Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in dogs
By Karamon, Jacek et al.·Published in Folia parasitologica·2016·Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs in a highly endemic area of Poland.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs in Poland were found to be infected with Echinococcus multilocularis, a type of tapeworm that can be harmful to both pets and humans. This was the first time this parasite has been detected in dogs in the area, which is known for high rates of infection in local wildlife like red foxes. The dogs were tested using specialized lab techniques, and while most dogs had other types of tapeworms, only these two showed positive results for E. multilocularis. It's important for pet owners in this region to be aware of this parasite and discuss preventive measures with their veterinarian.
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Abstract
The aim of the investigation was to estimate the epizootic situation concerning infection by the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus) from a Polish region where this parasite is highly prevalent in red foxes. Faecal samples (n = 148) were collected from rural dogs in Podkarpackie Province. Samples were examined through nested PCR (for E. multilocularis), multiplex PCR (E. multilocularis, species of Taenia Linnaeus, 1758) and PCR [E. granulosus (Batsch, 1786)]. Specific products were sequenced. Faeces were also examined coproscopically. In samples from two dogs (1.4%), there were positive PCR results for E. multilocularis. Taenia-specific PCR products were found in nine dogs (6.1%). Sequencing identified Taenia serialis (Gervais, 1847), T. hydatigena Pallas, 1766, T. pisiformis (Bloch, 1780) and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Batsch, 1786). One sample (0.7%) was identified as Mesocestoides litteratus (Batsch, 1786). All samples were negative for E. granulosus with PCR. Taking into account coproscopic and PCR results, 28% of dogs were infected with helminths (8% with tapeworms). It should be stressed that one of the infected with E. multilocularis dogs shed eggs of the Taenia type and had a habit of preying on rodents. This investigation revealed the presence of E. multilocularis in dogs for the first time in Poland.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27311792/