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Bariselli S, Maioli G, Pupillo G, Calzolari M, Torri D, Cirasella L, Luppi A, Torreggiani C, Garbarino C, Barsi F, Rugna G, Dottori M. Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Taenia spp. parasites found in wildlife in the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy (2017-2022). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:20-27. [PMID: 37584009 PMCID: PMC10424076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.08.001] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The recent expansion of the habitat of several wildlife species, comprising anthropized areas, is a relevant risk factor for many zoonotic diseases and should be considered in national and regional sanitary monitoring systems. We evaluated adult intestinal Taenia spp. parasites isolated from wild carnivores and cystic larval forms isolated from wild mammals analysed at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna (IZSLER) as part of the regional wildlife sanitary surveillance plan. Then, we assessed parasite species through molecular analysis (multiplex PCR followed by ribosomal 12S subunit gene sequencing) in order to update the epidemiological situation on Taeniids infection in the Emilia-Romagna wildlife, reporting the prevalence of each isolated species. The most commonly isolated species was Taenia serialis, which we detected in both wolves and foxes as definitive hosts and in roe deer as intermediate host. More attention on the distribution of Taeniids in wildlife should be paid, considering their potential zoonotic role: several Taenia spp. (Taenia solium, Taenia multiceps, Taenia serialis, Taenia brauni, Taenia glomerulatus) are known for causing coenurosis in humans, with possible severe or fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bariselli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Maioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pupillo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Torri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Letizia Cirasella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Luppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Camilla Torreggiani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Garbarino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Barsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rugna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Via Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
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Umhang G, Duchamp C, Boucher JM, Caillot C, Legras L, Demerson JM, Lucas J, Gauthier D, Boué F. Gray wolves as sentinels for the presence of Echinococcus spp. and other gastrointestinal parasites in France. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:101-107. [PMID: 37780970 PMCID: PMC10539616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.09.007] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, the gray wolf population has recovered in France, initially to wolves from Italy passing through the Alps. The population is carefully monitored, but little information is available on their helminth fauna, which includes parasites of public health importance: Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Capitalizing on the availability of 911 fecal samples collected for the noninvasive genetic monitoring of French wolf populations, along with the intestines from 15 dead wolves, the presence of Echinococcus species among others helminth species was evaluated in French wolves. A copro-PCR approach amplifying a large spectrum of parasites was used for fecal samples while intestines were analyzed using SCT. The fecal occurrences of E. granulosus sensu stricto (2.4%) and E. multilocularis (0.3%), and indeedother parasitic species, are similar to those of other European wolf populations including Taenia hydatigena (7.2%), Taenia krabbei (2.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.4%), Mesocestoides litteratus (1.9%), Taenia ovis (0.3%), Taenia multiceps (0.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (0.1%). The three most abundant species were also found in the intestines. Infections by E. granulosus sensu stricto are in accordance with the overlap of wolf pack areas and sheep breeding pastoral units. However, the wolf does not appear to play a significant role in the lifecycle of E. granulosus sensu stricto. The availability of this opportunistic fecal sampling of wolves in southeastern France means that they can be used as sentinels for the surveillance of E. multilocularis in the context of its southward expansion observed in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérald Umhang
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
| | - Christophe Duchamp
- OFB (French Biodiversity Agency), Research Department, Predator and Depredator Unit, Gap, France
| | - Jean-Marc Boucher
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
| | - Christophe Caillot
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
| | - Léo Legras
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
| | - Jean-Michel Demerson
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
| | - Jérémie Lucas
- OFB (French Biodiversity Agency), Research Department, Predator and Depredator Unit, Gap, France
| | | | - Franck Boué
- ANSES LRFSN, Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzéville, France
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3
