Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in wild animals: Report of new host species and ecological implications

摘要: Thelazia callipaeda infects the eyes of carnivores and humans in Far Eastern Asiatic European countries. Studies have demonstrated occurrence T. foxes from areas where canine thelaziosis is endemic. However, there little information on role wild as hosts this nematode. From May 2003 to 2009, a total 130 carcasses red (Vulpes vulpes; n=75), wolves (Canis lupus; n=2), beech martens (Martes foina; n=22), brown hares (Lepus europaeus; n=13), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles; n=10), cats (Felis silvestris; n=8) were examined an area southern Italy highly prevalent. At necropsy, animals nematodes collected conjunctival sacs both eyes. All morphologically identified at least five specimens each host species molecularly processed by PCR amplification sequencing partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Five out six animal found be infected with eyeworms. The overall infection rate, excluding that all negative, was 39.1%. 189 adult (intensity infection=4+/-2.2) callipaeda. molecular analysis confirmed only haplotype circulating Europe (i.e., 1) present area. competence foxes, wolves, martens, hares, definitive for discussed relationship their ecology likely exposure vector Phortica variegata study fauna plays maintaining spreading eyeworm domestic also discussed.