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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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Sugden S, Steckler DK, Sanderson D, Abercrombie B, Abercrombie D, Seguin MA, Ford K, St. Clair CC. Age-dependent relationships among diet, body condition, and Echinococcus multilocularis infection in urban coyotes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290755. [PMID: 37647321 PMCID: PMC10468061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in North America increasingly exhibit a high prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode of recent and rising public health concern that uses rodents as intermediate hosts and canids as definitive hosts. However, little is known about the factors that drive the high urban prevalence of this parasite. We hypothesized that the diet of urban coyotes may contribute to their higher E. multilocularis infection prevalence via either (a) greater exposure to the parasite from increased rodent consumption or (b) increased susceptibility to infection due to the negative health effects of consuming anthropogenic food. We tested these hypotheses by comparing the presence and intensity of E. multilocularis infection to physiological data (age, sex, body condition, and spleen mass), short-term diet (stomach contents), and long-term diet (δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes) in 112 coyote carcasses collected for reasons other than this study from Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding area. Overall, the best predictor of infection status in this population was young age, where the likelihood of infection decreased with age in rural coyotes but not urban ones. Neither short- nor long-term measures of diet could predict infection across our entire sample, but we found support for our initial hypotheses in young, urban coyotes: both rodent and anthropogenic food consumption effectively predicted E. multilocularis infection in this population. The effects of these predictors were more variable in rural coyotes and older coyotes. We suggest that limiting coyote access to areas in which anthropogenic food and rodent habitat overlap (e.g., compost piles or garbage sites) may effectively reduce the risk of infection, deposition, and transmission of this emerging zoonotic parasite in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Sugden
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Deanna K. Steckler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dana Sanderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bill Abercrombie
- Animal Damage Control, Bushman Inc., Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - M. Alexis Seguin
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, Maine, United States of America
| | - Kyra Ford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Mori K, Rock M, McCormack G, Liccioli S, Giunchi D, Marceau D, Stefanakis E, Massolo A. Fecal contamination of urban parks by domestic dogs and tragedy of the commons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3462. [PMID: 36859468 PMCID: PMC9977951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30225-7] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of public parks by dogs is a potential source of conflict among park users, causing "tragedy of the commons" problems. Besides the social conflict, feces can pose serious health risks to both dogs and humans. In this study we analyzed the extent and patterns of the distribution of dog feces in the urban parks of the City of Calgary. We collected dog feces from randomly selected locations in the urban parks. The average density of dog feces by the different dog leash policies of the parks and the distribution pattern of the fecal density within the parks were assessed, and the total contamination of the public parks for the entire city was estimated. We found off-leash parks to be significantly more contaminated than other types of parks. We estimated 127.23 g/ha of dog feces are left unpicked in city parks in total every week. Dog feces were found more often and in greater amount in off-leash parks, and near park entrances and parking lots, than in on-leash parks and away from the park entrances. These results suggest that public park visitors, especially those visiting off-leash parks, are likely to be exposed to large amounts of dog feces. Designation of parks as on-leash and educating dog-owners may be an effective approach for reducing the fecal contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Mori
- grid.31432.370000 0001 1092 3077Graduate School of Human Development and Environment/Department of Human Environmental Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo Japan
| | - Melanie Rock
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Gavin McCormack
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Stefano Liccioli
- grid.451141.4Grasslands National Park, Parks Canada Agency, Val Marie, SK Canada
| | - Dimitri Giunchi
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Danielle Marceau
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Emmanuel Stefanakis
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besancon, France.
