First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in Croatia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Epidemiology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Echinococcus multilocularis is an expanding cestode parasite found across Europe.
• The parasite's presence had not been previously documented in Croatia.
• Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are a primary definitive host for Echinococcus multilocularis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first surveillance program for Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes in Croatia.
• To determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in Croatian red fox populations.
• To establish the southern limit of the parasite's endemic area in Europe.

Main Methods:

• Faecal samples were collected from red foxes across various regions of Croatia in 2015 and 2016.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used for initial screening of faecal samples.
• Positive PCR results were confirmed through sequencing of mitochondrial genes (nad1 and 12S rRNA).
• Geographic mapping was employed to visualize the distribution of positive cases.

Main Results:

• Echinococcus multilocularis was detected in red foxes in Croatia for the first time.
• The overall prevalence in red foxes was 7.2% (7.5% in 2015, 6.6% in 2016).
• The study mapped the geographic distribution of positive cases, extending the known southern boundary of the parasite's endemic area.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in Croatia.
• The findings indicate a significant expansion of the parasite's endemic range into southeastern Europe.
• Continued monitoring is recommended to understand the long-term implications of this parasite's presence.