First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy.

ABSTRACT: Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the pr

SUBMITTER: Lombardo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8756652 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature