Prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in dogs in Europe - Multicentre study from the MEmE project

Echinococcosis represents one of the most serious zoonotic threats in Europe. As part of the multicentre MEmE (Multi-centre study on Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus s.l. in Europe: development and harmonisation of diagnostic methods in the food chain) project (2020-2022), the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) and Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs, one of the definitive hosts, was assessed across seven countries: Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Norway, and Poland. Analysis of 1619 faecal samples using a standardised multiplex copro-PCR method revealed the presence of E. multilocularis in 0.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.6) and E. granulosus s.l. in 1.4% (95% CI 0.9-2.1) of the dogs tested. Echinococcus multilocularis PCR-positive results were found in samples from Poland (0.7%, 95% CI 0.2-2.0) and Latvia (0.6%, 95% CI 0.1-3.5), and E. granulosus s.l. in samples from Italy (Sardinia) (10.3%, 95% CI 6.9-15.3) and Poland (0.2%, 95% CI 0.04-1.3). Additional qPCR analyses confirmed the results obtained via multiplex PCR. Sequencing of the multiplex PCR products confirmed the species E. multilocularis and E. granulosus sensu stricto, and allowed for the identification of other tapeworms, including Taenia hydatigena, Taenia pisiformis, Taenia crassiceps, Taenia krabbei, Hydatigera sp. and Mesocestoides spp. The occurrence of tapeworms was higher in dogs from rural areas compared to peri-urban areas, with the difference being statistically significant, and tapeworms were found more frequently in dogs that had reported never being dewormed, with the difference being also statistically significant. Detection of Echinococcus DNA in dogs from the selected study areas indicates a potential local zoonotic hazard.