Is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) a competent definitive host for Taenia multiceps?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shepherd and stray dogs are thought to represent the primary definitive hosts of Coenurosis by Taenia multiceps, due to their feeding habits which translate into high chances of coming into contact with infected intermediate hosts. Nonetheless, little attention has been paid to the role of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the epidemiology of coenurosis. In fact a knowledge gap exists on the role played by red foxes in the epidemiology of Taenia multiceps and the capability of this parasite to produce fertile and viable eggs in this wild canid, i.e. on the occurrence of a sylvatic cycle. This study investigates the role of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the epidemiology of T. multiceps and related metacestodoses.

Methods

The small intestine of 63 red foxes was macros

SUBMITTER: Varcasia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4582826 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature