Cystic echinococcosis in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from southern Italy: Epidemiological survey and molecular characterization

Publication date: Available online 9 June 2019Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and WildlifeAuthor(s): Giovanni Sgroi, Antonio Varcasia, Giorgia Dessi, Nicola D'Alessio, Claudia Tamponi, Urmas Saarma, Teivi Laurimäe, Liina Kinkar, Mario Santoro, Vincenzo Caputo, Paolo Sarnelli, Giovanna Fusco, Paolo Varuzza, Alessandro Fioretti, Antonio Scala, Vincenzo VenezianoAbstractCystic Echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most important parasitic zoonotic diseases in the world and it represents an important public health and socio-economic concern. In the Mediterranean basin, CE is widespread and it is endemic in Italy, with major prevalence in southern areas. Several studies have investigated CE in domestic pigs, however, such data in wild boars are scant. In the last decades the wild boar population in Italy has increased and this ungulate could play an important role in the spreading of CE in the wild. Here we report on the prevalence and fertility rate of hydatid cysts in wild boars that were shot during two hunting seasons (2016–2017) in the Campania region of southern Italy.For each animal, a detailed inspection of the carcass and organs (lungs, liver and spleen) was performed and when cysts were found, their number, morphology and fertility were determined by visual and microscopic examination. Cysts were classified morphologically as fertile, sterile, caseous and calcified. Protoscoleces and germinal la...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research