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Mori K, Massolo A, Marceau D, Stefanakis E. Modelling the epidemiology of zoonotic parasites transmitted through a predator-prey system in urban landscapes: The Calgary Echinococcus multilocularis Coyote Agent-based model (CEmCA). Ecol Modell 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.110177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Massolo A, Simoncini A, Romig T. The ‘bridge effect’ by intermediate hosts may explain differential distributions of Echinococcus species. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:501-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Santa MA, Musiani M, Ruckstuhl KE, Massolo A. A review on invasions by parasites with complex life cycles: the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America as a model. Parasitology 2021; 148:1532-1544. [PMID: 35060461 PMCID: PMC8564803 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In a fast-changing and globalized world, parasites are moved across continents at an increasing pace. Co-invasion of parasites and their hosts is leading to the emergence of infectious diseases at a global scale, underlining the need for integration of biological invasions and disease ecology research. In this review, the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing the invasion process of parasites with complex life cycles were analysed, using the invasion of the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America as a model. The aim was to propose an ecological framework for investigating the invasion of parasites that are trophically transmitted through predator–prey interactions, showing how despite the complexity of the cycles and the interactions among multiple hosts, such parasites can overcome multiple barriers and become invasive. Identifying the key ecological processes affecting the success of parasite invasions is an important step for risk assessment and development of management strategies, particularly for parasites with the potential to infect people (i.e. zoonotic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Santa
- Department of Biology, University of Calgary, AlbertaT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biology, University of Calgary, AlbertaT2N 1N4, Canada
| | | | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, AlbertaT2N 4Z6, Canada
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, 25030, France
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Santa MA, Rezansoff AM, Chen R, Gilleard JS, Musiani M, Ruckstuhl KE, Massolo A. Deep amplicon sequencing highlights low intra-host genetic variability of Echinococcus multilocularis and high prevalence of the European-type haplotypes in coyotes and red foxes in Alberta, Canada. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009428. [PMID: 34038403 PMCID: PMC8153462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) is a zoonotic parasite considered a global emergent pathogen. Recent findings indicate that the parasite is expanding its range in North America and that European-type haplotypes are circulating in western Canada. However, genetic analyses are usually conducted only on a few parasites out of thousands of individuals within each definitive host, likely underestimating the prevalence of less common haplotypes. Moreover, mixed infections with several mtDNA haplotypes in the same host have been reported, but their relative abundance within the host was never estimated. We aimed to 1) estimate the frequency of co-infections of different Em haplotypes in coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from western Canada and their relative abundance within the definitive hosts, 2) detect less prevalent haplotypes by sampling a larger proportion of the parasite subpopulation per host, and 3) investigate differences in the distribution of Em haplotypes in these main definitive hosts; foxes and coyotes. We extracted DNA from ~10% of the worm subpopulation per host (20 foxes and 47 coyotes) and used deep amplicon sequencing (NGS technology) on four loci, targeting the most polymorphic regions from the mitochondrial genes cox1 (814 bp), nad1 (344 bp), and cob (387 bp). We detected the presence of mixed infections with multiple Em haplotypes and with different Echinococcus species including Em and E. granulosus s.l. genotypes G8/G10, low intraspecific diversity of Em, and a higher abundance of the European-type haplotypes in both hosts. Our results suggest a population expansion of the European over the North American strain in Alberta and a limited distribution of some European-type haplotypes. Our findings indicate that deep amplicon sequencing represents a valuable tool to characterize Em in multiple hosts, to assess the current distribution and possible origins of the European strain in North America. The potential use of next-generation sequencing technologies is particularly important to understand the patterns of geographic expansion of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Santa
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew M. Rezansoff
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host Parasite Interactions (HPI) program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host Parasite Interactions (HPI) program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John S. Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host Parasite Interactions (HPI) program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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Pipas MJ, Fowler DR, Bardsley KD, Bangoura B. Survey of coyotes, red foxes and wolves from Wyoming, USA, for Echinococcus granulosus s. l. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1335-1340. [PMID: 33521842 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07059-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The paraphyletic group Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is comprised of parasitic tapeworms of wild and domestic canids such as wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (Canis latrans), which serve as definitive hosts, and ungulates, which are the intermediate hosts. Members of this tapeworm group are characterized by both cosmopolitan distribution and zoonotic disease potential. This survey (conducted from 2012 through 2017) was designed to provide insight into the prevalence and distribution of this parasite in wild canids in Wyoming. Echinococcus sp. infections were documented in 14 of 22 gray wolves (63.6%), 1 of 182 coyotes (0.55%) and 0 of 5 red foxes (Vulpes fulva). Echinococcus granulosus s. l. was confirmed in 4 of these 14 specimens obtained from wolves with two parasite specimens corresponding morphologically with E. canadensis (G8/G10). These results suggest that wolves serve as the major definitive host of E. granulosus s. l. in Wyoming, while coyotes do not play an equivalent role. Limited sample size precludes evaluation of the importance of the red fox as a favorable definitive host. Whereas this study documents the occurrence of E. granulosus s. l. in Wyoming, the zoonotic disease risk does not appear to be high. Education remains the key to disease prevention, coupled with good hygienic practices by humans and anthelmintic treatment of domestic dogs exhibiting elevated risk of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Pipas
- USDA Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Disease Program, 6731 W. Coal Road, Casper, WY, 82604, USA.
