Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in animals in Serbia

Abstract

Objectives: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcusmultilocularis is an emerging disease in Serbia, with two confirmed cases in humans. Oneobjective of the Worm_Profiler project is the detection and mapping of the occurrenceof E. multilocularis in different animal species in order to gain a better understanding ofthe distribution and major reservoirs.Materials and methods: Adult worms were collected from the intestines of goldenjackals (Canis aureus) while Taeniid eggs were collected from jackal feces using a flotationand mesh filtration technique. Tissue and cyst fluid, if present, were collected fromcondemned livers of various livestock. The Echinococcus tapeworm species wasidentified using a multiplex PCR for E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. canadensis.Results: E. multilocularis was detected in 6,9 % of golden jackals (7/101) and one pigliver (1/31). In terms of geographical distribution, E. multilocularis was detected nearBelgrade (Ub and Donji Tovarnik), Čajetina, Svilajnac (Grabovac), Požarevac (Ljubinje)and Niš (Vinik).Conclusion: In Serbia, golden jackals are major reservoirs of E. multilocularis and theirpresence near towns and major cities should be regarded as a concern to public health.