1
|
Scarcelli S, Buono F, D'Alessio N, Rea S, Castaldo E, Pesce A, Locantore F, Fioretti A, Marucci G, Sgroi G, Modrý D, Veneziano V. Trichinella spp. in wolves (Canis lupus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of southern Italy. Res Vet Sci 2024; 179:105381. [PMID: 39213743 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Scarcelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Rea
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy
| | - Elisa Castaldo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Pesce
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Section of Avellino, Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Locantore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of southern Italy, Department of Animal Health, Portici, Italy.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rojas A, Germitsch N, Oren S, Sazmand A, Deak G. Wildlife parasitology: sample collection and processing, diagnostic constraints, and methodological challenges in terrestrial carnivores. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:127. [PMID: 38481271 PMCID: PMC10938792 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores' health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Nina Germitsch
- Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3, Canada.
| | - Stephanie Oren
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marin AM, Mederle OA, Marucci G, Popovici DC, Mederle N. First Identification and Molecular Characterization of Trichinella britovi (Nematoda: Trichinellidae) from the Pine Marten ( Martes martes Linnaeus, 1758) in Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2339. [PMID: 37764183 PMCID: PMC10534309 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092339] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are etiological zoonotic agents spread throughout the world and affect mammals, birds, and reptiles; they evolve via two cycles: domestic and sylvatic. Martes martes is a carnivorous nocturnal mammal from the family Mustelidae. In Romania, this host is widespread in all forests of the country. Martes martes has an extremely voracious appetite, feeding on fruit and also on a variety of small animals, including rodents such as mice and rats. The aim of this study was the identification and molecular characterization of Trichinella larvae isolated from the muscle tissue of Martes martes collected in different counties of Romania. The muscle samples were examined via artificial digestion, and the larvae were identified at the species level via multiplex PCR. The presence of larvae belonging to Trichinella britovi, a species frequently identified in wild carnivores in temperate zones, was observed. Although T. britovi has been already reported in several host species in Romania, this is the first time this species has been observed in a Martes martes specimen. This finding contributes to our knowledge about the host species involved in the maintenance of the Trichinella sylvatic cycle in Romania, and it confirms that this parasite is consistently present in the wild fauna of this country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Marin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Ovidiu-Alexandru Mederle
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” from Timisoara, No. 2 Piaţa Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Dan-Cornel Popovici
- Forestry Faculty, Transilvania University Brasov, No. 1 Sirul Beethoven, 500123 Brasov, Romania;
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marin AM, Popovici DC, Dărăbuș G, Marian C, Nițușcă D, Mederle N. The First Identification of Trichinella britovi in the Raccoon Dog ( Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Romania. Pathogens 2023; 12:1132. [PMID: 37764940 PMCID: PMC10535435 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091132] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are nematodes distributed throughout the world that affect an impressive number of host animals (mammals, birds, and reptiles) involved in the evolution of two cycles, the domestic and the sylvatic. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an omnivorous mammal with great ecological plasticity. The expansion of the raccoon dog in Europe is associated with the risk of the introduction and spread of different pathogens, especially zoonotic ones (Trichinella, Echinococcus). Currently, the raccoon dog's range in Romania is limited to the Danube Delta area, the Lower Danube Meadow, and the Prut Meadow. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of Trichinella larvae isolated from the muscles of raccoon dog from six hunting funds of Giurgeni, Ialomița County, Romania. The muscle samples were examined via artificial digestion, and the obtained larvae were processed via multiplex PCR. The PCR-amplified ESV and ITS1 DNA fragments were then sequenced for species confirmation. The species Trichinella britovi, which is the most common species identified in wild carnivores in temperate zones, was confirmed. Although T. britovi has been reported in several host animals in Romania, this case report confirms its presence in the raccoon dog for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Marin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Dan-Cornel Popovici
- Forestry Faculty, Transilvania University Brasov, No. 1 Sirul Beethoven, 500123 Brasov, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (G.D.); (N.M.)
| | - Cătălin Marian
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, No. 2 Piaţa Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Diana Nițușcă
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, No. 2 Piaţa Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (G.D.); (N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Veronesi F, Deak G, Diakou A. Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020178. [PMID: 36839450 PMCID: PMC9964259 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neogale vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals' health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Veronesi
- Parasitology Laboratory of the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06124 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (F.V.); (G.D.); (A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trichinella britovi in wild boar meat from Italy, 2015-2021: A citizen science approach to surveillance. One Health 2022; 16:100480. [PMID: 36632478 PMCID: PMC9826805 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100480] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the increase of game meat intended for human consumption through Europe, a plethora of food-borne diseases, including trichinellosis, may occur in consumers, posing a relevant public health threat. Thus, this study aims to a citizen science approach to monitor the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, evaluating the risk of infection for consumers. Following the European Regulation 2015/1375 (laying down specific rules on official controls for Trichinella in meat), from 2015 to 2021, hunters (n = 478) were involved to collect diaphragm pillar samples of wild boars from mainland southern Italy, which were tested for Trichinella spp. L1 larvae via HCl-pepsin digestion and Multiplex PCR. Overall, 139,160 animals were collected (average of 19,880 per year), being 14 (i.e., 0.01%) tested positive to Trichinella britovi by the combined biochemical and molecular approach. An average larval burden of 28.4 L1 per gram of meat was found (minimum 3.2 - maximum 132.6). A statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence according to hunting seasons (p < 0.01, with higher values in 2016 and 2021) and regions of the study area (p < 0.01). No statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of T. britovi throughout the study period was found (p = 0.51), except in Apulia region (p < 0.01). These findings revealed a stable prevalence of T. britovi in wild boar meat intended for human consumption, suggesting a risk of infection for consumers, especially hunters and local markets users. Citizen science surveillance models could be promoted to improve trichinellosis control and prevention in a One Health perspective.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gherman CM, Boros Z, Băieș MH, Cozma-Petruț A, Cozma V. A review of Trichinella species infection in wild animals in Romania. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00178. [PMID: 36072477 PMCID: PMC9442334 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are important zoonotic parasites present throughout Romania. This study aimed to assess the status of Trichinella species in wild animals in Romania over the past 30 years. A literature review of original studies concerning the only two species (out of the four in Europe) of Trichinella (T. spiralis and T. britovi) confirmed in wildlife from Romania was conducted and corroborated with the results of our original research concerning the topic. This review article has shown that, in Romania, European minks were infected with T. spiralis, while wolves, European wild cats, Eurasian lynx, golden jackals, stone marten, and European badgers were infected with T. britovi, respectively. Both Trichinella species have been identified in foxes, bears, wild boars, and ermines, but mixed infections have been found only in European polecats. Trichinella infection is still significantly present in Romania, infecting several wild omnivorous and carnivorous species in an equal manner, with different prevalence rates over the years. Regarding the spatial distribution of T. spiralis and T. britovi in Romania, both species can be found all over the country, but in wild animals, T. britovi is the most prevalent. Trichinella spiralis and T. britovi have been confirmed in wild animals in Romania. The highest prevalence rates for Trichinella spp. have been found in wolves, bears, and foxes. Similar prevalence rates have been identified for T. britovi and T. spiralis in wild omnivores and carnivores.
Collapse
|