Echinococcus in wild canids in Québec (Canada) and Maine (USA)

Schurer, Janna M.; Bouchard, Émilie; Bryant, Ann; Revell, Sarah; Chavis, Grace J.; Lichtenwalner, Anne; Jenkins, Emily J.

doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006712

Cited by 30 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Nematodes were preserved in glycerin–alcohol and slide mounted for identification. Although recent work has distinguished species of Echinococcus via DNA (Santa et al , 2018; Schurer et al , 2018), we did so via morphology, including hooks in the scolex (Jones and Pybus, 2008) to distinguish E. multilocularis from the potentially cohabiting E. canadensis via a random sample of slide-mounted specimens (n = 100) (Rausch, 1968). Voucher specimens have been submitted to the University of Alberta Parasite Collection (accession numbers UAPC-11588–11594).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Helminth parasites and zoonotic risk associated with urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada

et al. 2018

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Coyotes (Canis latrans) are resilient, adaptable, cosmopolitan omnivores that are increasingly prevalent in urban environments, where they interact with both humans and domestic dogs. Coyotes potentially transmit zoonotic parasites, including the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, which appears to be increasing in prevalence in western North America. In this study, we analysed the carcasses of 23 urban coyotes in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Focusing primarily on the helminth community, we recovered three tapeworm species (E. multilocularis, Taenia pisiformis, T. serialis), four nematodes (Toxascaris leonina, Uncinaria stenocephala, Capillaria sp., Physaloptera sp.), and two trematodes (Alaria arisaemoides and A. americana). Compared to previous studies of urban coyotes conducted in North America, we report one of the highest levels of E. multilocularis infection in North America: 65.2% infection prevalence. These results amplify concerns expressed by others about the increasing prevalence of this zoonotic parasite and the role coyotes may play in parasite transmission. More research is needed to better understand how various ecological factors, urbanization and wildlife management practices influence the transmission of potentially zoonotic parasites such as E. multilocularis.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Helminth parasites and zoonotic risk associated with urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada

et al. 2018

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“…Because of the similarity of the parasite's genotype to European strains, it seems unlikely that the infection was the result of expansion of the parasite's range from endemic areas of Ohio and Michigan. 4,17 An alternative possibility is range expansion of European-associated strains present in AE cases in southern Canada.…”

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confidence: 99%

Alveolar echinococcosis in a dog in the eastern United States

et al. 2020

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An 8-y-old Labrador Retriever was presented to a small animal practice in northern Virginia with a history of recent lethargy. Physical examination findings were unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed several large hepatic masses and multiple smaller masses involving the pancreas. Cytologic findings on fine-needle aspirates of the hepatic masses included inflammation and necrosis with eosinophilic, membranous oval structures consistent with cestode infection. Histopathologic findings for biopsies of these masses included extensive necrosis, inflammation, and PAS-positive hyaline-like membranous material interpreted as metacestode cyst wall. A PCR product was generated from aspirate material using primers specific for Echinococcus multilocularis. Subsequent sequence data were 100% homologous to E. multilocularis NADH dehydrogenase subunit I gene sequences. The dog received daily oral albendazole (10 mg/kg) treatment, but its condition deteriorated, and the dog was euthanized. The dog, born in Mississippi, was brought as a puppy to Virginia with no other travel history. To our knowledge, alveolar echinococcosis has not been reported previously in a dog in the United States; E. multilocularis infection was apparently acquired in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

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“…Adult Taenia pisiformis ( n = 3), T. hydatigena ( n = 1) and E. granulosus (G8/G10) ( n = 3 different wolves, Canis lupus ) were obtained from intestines of wolves sampled in eastern North America [18]. Adult E. multilocularis worms ( n = 1, coyote Canis latrans ) were obtained from the intestines of a coyote from SK, Canada (provided by Dr E. J. Jenkins, University of Saskatchewan).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A novel protocol to isolate, detect and differentiate taeniid eggs in leafy greens and berries using real-time PCR with melting curve analysis

et al. 2019

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BackgroundZoonotic taeniid cestodes are amongst the most important food-borne parasites affecting human health worldwide. Contamination of fresh produce with the eggs of Echinococcus granulosus (s.l.), Echinococcus multilocularis, and some Taenia species pose a potential food safety risk. However, very few studies have attempted to investigate the potential contamination of fresh produce with taeniid eggs and the available methods are not standardized for this purpose. Established protocols do exist for testing leafy greens and berries for contamination with protozoan parasites and are used in national surveillance programmes. This methodology could be suitable for the detection of taeniids. The objective of this project was to develop and standardize a sensitive and reliable method to detect contamination of leafy greens and berries with eggs of zoonotic taeniids and to differentiate between E. multilocularis, E. granulosus (s.l.) and Taenia spp.MethodsWe compared the efficacy of different wash solutions to remove Taenia spp. eggs from spiked produce, assessed two DNA extraction kits for their performance on Taenia spp. eggs, and adapted a published conventional multiplex PCR into a real-time PCR with fluorescence melting curve analysis (MCA) that was optimized for use on produce washes. Analytical specificity of this protocol was assessed using non-spiked produce washes as well as a variety of other potentially contaminating parasites.ResultsThe protocol as established in this study had an analytical sensitivity of detecting five eggs per spiked sample for both romaine lettuce and strawberries. Unequivocal identification of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus (s.l.) and Taenia spp. was possible through MCA. Amplicon sequencing allowed identification of Taenia to the species level. The real-time PCR also amplified DNA from Dicrocoelium sp., but with a clearly discernable melting curve profile.ConclusionThe new protocol for screening produce for taeniid contamination was highly sensitive. Melting curve analysis and the possibility of amplicon sequencing made this assay very specific. Once further validated, this method could be employed for surveillance of produce for contamination with taeniid parasites to assess potential risks for consumers.

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Echinococcus in wild canids in Québec (Canada) and Maine (USA)

Cited by 30 publications

References 22 publications

Helminth parasites and zoonotic risk associated with urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada

Helminth parasites and zoonotic risk associated with urban coyotes (Canis latrans) in Alberta, Canada

Alveolar echinococcosis in a dog in the eastern United States

A novel protocol to isolate, detect and differentiate taeniid eggs in leafy greens and berries using real-time PCR with melting curve analysis

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