Abstract
Abstract Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common protozoan parasites affecting several animal species and humans. The aim of this survey was to investigate, for the first time, their prevalence in red fox (Vulpes vulpes) faecal samples in central Italy. Seventy-one red foxes of different ages and sexes were examined for antigenic detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in fecal samples by means of a commercial rapid immunochromatographic test. The sample was randomly selected from foxes culled during a population control program. They were divided into groups based on sex and age (≤1-year-old and >1-year-old). Five (7%) and one (1.4%) out of 71 fecal samples were positive for the Giardia or Cryptosporidium antigens by immunochromatographic assay, respectively, and no coinfections were observed. The present prevalence rates of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens in faeces from V. vulpes suggest that this host species is likely to play only a limited role in the spread of the two protozoa in the study area. A concise review of the literature related to Giardia and Cryptosporidium in V. vulpes is presented.
Highlights
The protozoa Giardia duodenalis (Sarcomastigophora: Hexamitidae) and Cryptosporidium spp (Apicomplexa: Cryptospo ridiidae) are among the most common intestinal parasites in humans and many other animal species, including pets, livestock, and wildlife [1, 2]
The present prevalence rates of Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens in faeces from V. vulpes suggest that this host species is likely to play only a limited role in the spread of the two protozoa in the study area
Six (8.4%, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 2-14.9%) samples were positive for coproantigens, with a moderate prevalence (7%, 95% CI: 1.1-13%) for Giardia and low prevalence (1.4%, 95% CI: 0-4.1%) for Cryptosporidium
Summary
The protozoa Giardia duodenalis (Sarcomastigophora: Hexamitidae) and Cryptosporidium spp (Apicomplexa: Cryptospo ridiidae) are among the most common intestinal parasites in humans and many other animal species, including pets, livestock, and wildlife [1, 2]. Infected hosts shed environmentally resistant (oo)cysts in their faeces. (Oo)cysts are immediately infectious and may retain their infectivity for long periods. Cryptosporidiosis can be a potentially life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals [2], as well as in calves [3] because of the rapid loss of fluids from profuse watery diarrhoea
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