| | - David R Fowler
- USDA Wildlife Services, 123 Williams Road, Pavillion, WY, 82523, USA
| | - Katherine D Bardsley
- Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
| | - Berit Bangoura
- Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
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Toews E, Musiani M, Checkley S, Visscher D, Massolo A. A global assessment of Echinococcus multilocularis infections in domestic dogs: proposing a framework to overcome past methodological heterogeneity. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:379-392. [PMID: 33482171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of human Alveolar Echinococcosis, is transmitted between small mammals and wild or domestic canids. Dogs infected with E. multilocularis as dead-end hosts. Whereas E. multilocularis infections in wild hosts and humans have been well-studied in recent decades, infections in domestic dogs are sparsely reported. This literature review and meta-analysis highlighted gaps in the available data and provided a re-assessment of the global distribution of domestic dog E. multilocularis infections. We found 46 published articles documenting the prevalence of E. multilocularis in domestic dogs from 21 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Apparent prevalence estimates ranged from 0.00% (0.00-0.33%) in Germany to 55.50% (26.67-81.12%) in China. Most studies were conducted in areas of high human Alveolar Echinococcosis. By accounting for reassessed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, we estimated true prevalence in a subset of studies, which varied between 0.00% (0.00-12.42%) and 41.09% (21.12-65.81%), as these true prevalence estimates were seldom reported in the articles themselves. Articles also showed a heavy emphasis on rural dogs, dismissing urban ones, which is concerning due to the role urbanisation plays in the transmission of zoonotic diseases, especially those utilising pets as definitive hosts. Lastly, population studies on canine Alveolar Echinococcosis were absent, highlighting the relative focus on human rather than animal health. We thus developed a framework for investigating domestic dog E. multilocularis infections and performing risk assessment of dog-associated transmission to fill the gaps found in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Toews
- Department of Biology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sylvia Checkley
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Precision Laboratories, Alberta Health Services, 3535 Research Rd NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2K8, Canada; O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Darcy Visscher
- Department of Biology, The King's University, 9125 - 50 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2H3, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030 Besançon, France.
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Wildlife-transmitted Taenia and Versteria cysticercosis and coenurosis in humans and other primates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:342-358. [PMID: 31338294 PMCID: PMC6626850 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wild mustelids and canids are definitive hosts of Taenia and Versteria spp. while rodents act as natural intermediate hosts. Rarely, larval stages of these parasites can cause serious zoonoses. In Europe, four cases of Taenia martis cysticercosis have been diagnosed in immunocompetent women, and two cases in zoo primates since 2013. In North America, a zoonotic genotype related but distinct from Versteria mustelae has been identified in 2014, which had caused a fatal infection in an orangutan and liver- and disseminated cysticercoses in two severely immune deficient human patients in 2018, respectively. Additionally, we could attribute a historic human case from the USA to this Versteria sp. by reanalysing a published nucleotide sequence. In the last decades, sporadic zoonotic infections by cysticerci of the canid tapeworm Taenia crassiceps have been described (4 in North America, 8 in Europe). Besides, 3 ocular cases from North America and one neural infection from Europe, all in immunocompetent patients, 6 cutaneous infections were described in severely immunocompromised European patients. Correspondingly, besides oral infections with taeniid eggs, accidental subcutaneous oncosphere establishment after egg-contamination of open wounds was suggested, especially in cases with a history of cutaneous injuries at the infection site. Taenia multiceps is mainly transmitted in a domestic cycle. Only five human coenurosis cases are published since 2000. In contrast, T. serialis coenurosis (1 human case since 2000) is primarily transmitted by wild canids. The etiological diagnosis of exotic cysticercoses is challenging. Usually, clinical material does not allow for a morphological identification, and serological tests are not available. These limitations have partly been overcome by molecular tools. Without claiming any dramatic emergence of cysticercoses and coenuroses transmitted by wild carnivores, further sporadic cases of such ‘exotic’ infections have to be expected. Wild canids and mustelids transmit rare but potentially fatal cysticercoses and coenuroses. Martens and weasels can rarely transmit dangerous parasitic infections. Tapeworm eggs may contaminate wounds and develop locally. In North America, the mustelid tapeworm Versteria causes severe human infections. Molecular analyses from minute clinical material allows for a specific diagnosis.
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Rodent population cycle as a determinant of gastrointestinal nematode abundance in a low-arctic population of the red fox. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:36-41. [PMID: 30976515 PMCID: PMC6441723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed an 11-year time series (2005-2015) of parasite abundance for three intestinal nematode species in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a function of the multi-annual rodent population cycle in low-arctic Norway, while correcting for other potential covariates that could influence prevalence and abundance. Rodents are paratenic and facultative intermediate hosts for the two Ascarididae species Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara canis, respectively and key prey for the red fox. Still the relative importance of indirect transmission through rodents and direct transmission through free-living stages is unclear. Abundance of these Ascarididae species in individual red foxes (N = 612) exhibited strongly cyclic dynamics that closely mirrored the 4-year rodent cycle. Negative binomial models provided evidence for a direct proportional increase in Ascarididae abundance with rodent density suggesting that predator functional response to rodent prey is the key transmission mechanism. In contrast, no cycles and constantly very low abundance were apparent for Uncinaria stenocephala - a third nematode species recorded without paratenic or intermediate stages.
