Cysticercosis by Taenia pisiformis in Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) in Northern Italy: Epidemiologic and pathologic features.

摘要: Abstract In Northern Italy, a hastening of hare population decline was noticeable from 2008. the same year hunters reported sudden increase hares infected by Taenia sp. larvae, whose morphology consistent with T. pisiformis cysticerci. The aim survey was: i)to identify parasites through morphological features and molecular techniques; ii)to quantify prevalence abundance cysticerci in hunted hares; iii)to describe pathological aspects parasite-induced lesions; iv)to evaluate short-term trend infection comparing two different hunting seasons; v)to highlight possible relationship between hare-related variables. 2013, 2015 viscera 54 61 legally agro-ecosystems Po Plain were collected. Peritoneum, liver lungs examined for cysticercosis; estimated counting superficial liver; microscopically identified shape measure both large small hooks. One cysticercus each analized PCR targeting Taeniid species then sequenced. Frozen liver, gastrointestinal peritoneum macroscopically observed and, after thawing, representative samples available organs collected histologic examination to verify parasitic cysts subsequent damage involved organs. Sex, weight age class animals recorded. Generalized linear models used statistical analysis. T. pisiformis isolated 8 2013 (prevalence 14.8%; range: 0–400; mean 17.8) 2 3.28%; 0–180; 3.22). Identification confirmed morphologically PCR. DNA sequencing all samples. sequences identical each-other. Infection significantly related adult class, sampling low full-weight. Epidemiological pattern suggest role on host health tendency toward host-parasite equilibrium.