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09:04
Isolation And Dendritic Cell-Uptake of Small Extracellular Vesicles from Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: March 28, 2025
Echinococcus multilocularis in south-eastern Europe (Romania).
Sandor B Sikó1, Peter Deplazes, C Ceica
1Echino-News Assoc. Romania, 520036-Sf.Gheorghe, Ciucului Str. 149, Covasna County, Romania. sikobsandor@yahoo.com
Parasitology Research
|November 19, 2010
Summary
Echinococcus multilocularis, a parasite causing alveolar echinococcosis (AE), was detected in 4.8% of Romanian red foxes. This finding highlights a potential increased risk of AE infection in humans due to the parasite
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Epidemiology
Background:
- Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis.
- Red foxes are a primary definitive host for E. multilocularis, playing a key role in its life cycle.
- Previous studies in Romania had not detected E. multilocularis in foxes, despite finding larval stages in rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes across Romania.
- To assess the potential risk of AE transmission to humans in the studied regions.
- To update the epidemiological data on E. multilocularis in Romania.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and parasitological examination of 561 red foxes from various Romanian regions.
- Geographical mapping of infected fox populations.
- Review of previous studies on E. multilocularis in Romania.
Main Results:
- Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in 4.8% (27/561) of examined red foxes.
- Infected foxes were found in 8 out of 15 surveyed counties, with prevalence rates ranging from 1.7% to 14.6%.
- Two human cases of AE were diagnosed, and metacestode stages of the parasite were found in four rodent species.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the presence and spread of Echinococcus multilocularis in red fox populations in Romania.
- The findings indicate a potential increase in the risk of alveolar echinococcosis transmission to humans.
- Ongoing monitoring of fox populations and public health awareness are crucial for managing AE risk.
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