Investigation on the occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis in Central Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent studies on geographic distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in Europe show that it has a wider range than previously thought. It is unclear, however, if the wider distribution is due to its recent spreading or to a lack of previous data from the new areas. Italy, previously considered E. multilocularis-free, is now part of these new areas: infected foxes (the main definitive host of the tapeworm) have been observed in a Northern Alpine territory. Thus, more surveys need to be done in other Italian regions in order to monitor the spreading of E. multilocularis. The aim of the present study was to look for this parasite in 283 foxes collected in an Apennine area of Central Italy by different diagnostic methods.

Results

The foxes were heavily parasitized

SUBMITTER: Calderini P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3224936 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature