Unexpected Echinococcus multilocularis infections in shepherd dogs and wolves in south-western Italian Alps: A new endemic area?

International Journal for Parasitology. Parasites and Wildlife
Alessandro MassoloFabio Macchioni

Abstract

The European distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on Echinococcus granulosus s.l. infections in wolves and dogs in the Italian Maritime Alps, we unexpectedly detected the presence of E. multilocularis eggs in four fecal samples from at least two shepherd dogs, and in five wolf fecal samples. This finding, in an area about 130 km south of the southernmost E. multilocularis report in the Alps, may suggest a rapid expansion southward. While infections in foxes are currently being investigated, these data seem to indicate the potential for a new E. multilocularis endemic area. If this will be confirmed, the implementation of surveillance programs in wild and domestic canids and preventative measures will become a priority.

Citations

Jun 12, 2020·Pathogens·R C Andrew Thompson
Dec 12, 2018·EFSA Journal·UNKNOWN European Food Safety Authority and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EFSA and ECDC)
Jul 7, 2020·EFSA Journal·UNKNOWN European Food Safety Authority and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EFSA and ECDC)

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
PCR
genotyping

Software Mentioned

BLAST
MEGA7

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