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Mori K, Liccioli S, Marceau D, Massolo A. A community analysis approach to parasite transmission in multi-host systems: Assemblages of small mammal prey and Echinococcus multilocularis in an urban area in North America. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:49-55. [PMID: 30993074 PMCID: PMC6449735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) is a parasite with a complex life cycle whose transmission involves a predator-prey interaction. Accidental ingestion of Em eggs by humans may cause alveolar echinococcosis, a potentially fatal disease. Although previous research suggested that the composition of the assemblage of prey species may play a key role in the transmission, the relation between Em presence and the prey assemblages has never been analyzed. Herein, we propose a community analysis approach, based on assemblage similarity statistics, clustering, non-metric dimensional scaling and GLM modelling to analyze the relationships between small mammal assemblages, environmental variables, and the prevalence of Em in intermediate and definitive hosts in an urban area. Results In our study areas within the City of Calgary, Alberta (Canada), we identified three main small mammal assemblages associated with different prevalence of Em, characterized by a different proportion of species known to be good intermediate hosts for Em. As expected, assemblages with higher proportion of species susceptible to Em were observed with higher prevalence of parasite, whereas the total abundance per se of small mammals was not a predictor of transmission likely due to dilution effect. Furthermore, these assemblages were also predicted by simple environmental proxies such as land cover and terrain. Conclusions Our results indicated that the use of a community analysis approach allows for robust characterization of these complex and multivariate relationships, and may offer a promising tool for further understanding of parasite epidemiology in complex multi-host systems. In addition, this analysis indicates that it is possible to predict potential foci of disease risk within urban areas using environmental data commonly available to city planners and land managers. Three types of small mammal assemblages were identified in urban areas. The assemblage types were associated with the prevalence of E.multilocularis. Environmental proxies for the assemblages and prevalence were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Mori
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stefano Liccioli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Grasslands National Park, Parks Canada Agency, Val Marie, SK, S0N2T0, Canada
| | - Danielle Marceau
- Department of Geomatics Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-Environment, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besancon, France
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Neospora caninum DNA in Coyote Fecal Samples Collected in an Urban Environment. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:196-199. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-02-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Helminth parasites and zoonotic risk associated with urban coyotes ( Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada. J Helminthol 2018; 94:e25. [PMID: 30588908 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1800113x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are resilient, adaptable, cosmopolitan omnivores that are increasingly prevalent in urban environments, where they interact with both humans and domestic dogs. Coyotes potentially transmit zoonotic parasites, including the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, which appears to be increasing in prevalence in western North America. In this study, we analysed the carcasses of 23 urban coyotes in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Focusing primarily on the helminth community, we recovered three tapeworm species (E. multilocularis, Taenia pisiformis, T. serialis), four nematodes (Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Capillaria sp., Physaloptera sp.), and two trematodes (Alaria arisaemoides and A. americana). Compared to previous studies of urban coyotes conducted in North America, we report one of the highest levels of E. multilocularis infection in North America: 65.2% infection prevalence. These results amplify concerns expressed by others about the increasing prevalence of this zoonotic parasite and the role coyotes may play in parasite transmission. More research is needed to better understand how various ecological factors, urbanization and wildlife management practices influence the transmission of potentially zoonotic parasites such as E. multilocularis.
