Intestinal parasites can seriously threaten the performances and well-being of wild ungulates. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and parasitic burden of protozoans and gastro-intestinal helminths (GIH) in Rupicapra spp. From September 2013 to January 2016, 352 fresh fecal samples were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra in the Alps (N=262) and from Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata in the Apennines (N=90). Samples were examined using standard copro-parasitological methods for Eimeria and GIH and an immunofluorescence test for Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis. Parts of gp60 and ssRNA/gdh/βgiardin genes were used to identify these protozoa species/genotypes. In R.r.rupicapra and in R.p.ornata, 7 and 6 parasite taxa were identified, respectively, with a mean number of 1.7 species/host (min-max 0-5) and 2.05 (min-max: 0-4), respectively. Overall, 85.3% (95%, C.I.=81.5-89.1) of the animals investigated scored microscopically positive to Eimeria spp. with a mean intensity of emission (m.i.e.) of up to 776 o.p.g.; 5.4% (95%, C.I.=3.07.7) were positive to G. duodenalis and 82% (95%, C.I. 77.91-86.15) to GIH with a m.i.e. of up to 147 e.p.g. Prevalence in R.r.rupicapra was 81.2% with a m.i.e. of 380 o.p.g. for Eimeria, 6.87% for Giardia, and 77.45% for GIH with a m.i.e. of 142 e.p.g. Prevalence in R.p.ornata was 94.4% with m.i.e. of 1,093 o.p.g. for Eimeria, 1.1% for G.duodenalis, and 94.4% for GIH with a m.i.e. of 151 e.p.g. Assemblages A/AI and E were identified in R.r.rupicapra and assemblage A/AIII in R.p.ornata. None of the animals tested positive for Cryptosporidium. The results show that the prevalence of Eimeria, G.duodenalis and GIH in both host species is nonnegligible, with a significantly higher parasitic burden in R.p.ornata. The detection of G. duodenalis in Rupicapra spp. is noteworthy. This study updates the data on parasitic fauna of these wild bovids. The impact of these parasites on chamois population dynamics will be inferred from the results/variables obtained throughout the entire interdisciplinary project.
Intestinal parasites in Rupicapra spp. populations: study in the framework of the relevant italian project (PRIN)
GIANGASPERO, ANNUNZIATA;Marangi, Marianna;
2016-01-01
Abstract
Intestinal parasites can seriously threaten the performances and well-being of wild ungulates. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and parasitic burden of protozoans and gastro-intestinal helminths (GIH) in Rupicapra spp. From September 2013 to January 2016, 352 fresh fecal samples were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra in the Alps (N=262) and from Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata in the Apennines (N=90). Samples were examined using standard copro-parasitological methods for Eimeria and GIH and an immunofluorescence test for Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis. Parts of gp60 and ssRNA/gdh/βgiardin genes were used to identify these protozoa species/genotypes. In R.r.rupicapra and in R.p.ornata, 7 and 6 parasite taxa were identified, respectively, with a mean number of 1.7 species/host (min-max 0-5) and 2.05 (min-max: 0-4), respectively. Overall, 85.3% (95%, C.I.=81.5-89.1) of the animals investigated scored microscopically positive to Eimeria spp. with a mean intensity of emission (m.i.e.) of up to 776 o.p.g.; 5.4% (95%, C.I.=3.07.7) were positive to G. duodenalis and 82% (95%, C.I. 77.91-86.15) to GIH with a m.i.e. of up to 147 e.p.g. Prevalence in R.r.rupicapra was 81.2% with a m.i.e. of 380 o.p.g. for Eimeria, 6.87% for Giardia, and 77.45% for GIH with a m.i.e. of 142 e.p.g. Prevalence in R.p.ornata was 94.4% with m.i.e. of 1,093 o.p.g. for Eimeria, 1.1% for G.duodenalis, and 94.4% for GIH with a m.i.e. of 151 e.p.g. Assemblages A/AI and E were identified in R.r.rupicapra and assemblage A/AIII in R.p.ornata. None of the animals tested positive for Cryptosporidium. The results show that the prevalence of Eimeria, G.duodenalis and GIH in both host species is nonnegligible, with a significantly higher parasitic burden in R.p.ornata. The detection of G. duodenalis in Rupicapra spp. is noteworthy. This study updates the data on parasitic fauna of these wild bovids. The impact of these parasites on chamois population dynamics will be inferred from the results/variables obtained throughout the entire interdisciplinary project.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
