Global and local drivers of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in the western Balkan region

Abstract

The cestode, Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most threatening parasitic challenges in the European Union. Despite the warming climate, the parasite intensively spread in Europe's colder and warmer regions. Little is known about the expansion of E. multilocularis in the Balkan region. Ordinary least squares, geographically weighted and multi-scale geographically weighted regressions were used to detect global and local drivers that influenced the prevalence in red foxes and golden jackals in the southwestern part of Hungary. Based on the study of 391 animals, the overall prevalence exceeded 18% (in fox 15.2%, in jackal 21.1%). The regression models revealed that the wetland had a global effect (β = 0.391, p = 0.006). In contrast, on the local scale, the mean annual precipitation (β = 0.285, p = 0.008) and the precipitation seasonality (β = − 0.211, p = 0.014) had statistically significant effects on the infection level. The geospatial models suggested that microclimatic effects might compensate for the disadvantages of a warmer Mediterranean climate. This study calls attention to fine-scale analysis and locally acting environmental factors, which can delay the expected epidemic fade-out. The findings of our study are suggested to consider in surveillance strategies.

Suitability of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis based on egg production characteristics

“…The variation in selective effect of different types of hosts causes oscillation in the gene frequency, thus relative breeding success of different generations [14,43]. Previous studies in the same carnivore communities suggested that golden jackal might generate a higher risk for HAE than red fox [11,44].…”

“…The research is based on worms collected from red fox and golden jackal specimens investigated in previous studies [11,44]. All specimens originated from carcasses, which were harvested by legal hunt in the framework of authorised wildlife management plans.…”

“…Other canine hosts, such as domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), grey wolf (Canis lupus), coyotes (Canis latrans) and golden jackal (Canis aureus), possess secondary role in the maintenance of E. multilocularis [10]. However, human-mediated expansion of mesocarnivore populations can increase the risk of hyperendemic formation locally, as it is experienced in suburban coyotes around the city of Calgary, Canada [10], and in golden jackals in the Western Balkan region [11].…”