Spatial distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis, Svalbard, Norway
Eva Fuglei1, Audun Stien, Nigel G Yoccoz
1The Polar Environmental Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway. eva.fuglei@npolar.no
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 9, 2008
Summary
Human infection risk from Echinococcus multilocularis in Svalbard is linked to the sibling vole's limited distribution. Arctic fox feces analysis confirms infection risk is highest where this intermediate host resides.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ecology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Echinococcus multilocularis poses a significant zoonotic threat.
- The sibling vole (Microtus levis) is the sole known intermediate host in Svalbard.
- Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are the primary definitive hosts in this ecosystem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in Arctic foxes.
- To determine the association between host distribution and human infection risk in Svalbard.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from Arctic foxes were surveyed for Echinococcus multilocularis presence.
- Geographic data on sibling vole distribution was analyzed.
- Correlation between fox infection prevalence and vole habitat was assessed.
Main Results:
- Echinococcus multilocularis infection in Arctic foxes was spatially correlated with sibling vole distribution.
- Areas with sibling voles showed a significantly higher risk of human exposure to Echinococcus multilocularis.
- The restricted range of the intermediate host dictates the parasite's transmission hotspots.
Conclusions:
- The spatial ecology of the sibling vole is a critical determinant of Echinococcus multilocularis transmission in Svalbard.
- Targeted surveillance and control efforts should focus on areas inhabited by the sibling vole to mitigate human infection risk.
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