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Valderrábano Cano E, Penteriani V, Vega I, Delgado MDM, González-Bernardo E, Bombieri G, Zarzo-Arias A, Sánchez-Andrade Fernández R, Paz-Silva A. Influence of seasonality and biological activity on infection by helminths in Cantabrian bear. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100916. [PMID: 38379728 PMCID: PMC10877405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100916] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the variations of parasites in the feces of brown bears Ursus arctos inhabiting the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). A total of 248 bear fecal samples were collected throughout one year, spanning from August 2018 to September 2019, at an approximate frequency of 20 samples per month. The results were analyzed in relation to both the season and the biological activity of the brown bears, i.e., hibernation, mating and hyperphagia. Among the examined samples, eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (32.2%; 95% Confidence Interval: 26.4-38.1), Baylisascaris sp. (44.8%; 38.5-50.9), ancylostomatids (probably belonging to Uncinaria spp.) (16.5%; 11.9-21.1) and Trichuris sp. (1.2%; 0-2.6) were observed. Significant seasonal differences were noted for Baylisascaris and ancylostomatids (χ2 = 21.02, P = 0.001 and χ2 = 34.41, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of helminth eggs was correlated with the activity phase of the brown bears. Dicrocoelium attained the highest prevalence during the mating phase, while Baylisascaris and ancylostomatids were more frequent during hyperphagia. Notably, the highest egg-output counts for Dicrocoelium and Baylisascaris sp. were recorded during the mating phase and hibernation, respectively, whereas ancylostomatids eggs peaked during hyperphagia. Additionally, variations in egg-output counts were significant for all helminths concerning the season, with the exception of Trichuris sp., and for Dicrocoelium and Baylisascaris sp. According to bear activity. It is concluded that infection by gastrointestinal helminths depends on the season and the biological activity of the bears from the Cantabrian Mountains, and their health status could result influenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Valderrábano Cano
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
- Marcelle Natureza Zoological Park, 27154, Outeiro de Rei, Lugo, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Vega
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - María del Mar Delgado
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB, CSIC-UO-PA), Mieres Campus, 33600, Mieres, Spain
| | - Enrique González-Bernardo
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Av Fuente Nueva S/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
- University of Oviedo, C/ San Francisco, 3, E-33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Giulia Bombieri
- MUSE – Science Museum, Research & Collections Department, Conservation Biology Unit, Trento, Italy
| | - Alejandra Zarzo-Arias
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- University of Oviedo, C/ San Francisco, 3, E-33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Zárate Rodriguez PT, Collazos-Escobar LF, Benavides-Montaño JA. Endoparasites Infecting Domestic Animals and Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Rural High Mountains of Colombia. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100537. [PMID: 36288150 PMCID: PMC9608847 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is a threatened species, a member of the Ursidae family that lives in the Andes rural high mountain territories of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia near livestock areas. Parasites in the spectacled bear are a relevant area of interest to preserve this species and understand its habitats and interactions with farm animals. The present work aimed to evaluate the presence of endoparasites in both T. ornatus and domestic animals in these areas, by copro- parasitological examination. The results indicate that some parasites have zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. More sensitive molecular techniques are needed for further identification of the parasite species. Abstract This research described the co-infection prevalence of endoparasites in Tremartus ornatus and domestic animals in the rural high mountains of Colombia by copro-parasitological examination. Some parasites have a zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. T. ornatus had a notable infection with Eimeria spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostoma spp., and Baylisascaris spp. Cryptosporidium spp., Balantidium coli, Anoplocephala spp., and Acanthamoeba spp. In B. taurus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%) and represents 18% of the total parasitism. In E. caballus and B. taurus. Eimeria spp. coinfecting (34.7%), with the Strongylus spp. (21.9–25%). In T. ornatus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Ancylostoma spp. (36.2%), Cryptosporidium spp., Ascaris spp., Baylisascaris spp., and B. coli.
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Costa H, Hartasánchez R, Santos AR, Camarão A, Cruz L, Nascimento M, Gomes L, Madeira de Carvalho LM. Preliminary findings on the gastrointestinal parasites of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the Cantabrian mountains, Spain. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 28:100681. [PMID: 35115125 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
No study is currently available on the parasitofauna of the population of brown bears (Ursus arctos) inhabiting the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain. The aim of the present study was to obtain novel information on diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in these individuals. During August 2016 and from May to July 2017, 14 fecal samples were collected from the western Cantabrian bear subpopulation, in the Somiedo Natural Park, in the Spanish province of Asturias. The prevalence of parasites detected was 71% and two genera were identified: Dicrocoelium sp. and Trichuris sp. Since the impact that pathogens such as endoparasites can have on the health of bears, together with other stressors, is still poorly understood, research efforts that include disease surveillance are critical to the successful protection of this emblematic species. Our preliminary findings require further investigations, with a wider sampling effort, and bring awareness for the need of carrying further studies on this area as a part of a proactive species management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Costa
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Roberto Hartasánchez
- Fondo para la Protección de los Animales Salvajes, Tuñón, Santo Adriano, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ana Rita Santos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Camarão
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lígia Cruz
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Nascimento
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lídia Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís M Madeira de Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Juránková J, Hofmannová L, Frgelecová L, Daněk O, Modrý D. Baylisascaris transfuga (Ascaridoidea, Nematoda) from European brown bear (Ursus arctos) causing larva migrans in laboratory mice with clinical manifestation. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:645-651. [PMID: 34984542 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to the recent recovery of brown bear populations in Central Europe, information about their ascarid parasite, Baylisascaris transfuga is necessary as the parasite represents a part of natural ecological networks. B. transfuga can lead to larva migrans syndrome in accidental hosts, but its zoonotic potential has not been confirmed. The resent study compares development of larva migrans in infected mice inoculated with two infectious doses (ID 200 and ID 2000) of B. transfuga embryonated eggs, and the clinical manifestation to evaluate the pathogenicity of the larvae. Histopathology revealed that the liver was the most severely infected organ. The moderately infected organs included lung, brain, skeletal muscles and jejunum and the less infected ones were the eyes, heart, kidneys and spleen. The high pathogenicity of B. transfuga to mice was reflected in high mortality (33,3%) after infection, with mortality increasing with higher infectious dose. The results extend the knowledge of the interaction of B. transfuga and its aberrant hosts and contribute to the understanding of the epidemiology and transmission of this bears roundworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Lada Hofmannová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, Prague 6, 165 03, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Frgelecová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Daněk
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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ENDOPARASITES OF FORMOSAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS THIBETANUS FORMOSANUS) DURING ACORN SEASON IN YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:345-356. [PMID: 33822155 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00067] [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: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasite infection is one of the most important factors in wildlife conservation. However, fecal parasite profiles of threatened Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are only sporadically reported, and the effect of parasitic diseases on the survival of the locally endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Taiwan remains undetermined. The study objective was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasite profiles of Formosan black bears in Yushan National Park, the only known high-density habitat for the species in Taiwan. Bear fecal samples were collected in the acorn season (from October to February) from January 2008 to October 2012. To avoid bias created by repeat sampling, the parasite profiles of fecal samples collected in 2010 from 46 individually identified bears (which were identified by genetic analysis) were also examined. Parasites were isolated by various methods and identified by morphologic characteristics. A total of 220 samples were analyzed and the results were compared between seasons, sexes, and individuals. The overall frequency of parasite infection was 77.3%, and it varied by species, with Baylisascaris transfuga infection being the most frequent. We suggest that one factor underlying the high frequency and high intensity of infection that we observed is the fact that the bears seasonally congregated at high density in a small area. To our knowledge, this is the first thorough study of gastrointestinal parasites in Asiatic black bears. The long-term nature of the investigation and the relatively stable frequency and intensity of infection suggest that parasitic diseases could serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health.
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Samal SK, Fröbert O, Kindberg J, Stenvinkel P, Frostegård J. Potential natural immunization against atherosclerosis in hibernating bears. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12120. [PMID: 34108551 PMCID: PMC8190116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) hibernate for 5-6 months during winter, but despite kidney insufficiency, dyslipidemia and inactivity they do not seem to develop atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease (CVD). IgM antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) and malondialdehyde (anti-MDA) are associated with less atherosclerosis, CVD and mortality in uremia in humans and have anti-inflammatory and other potentially protective properties. PC but not MDA is exposed on different types of microorganisms. We determine anti-PC and anti-MDA in brown bears in summer and winter. Paired serum samples from 12 free ranging Swedish brown bears were collected during hibernation in winter and during active state in summer and analyzed for IgM, IgG, IgG1/2 and IgA anti-PC and anti-MDA by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). When determined as arbitrary units (median set at 100 for summer samples), significantly raised levels were observed in winter for anti-PC subclasses and isotypes, and for IgA anti-PC the difference was striking; 100 IQR (85.9-107.9) vs 782.3, IQR (422.8-1586.0; p < 0.001). In contrast, subclasses and isotypes of anti-MDA were significantly lower in winter except IgA anti-MDA, which was not detectable. Anti-PCs are significantly raised during hibernation in brown bears; especially IgA anti-PC was strikingly high. In contrast, anti-MDA titers was decreased during hibernation. Our observation may represent natural immunization with microorganisms during a vulnerable period and could have therapeutic implications for prevention of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh Kumar Samal