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Biedrzycka A, Konopiński MK, Popiołek M, Zawiślak M, Bartoszewicz M, Kloch A. Non-MHC immunity genes do not affect parasite load in European invasive populations of common raccoon. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15696. [PMID: 37735177 PMCID: PMC10514260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41721-1] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms behind invasion success enables predicting which alien species and populations are the most predisposed to become invasive. Parasites may mediate the success of biological invasions through their effect on host fitness. The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis assumes that escape from parasites during the invasion process allows introduced species to decrease investment in immunity and allocate resources to dispersal and reproduction. Consequently, the selective pressure of parasites on host species in the invasive range should be relaxed. We used the case of the raccoon Procyon lotor invasion in Europe to investigate the effect of gastrointestinal pathogen pressure on non-MHC immune genetic diversity of newly established invasive populations. Despite distinct differences in parasite prevalence between analysed populations, we detected only marginal associations between two analysed SNPs and infection intensity. We argue that the differences in parasite prevalence are better explained by detected earlier associations with specific MHC-DRB alleles. While the escape from native parasites seems to allow decreased investment in overall immunity, which relaxes selective pressure imposed on immune genes, a wide range of MHC variants maintained in the invasive range may protect from newly encountered parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Biedrzycka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Maciej K Konopiński
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Popiołek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/67, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marlena Zawiślak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/67, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Kloch
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-089, Warszawa, Poland
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Uribe M, Brabec J, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Hermosilla C. Neglected zoonotic helminthiases in wild canids: new insights from South America. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1235182. [PMID: 37635759 PMCID: PMC10450927 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1235182] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global threat of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitutes a public health issue in underdeveloped countries. Zoonotic helminthiases are the most common human NTD agents in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas, causing a global burden of disease that exceeds that of more recognized infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Wild canids are well-known mammals that act as natural reservoirs of zoonotic-relevant helminthiasis worldwide, thus playing a pivotal role in their epidemiology and transmission to humans. Here we evaluate the occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in two Neotropical wild canid species from the Amazonian and Andean regions of Colombia, i.e., the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) and the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). We recovered tapeworm proglottids from bush dog fecal samples and identified them molecularly as the canine-specific lineage of Dipylidium caninum by using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene sequences. Moreover, examination of a crab-eating fox during necropsy revealed the presence of non-embryonated eggs of the neglected nematode Lagochilascaris cf. minor, in addition to eggs and gravid proglottids of the cestode Spirometra mansoni. These findings represent the first report of zoonotic-relevant cestodes, i.e., D. caninum ("canine genotype"), S. mansoni, and the nematode L. cf. minor, in bush dogs and crab-eating foxes as final hosts. The occurrence of these zoonotic helminthiases in wild canid species calls for regular monitoring programs to better understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of neglected dipylidiasis, lagochilascariosis, and sparganosis in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Uribe
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jan Brabec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Gießen, Germany
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Crotti S, Spina S, Cruciani D, Bonelli P, Felici A, Gavaudan S, Gobbi M, Morandi F, Piseddu T, Torricelli M, Morandi B. Tapeworms detected in wolf populations in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche regions): A long-term study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY: PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2023; 21:11-16. [PMID: 37025622 PMCID: PMC10070192 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Tapeworms are trophically-transmitted and multi-host parasites with a complex indirect life cycle, strictly depending on predator-prey interactions. Their presence in a free-living population, mainly definitive hosts, is arduous to study due to the complexity of collecting fecal samples. However, epidemiological studies on their frequency are crucial from a public health perspective, providing information on food habits and prey selection of predators. The present study aims to update the frequency of tapeworms detected in stool samples by molecular analysis in Italian wolf populations of Umbria and Marche regions collected from 2014 to 2022. Tapeworm's total frequency was 43.2%. In detail, Taenia serialis was detected in 27 samples (21.6%), T. hydatigena in 22 (17.6%), and Mesocestoides corti (syn. M. vogae) in 2 (1.6%). Three samples were identified as M. litteratus and E. granulosus s.s. (G3) and T. pisiformis, with a proportion of 0.8%, respectively. The low frequency of E. granulosus in a hyperendemic area is discussed. The results show for the first time a high frequency of Taenia serialis not comparable to other Italian studies conducted on wild Carnivora; thus, a new ecological niche is conceivable. These findings suggest a plausible wolf-roe deer cycle for T. serialisin the investigated area.
