The Grey Wolf As a Host of . and Other Helminths - a New Zoonotic Threat in Poland

Overview

Journal J Vet Res

Publisher Sciendo

Date 2025 Jan 8

PMID 39776693

Authors

Jacek Karamon

Malgorzata Samorek-Pierog

Ewa Bilska-Zajac

Weronika Korpysa-Dzirba

Jacek Sroka

Jolanta Zdybel

Tomasz Cencek

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of spp. and other helminth infections in grey wolves in south-eastern Poland.

Material And Methods: Overall, 74 samples of wolf faeces were examined with a multiplex PCR and a system of real-time quantitative PCR methods to detect and identify spp. The faeces were additionally examined microscopically. Also, 20 samples of wolf intestines were examined with a sedimentation and counting technique (SCT).

Results: DNA was detected in 6.8% and . (identified as ) in 4.1% of faeces samples. spp. DNA was found in 43.2% and in 4.1%. Examination of the intestines by SCT showed worms in 10%, . () in10%, spp. in 100%, hookworms in 30%, in 20%, sp. in 10%, in 15%, sp. in 5% and sp. in 5%. By coproscopy, Capillariidae eggs were found in 59% of faeces samples. Genetic analysis of worms showed the presence of two European haplotypes previously described in Poland in red foxes and pigs. Sequences of obtained from worms shared full identity with a sequence from a human case in Poland.

Conclusion: The study showed the presence of in wolves for the first time in Poland and confirmed our earlier observations on . This double threat from in this wolf population should be taken into account when assessing the epidemiological risk. The study enriched the knowledge of other helminths found in wolves, also those () that were recorded for the first time in this species.

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