- Division of Immunology and Chronic Disease, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole Fröbert
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jonas Kindberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, 7485, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Frostegård
- Division of Immunology and Chronic Disease, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Molnár L, Königová A, Major P, Vasilková Z, Tomková M, Várady M. Seasonal Pattern of Prevalence and Excretion of Eggs of Baylisascaris transfuga in the Brown Bear ( Ursus arctos). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122428. [PMID: 33353114 PMCID: PMC7767011 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The main goal of this study was to monitor the seasonal dynamics of faecal egg counts (FEC) expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) and intensity of excretion of the egg nematode Baylisascaris transfuga in the European brown bear over three years. The number of nematode eggs in the faecal samples began to rise in the spring and peaked in the autumn throughout the study period. Presence of nematode eggs in the samples was also observed in the winter season. Of the environmental factors, the seasonal dynamics and intensity of the infection were most influenced by temperature, while humidity and mean precipitation did not affect it. Increasing mean temperatures during the winter and short or no hibernation together with the presence of B. transfuga infection may negatively affect the health of infected bears. Due to the zoonotic potential of the parasite and the increased occurrence of bears in the vicinity of human dwellings, the dissemination of propagative stages may also pose a threat to human health. Abstract The seasonal dynamics of the prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion by the nematode parasite Baylisascaris transfuga in the European brown bear (Ursus arctos) were monitored relative to environmental factors (mean temperature, humidity, and temperature) over three years. The prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion tended to increase from spring to autumn throughout the monitoring period. The seasonal prevalence (84.2–90.6%), abundance (470.2–545.3 eggs per gramme (EPG) of faeces), mean intensity of excretion (558.3–602.1 EPG), and number of eggs (1150 EPG) were highest in autumn. The prevalence of eggs (up to 48.5%), abundance (37.8–60.6 EPG), and mean intensity of excretion (94.4–125.0 EPG) were high in winter, despite the period of hibernation. The seasonal dynamics of B. transfuga abundance in bears, the mean temperature between spring and autumn, and the seasonal trend of increase in intensity of egg excretion with temperature from winter to summer were interrelated. Abundance differed significantly between winter and autumn, spring and autumn, and summer and autumn (p < 0.0001) in all years and between spring and summer in 2016 (p < 0.005), 2017 (p < 0.05). B. transfuga abundance differed significantly between the seasons over the three years only in spring (p ≤ 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Molnár
- Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (L.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Alžbeta Königová
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-6334455
| | - Peter Major
- Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (L.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Zuzana Vasilková
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Martina Tomková
- Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, Ďumbierska 26, 041 17 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Marián Várady
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
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Di Salvo AR, Chomel BB. Zoonoses and potential zoonoses of bears. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:3-13. [PMID: 31828973 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Captive and free-ranging wild bears can carry and transmit several zoonotic pathogens. A review of nearly 90 years of scientific publications concerning confirmed and potential zoonotic diseases that can be present in any of the eight species of bears in the world was conducted. The findings were organized amongst the following disease sections: bacterial, viral, protozoal, mycotic, helminth and arthropod-borne. The most commonly reported pathogens of concern were of parasitic (Trichinella, Toxoplasma) and bacterial (Francisella, Brucella) origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Di Salvo
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.,Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
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First record of natural Baylisascaris transfuga (Ascaridoidea, Nematoda) infection in wild rodents. Parasitology 2019; 146:1714-1718. [PMID: 31452476 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal parasitic nematode, Baylisascaris transfuga, was recorded in wild rodents for the first time. Representatives of four murid species (15 Myodes rufocanus, 10 M. rutilus, 3 M. glareolus and 27 Microtus oeconomus) were collected in the White Sea coastal habitats in the south of the Kola Peninsula, Russia in July 2015 and examined for parasites. Encapsulated nematode larvae were detected in the mesentery and the large intestine wall of one grey-sided vole (M. rufocanus) and one tundra vole (M. oeconomus). Based on morphology, the larvae were identified as belonging to the genus Baylisascaris Sprent 1968. The partial 18S rDNA sequence of the larvae from the voles was obtained and fully corresponded to the sequence of Baylisascaris transfuga in the NCBI GenBank. The ITS rDNA and CoxI mtDNA sequences these larvae were also similar to the respective B. transfuga sequences in GenBank. The presence of B. transfuga in wild rodents suggests that rodents can participate in the B. transfuga life cycle.
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10
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Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:370-383. [PMID: 31338295 PMCID: PMC6626844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g., fragmentation of the environment, land use, recycling in urban settings) have consistently favoured the encroachment of urban areas upon wild environments, ultimately causing alteration of many ecosystems with changes in the composition of the wild fauna and destruction of boundaries between domestic and wild environments. Therefore, the exchange of parasites from wild to domestic carnivores and vice versa have enhanced the public health relevance of wild carnivores and their potential impact in the epidemiology of many zoonotic parasitic diseases. The risk of transmission of zoonotic nematodes from wild carnivores to humans via food, water and soil (e.g., genera Ancylostoma, Baylisascaris, Capillaria, Uncinaria, Strongyloides, Toxocara, Trichinella) or arthropod vectors (e.g., genera Dirofilaria spp., Onchocerca spp., Thelazia spp.) and the emergence, re-emergence or the decreasing trend of selected infections is herein discussed. In addition, the reasons for limited scientific information about some parasites of zoonotic concern have been examined. A correct compromise between conservation of wild carnivores and risk of introduction and spreading of parasites of public health concern is discussed in order to adequately manage the risk of zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores in line with the 'One Health' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita’ degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
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