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Crotti S, Brustenga L, Cruciani D, Bonelli P, D'Avino N, Felici A, Morandi B, Sebastiani C, Spina S, Gobbi M. Molecular Screening of Echinococcus spp. and Other Cestodes in Wild Carnivores from Central Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050318. [PMID: 37235401 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tapeworm infections are among the most relevant parasitic diseases in humans and animals. Tapeworms from the Genus Echinococcus are particularly important as they can cause cystic or alveolar echinococcosis. A molecular screening was performed on 279 fecal samples collected from carcasses of wild carnivores from Central Italy using PCR targeting diagnostic fragments of nad1, rrnS, and nad5 genes. Samples positive for either Taenia spp. or Echinococcus granulosus were sequenced to taxonomically identify the parasitic DNA. Of the 279 samples, 134 (48.0%) gave positive results in the multiplex PCR. Only one (0.4%) sample from an Apennine wolf tested positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (genotype G3), whereas no sample tested positive for E. multilocularis. The most frequently detected tapeworms were: Mesocestoides corti (syn M. vogae) (12.9%), M. litteratus (10.8%), Taenia serialis (9.3%), and T. hydatigena (6.5%), other tapeworms were rarely detected. The results suggest that Echinococcus infections in Central Italy do not seem to be sustained by sylvatic cycles, confirming the absence of E. multilocularis in Central Italy. The survey corroborates, yet again, the importance of passive surveillance of wild animals that can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, especially on wild canids that in other areas are strongly implicated in the transmission of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Crotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 6, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cruciani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Piero Bonelli
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Centro Nazionale di Referenza per l'Echinococcosi/Idatidosi (Ce.NRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta D'Avino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Felici
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Benedetto Morandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Carla Sebastiani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Spina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati" (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Gray Wolf ( Canis lupus italicus) and Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) Parasite Survey in Anthropized and Natural Areas of Central Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020108. [PMID: 36851412 PMCID: PMC9963820 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020108] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoa and other parasite occurrences were evaluated in free-ranging wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations from natural and anthropized areas of Central Italy. Analyzed fecal samples were collected from 60 foxes and 40 wolves in the anthropized areas, and 41 foxes and 39 wolves in the natural areas. In foxes, hookworm infections (p < 0.0001) were more frequently recorded in the anthropized environment, while coccidia (p < 0.05) and Cryptosporidium spp. (p < 0.0001) were more frequent in the natural area. In wolves, a higher frequency of hookworms (p < 0.0001) was observed in natural areas, while coccidia were more common in the anthropized area (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the natural environment, trichuroid nematodes (p < 0.0001) were significantly more frequent in wolves than in foxes, while Cryptosporidium (p < 0.001) and Giardia duodenalis (p < 0.001) were more common in foxes. In the anthropic area, the occurrence of hookworms was found to be significantly higher in foxes (p < 0.0001), while trichuroid nematodes were more common in wolves (p < 0.0001). The obtained data are indicative of a different diffusion of specific parasite taxa in wolves and foxes living in the natural and/or anthropized environments examined herein.
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Brandell EE, Jackson MK, Cross PC, Piaggio AJ, Taylor DR, Smith DW, Boufana B, Stahler DR, Hudson PJ. Evaluating noninvasive methods for estimating cestode prevalence in a wild carnivore population. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277420. [PMID: 36378663 PMCID: PMC9665365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections are cryptic and can be difficult to study in wildlife species. Helminth research in wildlife hosts has historically required invasive animal handling and necropsy, while results from noninvasive parasite research, like scat analysis, may not be possible at the helminth species or individual host levels. To increase the utility of noninvasive sampling, individual hosts can be identified by applying molecular methods. This allows for longitudinal sampling of known hosts and can be paired with individual-level covariates. Here we evaluate a combination of methods and existing long-term monitoring data to identify patterns of cestode infections in gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Our goals were: (1) Identify the species and apparent prevalence of cestodes infecting Yellowstone wolves; (2) Assess the relationships between wolf biological and social characteristics and cestode infections; (3) Examine how wolf samples were affected by environmental conditions with respect to the success of individual genotyping. We collected over 200 wolf scats from 2018-2020 and conducted laboratory analyses including individual wolf genotyping, sex identification, cestode identification, and fecal glucocorticoid measurements. Wolf genotyping success rate was 45%, which was higher in the winter but decreased with higher precipitation and as more time elapsed between scat deposit and collection. One cestode species was detected in 28% of all fecal samples, and 38% of known individuals. The most common infection was Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (primarily E. canadensis). Adult wolves had 4x greater odds of having a cestode infection than pups, as well as wolves sampled in the winter. Our methods provide an alternative approach to estimate cestode prevalence and to linking parasites to known individuals in a wild host system, but may be most useful when employed in existing study systems and when field collections are designed to minimize the time between fecal deposition and collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E. Brandell
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Madeline K. Jackson
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Paul C. Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, United States of America
| | - Antoinette J. Piaggio
- National Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Taylor
- National Wildlife Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Douglas W. Smith
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Belgees Boufana
- National Wildlife Management Centre, National Reference Laboratory for Parasites (Trichinella and Echinococcus), Animal and Plant Health Agency, York, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park, WY, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hudson
