Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
13.3K
Molecular Survey on Vector-Borne Pathogens in Alpine Wild Carnivorans
Elena Battisti1, Stefania Zanet1, Sara Khalili2
1Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|February 11, 2020
Summary
Wild carnivorans in Italy harbor a high prevalence of vector-borne pathogens like Babesia and Hepatozoon, posing risks to wildlife, human, and pet health. This study highlights their role in pathogen maintenance and transmission cycles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Free-ranging wildlife, particularly wild carnivorans, are significant reservoirs for emerging vector-borne diseases.
- Limited epidemiological data exists on vector-borne parasites in European wild carnivorans.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence in these animals is crucial for public and animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Leishmania infantum in Italian alpine wild canids and mustelids.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with pathogen infections in these wildlife populations.
- To document novel pathogen-host associations in European wildlife.
Main Methods:
- Spleen samples from 157 foxes, 45 badgers, and 33 wolves collected in Northwest Italy (2009-2017) were analyzed.
- Conventional PCR was employed to detect DNA of targeted vector-borne pathogens.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for infection.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of analyzed animals tested positive for at least one pathogen.
- High prevalence of Babesia spp. in foxes (89.7%) and badgers (89.6%).
- Wolves showed high Hepatozoon canis prevalence (75.8%), while badgers had high Leishmania infantum (53.3%).
- Novel pathogen-host associations were identified, including Babesia capreoli in wolves and badgers.
- Sequencing confirmed species like Babesia vulpes and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Conclusions:
- The exceptionally high prevalence of vector-borne pathogens underscores the critical role of wild carnivorans in pathogen epidemiology and sylvatic cycle maintenance.
- Identified pathogens, such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Leishmania infantum, pose significant risks to human health.
- Findings emphasize the importance of monitoring wildlife health for zoonotic disease prevention and control, especially concerning pet health (Leishmania infantum, Babesia vulpes).