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Gomo G, Mattisson J, Hagen BR, Moa PF, Willebrand T. Scavenging on a pulsed resource: quality matters for corvids but density for mammals. BMC Ecol 2017; 17:22. [PMID: 28619108 PMCID: PMC5472881 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-017-0132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human food subsidies can provide predictable food sources in large quantities for wildlife species worldwide. In the boreal forest of Fennoscandia, gut piles from moose (Alces alces) harvest provide a potentially important food source for a range of opportunistically scavenging predators. Increased populations of predators can negatively affect threatened or important game species. As a response to this, restrictions on field dressing of moose are under consideration in parts of Norway. However, there is a lack of research to how this resource is utilized. In this study, we used camera-trap data from 50 gut piles during 1043 monitoring days. We estimated depletion of gut piles separately for parts with high and low energy content, and used these results to scale up gut pile density in the study area. We identified scavenger species and analyzed the influences of gut pile quality and density on scavenging behavior of mammals and corvids (family Corvidae). Results Main scavengers were corvids and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Parts with high energy content were rapidly consumed, mainly by corvids that were present at all gut piles shortly after the remains were left at the kill site. Corvid presence declined with days since harvest, reflecting reduction in gut pile quality over time independent of gut pile density. Mammals arrived 7–8 days later at the gut piles than corvids, and their presence depended only on gut pile density with a peak at intermediate densities. The decline at high gut pile densities suggest a saturation effect, which could explain accumulation of gut pile parts with low energy content. Conclusions This study shows that remains from moose harvest can potentially be an important food resource for scavengers, as it was utilized to a high degree by many species. This study gives novel insight into how energy content and density of resources affect scavenging patterns among functional groups of scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Mattisson
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), 7484, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Tomas Willebrand
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418, Elverum, Norway
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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: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [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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Sint D, Sporleder M, Wallinger C, Zegarra O, Oehm J, Dangi N, Giri YP, Kroschel J, Traugott M. A two‐dimensional pooling approach towards efficient detection of parasitoid and pathogen
DNA
at low infestation rates. Methods Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Sint
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit Institute of Ecology University of Innsbruck Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Marc Sporleder
- The International Potato Center (CIP) DCE Crop Systems Intensification and Climate Change (CSI‐CC) Apartado 1558 Lima 12 Peru
| | - Corinna Wallinger
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit Institute of Ecology University of Innsbruck Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Octavio Zegarra
- The International Potato Center (CIP) DCE Crop Systems Intensification and Climate Change (CSI‐CC) Apartado 1558 Lima 12 Peru
| | - Johannes Oehm
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit Institute of Ecology University of Innsbruck Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
| | - Naresh Dangi
- Entomology Division Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) Khumaltar 44700 Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Yagya P. Giri
- Entomology Division Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) Khumaltar 44700 Lalitpur Nepal
| | - Jürgen Kroschel
- The International Potato Center (CIP) DCE Crop Systems Intensification and Climate Change (CSI‐CC) Apartado 1558 Lima 12 Peru
| | - Michael Traugott
- Mountain Agriculture Research Unit Institute of Ecology University of Innsbruck Technikerstraße 25 6020 Innsbruck Austria
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Cadavid Restrepo AM, Yang YR, McManus DP, Gray DJ, Giraudoux P, Barnes TS, Williams GM, Soares Magalhães RJ, Hamm NAS, Clements ACA. The landscape epidemiology of echinococcoses. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:13. [PMID: 26895758 PMCID: PMC4759770 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0109-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcoses are parasitic diseases of major public health importance globally. Human infection results in chronic disease with poor prognosis and serious medical, social and economic consequences for vulnerable populations. According to recent estimates, the geographical distribution of Echinococcus spp. infections is expanding and becoming an emerging and re-emerging problem in several regions of the world. Echinococcosis endemicity is geographically heterogeneous and over time it may be affected by global environmental change. Therefore, landscape epidemiology offers a unique opportunity to quantify and predict the ecological risk of infection at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Here, we review the most relevant environmental sources of spatial variation in human echinococcosis risk, and describe the potential applications of landscape epidemiological studies to characterise the current patterns of parasite transmission across natural and human-altered landscapes. We advocate future work promoting the use of this approach as a support tool for decision-making that facilitates the design, implementation and monitoring of spatially targeted interventions to reduce the burden of human echinococcoses in disease-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Cadavid Restrepo
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Yu Rong Yang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, P. R. China.
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, New South Wales, Australia.
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Patrick Giraudoux
- Chrono-environment lab, UMR6249, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté/CNRS, Besançon, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
| | - Tamsin S Barnes
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhães
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A S Hamm
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, New South Wales, Australia.
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Liccioli S, Giraudoux P, Deplazes P, Massolo A. Wilderness in the 'city' revisited: different urbes shape transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis by altering predator and prey communities. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:297-305. [PMID: 25985897 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The urbanization of Echinococcus multilocularis, the agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), is a public health concern worldwide. Here we propose to consider 'urban' habitats under a broad ecological perspective and discuss the effects of human settlements (urbes) on host communities and the process of parasite urbanization. We argue that interactions between landscape features (i.e., landscape composition and configuration) and host communities can shape the heterogeneity of transmission gradients observed within and across different types of human settlement. Due to unique ecological characteristics and public health management priorities, we envisage urban landscapes as a model system to further increase our understanding of host-parasite interactions shaping the circulation of E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Liccioli
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Patrick Giraudoux
- Chrono-environment Lab, UMR6249 and Institut Universitaire de France University of Franche-Comté and CNRS, Besançon, France
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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