Zoonotic Baylisascaris procyonis Infection in Raccoons, Mississippi, USA, 2023-2024.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Baylisascaris procyonis is a zoonotic parasite found in raccoons. Surveillance in Mississippi revealed higher infection rates using fecal PCR than necropsy, indicating a need for further study.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Baylisascaris procyonis is an emerging zoonotic parasite.
- It causes significant visceral, ophthalmologic, and neurologic disease in humans.
- Raccoons are a primary host for this parasite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen raccoons in Mississippi for Baylisascaris procyonis.
- To compare the efficacy of necropsy and fecal PCR for detecting B. procyonis.
- To assess the prevalence of B. procyonis in raccoons in central and southern Mississippi.
Main Methods:
- Collected raccoons (n=46) from central and southern Mississippi.
- Screened for B. procyonis using necropsy.
- Analyzed fecal samples using droplet digital PCR.
Main Results:
- Necropsy detected B. procyonis in 13.0% of raccoons.
- Fecal PCR detected B. procyonis in 26.7% of raccoons.
- Fecal PCR indicated a higher prevalence of infection.
Conclusions:
- Baylisascaris procyonis is present in Mississippi raccoons.
- Fecal PCR is a more sensitive method for detecting B. procyonis than necropsy.
- Further surveillance of raccoon infection rates in Mississippi is recommended.
Keywords:
Baylisascaris procyonisMississippiUnited Statesinfectious disease surveillanceparasitesraccoonszoonosesMore Related Videos
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