The grey wolf (Canis lupus) as a host of Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus s.l. and other helminths - a new zoonotic threat in Poland.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of Echinococcus spp. and other helminth infections in grey wolves in south-eastern Poland.

Material and methods: Overall, 74 samples of wolf faeces were examined with a multiplex PCR and a system of real-time quantitative PCR methods to detect and identify Echinococcus spp. The faeces were additionally examined microscopically. Also, 20 samples of wolf intestines were examined with a sedimentation and counting technique (SCT).

Results: Echinococcus multilocularis DNA was detected in 6.8% and E. granulosus s.l. (identified as E. ortleppi) in 4.1% of faeces samples. Taenia spp. DNA was found in 43.2% and Mesocestoides in 4.1%. Examination of the intestines by SCT showed E. multilocularis worms in 10%, E. granulosus s.l. (E. ortleppi) in10%, Taenia spp. in 100%, hookworms in 30%, Alaria alata in 20%, Mesocestoides sp. in 10%, Trichuris vulpis in 15%, Molineus sp. in 5% and Euryhelmis sp. in 5%. By coproscopy, Capillariidae eggs were found in 59% of faeces samples. Genetic analysis of E. multilocularis worms showed the presence of two European haplotypes previously described in Poland in red foxes and pigs. Sequences of nad1 obtained from E. ortleppi worms shared full identity with a sequence from a human case in Poland.

Conclusion: The study showed the presence of E. multilocularis in wolves for the first time in Poland and confirmed our earlier observations on E. ortleppi. This double threat from Echinococcus in this wolf population should be taken into account when assessing the epidemiological risk. The study enriched the knowledge of other helminths found in wolves, also those (Euryhelmis) that were recorded for the first time in this species.