AI Article Synopsis
- Cryptosporidium spp. are parasites that significantly impact public health, causing intestinal diseases in humans and animals, primarily through contaminated water sources.
- Researchers collected samples from wild raccoons in Central Germany and identified Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype in two raccoons, marking the first report of co-infection with this parasite and the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in this region.
- The study emphasizes raccoons as potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens due to their adaptability in human environments, offering vital data for future prevention programs.
Article Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are apicomplexan parasites of public health concern. They are one of the main causes of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. Contaminated water is among the main sources of infection for humans and mammals. Raccoons are an introduced species in Germany. They are anthropogenic adapters with a natural affinity for water bodies. We collected samples from wild raccoons in the Federal States of Saxony and Thuringia, Central Germany. Through molecular genotyping, we found Cryptosporidium sp. skunk genotype in one raccoon from Saxony (1/24) and in one animal from Thuringia (1/27). Both raccoons were also infected with the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis. This is the first report of co-infection with these two parasites in raccoons from Germany. Our study highlights the potential of these animals as carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Since raccoons can thrive in human settlements, this study provides data that can be used as a baseline for preventive programs.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2020.102159 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!