Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Badger Population Living in an Anthropized Area of Central Italy

Abstract

The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is widespread in Italy and occupies different habitats. The occurrence and species of gastrointestinal parasites were evaluated in a free-ranging badger population living in a highly anthropic area in central Italy. A total of 43 fecal samples were examined using the flotation test, the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques, and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. fecal antigens. Molecular investigations were also performed that aimed at identifying Giardia genotypes. Overall, 37/43 samples (86%) were found positive. Specifically, 48.8% (21 samples) were positive for G. duodenalis, 23.2% (10/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., and 7% (3/43) for coccidian oocysts. Strongyloides sp. nematode larvae were detected in 3/43 samples (7%). Ascarid (1/43, 2.3%), capillariid (1/43, 2.3%), and strongyle-type eggs (76.7%, 33/43) were also identified. Among the 11 readable sequences of samples that were positive for G. duodenalis by end-point PCR (18/21), the zoonotic assemblage A sub-assemblage AII and mixed assemblage A and B were identified. This is the first report of zoonotic G. duodenalis genotypes in the Eurasian badger. Moreover, most of identified parasites have zoonotic potential and/or potential impact on the population health of wild badgers and other wild and domestic animals.

Multigene typing of Giardia Duodenalis isolated from tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis subjects

“…In the current study, from 30 microscopically positive samples, 25 samples were amplified by each/two/all genes including 20, 15, and 13 samples for tpi, bg, and gdh, respectively. This observation is in accordance to previously published papers indicating inconsistency between the prevalence of G. duodenalis-positive samples in microscopy and molecular amplification [32][33][34]. This discrepancy could be related to the quality of extracted DNA, the copy number of targeted genes, and the presence of PCR inhibitors [31,34].…”

“…This observation is in accordance to previously published papers indicating inconsistency between the prevalence of G . duodenalis- positive samples in microscopy and molecular amplification [ 32 – 34 ]. This discrepancy could be related to the quality of extracted DNA, the copy number of targeted genes, and the presence of PCR inhibitors [ 31 , 34 ].…”

Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe

“…However, recently, infection by zoonotic G . duodenalis genotypes (assemblages A and B) was identified in 48.8% of Eurasian badgers from Italy [ 289 ], highlighting the role of badgers in the epidemiology and spreading of zoonotic genotypes. Giardia spp.…”

“…was molecularly detected in a single animal in Poland, but none of the badgers examined in Spain were positive [ 290 , 291 ]. Even though badgers use latrines for defecation, precipitation can spread the parasite’s cysts into the surroundings, contaminating vegetables, fruits, and water, thus reaching other animal hosts and humans [ 289 ].…”

“…hominis [ 291 ]. Furthermore, 23.2% of the examined badgers in Italy tested positive for Cryptosporidium copro-antigen [ 289 ]. These results suggest that badgers could represent an important source of infection in their natural habitats as well as in urban and peri-urban areas.…”