The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a possible reservoir of Babesia vulpes, B. canis and Hepatozoon canis and its association with the tick Dermacentor reticulatus occurrence.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is known to be a reservoir host of various vector-borne protozoan parasites. Yet, the impact of these parasitic infections on the health status of the red fox is unknown. In this study, we compared the prevalence of haemoprotozoa in juvenile and adult foxes from four regions in Poland.

Ectoparasites of red foxes () with a particular focus on ticks in subcutaneous tissues.

In the present study, we identified the ectoparasite communities of red foxes in three regions of Poland that encompassed two endemic regions for the occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus, as well as a region that is free of this tick species ('gap' area). Our study sites were selected to enable the role of foxes as hosts for juvenile (nest dwelling) and adult (exophilic) D. reticulatus ticks to be determined, and to assess their contribution to the spread of this important vector of Babesia canis.

The Efficiency of Live-Capture Traps for the Study of Red Fox () Cubs: A Three-Year Study in Poland.

Safe and efficient techniques for the live capture of carnivores are limited. In this study, we identified some of the factors that could affect the success of capturing red fox cubs with live capture traps (also known as cage traps). During a three-year period, we analysed 32 captures of 25 fox cubs (1.

Rodents as intermediate hosts of cestode parasites of mammalian carnivores and birds of prey in Poland, with the first data on the life-cycle of Mesocestoides melesi.

Background: Rodents constitute an important part of the diet of many carnivore species. This predator-prey food chain is exploited by helminth parasites, such as cestodes, whose larval stages develop in rodents and then mature to the adult stage in predators. The main aim of our study was to use molecular techniques for identification of cestode species recovered from both intermediate and definitive hosts, with a particular focus on the genus Mesocestoides.

Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Three Species of Voles ( spp.) in Poland.

Rodents play a role as reservoir hosts for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). We trapped 77 voles of the genus and tested their blood using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of antibodies against TBEV. We detected TBEV antibodies in three adult individuals (4%).

The role of juvenile Dermacentor reticulatus ticks as vectors of microorganisms and the problem of 'meal contamination'.

Juvenile Dermacentor reticulatus ticks inhabit nests and burrows of their rodent hosts and cannot be collected from vegetation. To detect vertical transmission of Babesia canis in D. reticulatus, we studied larvae and nymphs collected from rodents.

A new focus of the tick Haemaphysalis concinna in Western Poland.

The relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna has a fragmented and focal distribution in Central Europe and Asia. Although in the majority of neighboring countries the occurrence of this tick species is well-documented (i.e.

Molecular study of transovarial transmission of in the tick.

The tick is a main vector of Babesia canis in Europe. The risk of canine babesiosis is unpredictable, due to significant differences in the prevalence of between ticks originating from closely situated regions. This phenomenon may be explained by vertical transmission of the pathogen in a vector population.

Bartonella infections in three species of Microtus: prevalence and genetic diversity, vertical transmission and the effect of concurrent Babesia microti infection on its success.

Background: Bartonella spp. cause persistent bacterial infections in mammals. Although these bacteria are transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods, there is also evidence for vertical transmission in their mammalian hosts.

Abundance of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus in an ecosystem of abandoned meadows: Experimental intervention and the critical importance of mowing.

The effect of agricultural activities on the environment has been falling in many areas of Europe in recent years and the associated abandonment of crop fields, meadows and pastures may enable an increase in tick densities. In the present study we assessed whether regular mowing would have a negative effect on Dermacentor reticulatus populations and whether the cessation of regular mowing would cause an increase in abundance of D. reticulatus ticks.

Comparison of helminth community of Apodemus agrarius and Apodemus flavicollis between urban and suburban populations of mice.

The growing human population and the development of urban areas have led to fragmentation and destruction of many natural habitats but have also created new urban habitats. These environmental changes have had a negative impact on many species of plants and animals, including parasite communities. The aim of present study was to compare the helminth communities of Apodemus flavicollis and Apodemus agrarius in natural and urban habitats.

Parasitic nematodes of the genus Syphacia Seurat, 1916 infecting Muridae in the British Isles, and the peculiar case of Syphacia frederici.

Syphacia stroma (von Linstow, 1884) Morgan, 1932 and Syphacia frederici Roman, 1945 are oxyurid nematodes that parasitize two murid rodents, Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis, on the European mainland. Only S. stroma has been recorded previously in Apodemus spp.

Origins of recently emerged foci of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus in central Europe inferred from molecular markers.

The ornate dog tick Dermacentor reticulatus is vector of several blood parasites, including Babesia canis, a causative agent of babesiosis. The geographical range of D. reticulatus in Europe is discontinuous with a gap separating eastern and western macroregions.

Prevalence, genetic identity and vertical transmission of Babesia microti in three naturally infected species of vole, Microtus spp. (Cricetidae).

Background: Vertical transmission is one of the transmission routes for Babesia microti, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease, babesiosis. Congenital Babesia invasions have been recorded in laboratory mice, dogs and humans. The aim of our study was to determine if vertical transmission of B.