First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy

Andrea Lombardo,Nadia Cappai,Luca Mattioli,Virginia Carfora,Alessia Mariacher,Gianluca Fichi,Elena Lavinia Diaconu,Giuseppina Brocherel,Carla Donnini,Claudio De Liberato,Antonio Battisti

doi:10.1186/s13071-021-05116-3

Abstract

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the present article is to report the first finding of this zoonotic parasite from Italy, highlighting the sanitary risks linked to the introduction of alien vertebrate species in new areas.Graphical

Highlights

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans
In Italy, the raccoon was first reported in 2004 in Lombardy, Northern Italy [12]. This species is present with a reproducing population in Tuscany, Central Italy [13], within the Casentino valley territory
Due to the invasive nature of the raccoon, and to the environmental and health issues linked to its presence, the Italian authorities set up an eradication plan [14], with the aim of removing raccoon populations in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1143/2014

Summary

Introduction

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. Lombardo et al Parasites & Vectors (2022) 15:24 raccoon populations from Denmark [6], Austria [7], Poland [8], and Germany [9], where some human infections have been described as well [10, 11]. This species is present with a reproducing population in Tuscany, Central Italy [13], within the Casentino valley territory.

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