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
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Maestrini M, Berrilli F, Di Rosso A, Coppola F, Guadano Procesi I, Mariacher A, Felicioli A, Perrucci S. Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Badger Population Living in an Anthropized Area of Central Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080906. [PMID: 36015027 PMCID: PMC9416481 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080906] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is widespread in Italy and occupies different habitats. The occurrence and species of gastrointestinal parasites were evaluated in a free-ranging badger population living in a highly anthropic area in central Italy. A total of 43 fecal samples were examined using the flotation test, the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques, and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. fecal antigens. Molecular investigations were also performed that aimed at identifying Giardia genotypes. Overall, 37/43 samples (86%) were found positive. Specifically, 48.8% (21 samples) were positive for G.duodenalis, 23.2% (10/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., and 7% (3/43) for coccidian oocysts. Strongyloides sp. nematode larvae were detected in 3/43 samples (7%). Ascarid (1/43, 2.3%), capillariid (1/43, 2.3%), and strongyle-type eggs (76.7%, 33/43) were also identified. Among the 11 readable sequences of samples that were positive for G. duodenalis by end-point PCR (18/21), the zoonotic assemblage A sub-assemblage AII and mixed assemblage A and B were identified. This is the first report of zoonotic G. duodenalis genotypes in the Eurasian badger. Moreover, most of identified parasites have zoonotic potential and/or potential impact on the population health of wild badgers and other wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Maestrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Rosso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Mariacher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2216949
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Wolf Dispersal Patterns in the Italian Alps and Implications for Wildlife Diseases Spreading. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101260. [PMID: 35625106 PMCID: PMC9137635 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wildlife dispersal directly influences population expansion patterns, and may have indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. For many species, little is known about dispersal, despite its importance to conservation. We documented the natural dispersal processes of an expanding wolf (Canis lupus) population in the Italian Alps to understand the dynamics of the recolonization pattern and identify diseases that might be connected with the process through the use of non-invasive genetic sampling over a 20-year period. By documenting 55 dispersal events, with an average minimum straight dispersal distance of 65.8 km (±67.7 km), from 7.7 km to 517.2 km, we discussed the potential implications for maintaining genetic diversity of the population and for wildlife diseases spreading. Abstract Wildlife dispersal directly influences population expansion patterns, and may have indirect effects on the spread of wildlife diseases. Despite its importance to conservation, little is known about dispersal for several species. Dispersal processes in expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Europe is not well documented. Documenting the natural dispersal pattern of the expanding wolf population in the Alps might help understanding the overall population dynamics and identifying diseases that might be connected with the process. We documented 55 natural dispersal events of the expanding Italian wolf alpine population over a 20-year period through the use of non-invasive genetic sampling. We examined a 16-locus microsatellite DNA dataset of 2857 wolf samples mainly collected in the Western Alps. From this, we identified 915 individuals, recaptured 387 (42.3%) of individuals, documenting 55 dispersal events. On average, the minimum straight dispersal distance was 65.8 km (±67.7 km), from 7.7 km to 517.2 km. We discussed the potential implications for maintaining genetic diversity of the population and for wildlife diseases spreading.
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Morandi B, Bazzucchi A, Gambini S, Crotti S, Cruciani D, Morandi F, Napoleoni M, Piseddu T, Di Donato A, Gavaudan S. A novel intermediate host for Taenia serialis (Gervais, 1847): The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) from the Monti Sibillini National Park (MSNP), Italy. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:110-113. [PMID: 35024334 PMCID: PMC8733149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Taeniids are multi-host parasites with an indirect life cycle that strictly depends on a predator-prey relationship. Parasites with a complex life cycle may exhibit different degrees of host-specificity at each life stage. Knowing the host breadth is a fundamental concept of the biology and epidemiology of these multi-host parasites. Morphological identification of tapeworms is challenging and occasionally may produce misdiagnosis. Thus, molecular investigations were carried out for the identification of parasitic cysts detected from muscle tissues in a male roe deer necropsied at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” (Central Italy). Sanger sequencing showed 99% query cover, 2e-109 e-value, and 100% identity with Taenia serialis. The exact definitive host was not revealed in this report, but red foxes and Italian wolves may play a significant role as being widespread within the area. Wildlife surveillance is crucial to monitor for human and animal health since global distribution and flexibility in intermediate hosts of many and even more critical taeniids species may enlarge their host range. A new intermediate host for a not commonly detected tapeworm was documented. A new ecological niche might be hypothesized. Molecular investigation is crucial for the diagnosis of tapeworms to avoid misdiagnosis. To perform necropsy on wildlife is essential for the local and global understanding of free-living animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Morandi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alessandra Bazzucchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sofia Gambini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Crotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cruciani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Morandi
- Monti Sibillini National Park, P.zza Del Forno 1, 62039, Visso, Italy
| | - Maira Napoleoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Toni Piseddu
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Laboratory for Cystic Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Della Sardegna (IZS), Via Vienna 2, Sassari, 07100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Donato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Gavaudan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Umbria e Delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, Via G.Salvemini, 1, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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