasive species, has not been explored. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of Escherichia coli with associated antimicrobial resistance in raccoons from the Madrid region of Spain and to determine whether they are carriers of potential human pathogens, including verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). In total, we tested 237 E. coli isolates from the faeces of 83 euthanized raccoons for susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents and the presence of VTEC and EPEC. Antimicrobial resistance to at least one antimicrobial was detected in the faeces of 51% (42/83; 95% CI, 40.1-61.1) of the raccoons tested. A high percentage of raccoons carried, in their faeces, E. coli isolates resistant to ampicillin (33%), streptomycin (33%), tetracycline (30%), sulphafurazole (31%) and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (23%). We detected one isolate of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli from the faeces of one raccoon. We detected VTEC in the faeces of one raccoon, and EPEC in the faeces of 12% (10/83) of the raccoons. Of the raccoons that carried EPEC in their faeces, 60% (6/10) carried EPEC isolates that exhibited characteristics associated with pathogenicity in humans. Raccoons in Madrid can carry pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli in their faeces and may be a risk to public health because of their potential to contaminate food and the environment with their faeces.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Orden
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidro García-Meniño
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Saskia C Flament-Simon
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jorge Blanco
- Laboratorio de Referencia de Escherichia coli (LREC), Facultade de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ricardo de la Fuente
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abel Martínez-Rodrigo
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Mas
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Carrión
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sobrino
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Rentería-Solís Z, Meyer-Kayser E, Obiegala A, Ackermann F, Król N, Birka S. Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype in wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) naturally infected with Baylisascaris procyonis from Central Germany. Parasitol Int 2020; 79:102159. [PMID: 32574726 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are apicomplexan parasites of public health concern. They are one of the main causes of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. Contaminated water is among the main sources of infection for humans and mammals. Raccoons are an introduced species in Germany. They are anthropogenic adapters with a natural affinity for water bodies. We collected samples from wild raccoons in the Federal States of Saxony and Thuringia, Central Germany. Through molecular genotyping, we found Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype in one raccoon from Saxony (1/24) and in one animal from Thuringia (1/27). Both raccoons were also infected with the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis. This is the first report of co-infection with these two parasites in raccoons from Germany. Our study highlights the potential of these animals as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Since raccoons can thrive in human settlements, this study provides data that can be used as a baseline for preventive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Rentería-Solís
- Institute for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Meyer-Kayser
- Thuringian State Office for Consumer Protection, Tennstedter Str. 8/9, 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Ackermann
- Institute for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Birka
- Institute for Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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