Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Wild Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Luxembourg Using an ELISA Approach
Background Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause enteric infection in a wide range of mammals, including humans. The raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) is an invasive species in many parts of the world and studies have shown that they can be infected with Cryptosporidium spp. both outside a...
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Published in | Acta parasitologica Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 985 - 989 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Cham
Springer International Publishing
01.12.2020
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Background
Cryptosporidium
spp. are protozoan parasites that cause enteric infection in a wide range of mammals, including humans. The raccoon (
Procyon lotor
) is an invasive species in many parts of the world and studies have shown that they can be infected with
Cryptosporidium
spp. both outside and in their original distribution area. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. antigens in the faeces of raccoons in Luxembourg.
Methods
Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested 81 faeces samples, collected between 2014 and 2018, for the presence of
Cryptosporidium
spp. coproantigens. Samples with an optical density equal to or greater than 0.15% were considered positive.
Results
Antigens were detected in 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI 6.68–21.26) of the tested samples. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of
Cryptosporidium
spp. infection between the sexes and age categories.
Cryptosporidium
spp.-positive raccoons were found in 7 of the 12 Luxembourg administrative districts (Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Mersch, Remich, Vianden and Wiltz).
Conclusion
The results show that Cryptosporidium infections are not uncommon in Luxembourg raccoons and suggest possible transmission of
Cryptosporidium
by raccoons. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 1230-2821 1896-1851 |
DOI: | 10.2478/s11686-020-00234-x |