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Evaluating noninvasive methods for estimating cestode prevalence in a wild carnivore population
Ellen E Brandell1, Madeline K Jackson2, Paul C Cross3
1Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America.
Plos One
|November 15, 2022
Summary
Molecular methods enabled tracking cestode infections in Yellowstone gray wolves, revealing Echinococcus granulosus prevalence and higher infection rates in adult wolves and during winter. This noninvasive approach aids wildlife parasite research.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife ecology
- Parasitology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Helminth infections in wildlife are challenging to study due to the need for invasive methods.
- Noninvasive techniques like scat analysis often lack host-specific or species-level resolution.
- Molecular identification of individual hosts can enhance noninvasive parasite monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cestode species and prevalence in Yellowstone gray wolves using noninvasive sampling.
- To investigate relationships between wolf characteristics and cestode infections.
- To assess factors influencing the success of individual wolf genotyping from fecal samples.
Main Methods:
- Collected over 200 wolf scats (2018-2020) for laboratory analysis.
- Employed individual wolf genotyping, sex identification, and cestode identification.
- Measured fecal glucocorticoid levels and analyzed environmental factors affecting genotyping success.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 45% wolf genotyping success rate, optimal in winter and with minimal delay post-collection.
- Detected one cestode species, Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (primarily E. canadensis), in 28% of samples and 38% of individuals.
- Adult wolves showed 4x higher odds of infection compared to pups; winter sampling also correlated with higher infection rates.
Conclusions:
- This combined molecular and noninvasive approach offers a viable alternative for estimating cestode prevalence and linking parasites to individual wild hosts.
- The method is most effective within established monitoring programs and with optimized field collection protocols.
- Findings highlight host age and season as key factors in gray wolf cestode infections.
