Baylisascaris procyonis on the rise in Europe: a comprehensive review and analysis of occurrence data.

ABSTRACT: The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) was introduced to Europe by its final host, the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), which has been spreading uncontrollably there since the early 20th century. The raccoon is gaining importance due to the spread of the raccoon roundworm, which is pathogenic to humans and can cause severe disease through oral ingestion of infectious egg stages. Totally, 146 raccoons from central and western Germany were examined for B. procyonis via necropsy. In addition, an extensive literature search was conducted on the occurrence of B. procyonis in Europe. Of the 146 raccoons examined in this study, 66.4% were infected with B. procyonis: 77.4% in Hesse (n = 84), 51.1% in Thuringia (n = 45), and 52.9% in North Rhine-Westphalia (n = 17). The literature r

SUBMITTER: Steinhoff A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689684 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature