BACKGROUND: Larval stages of carnivore cestodes in rodents have been extensively studied for decades, primarily based on morphological indicators. Numerous datasets, particularly from Central Europe, exist on this topic. Traditionally, the shape, number, and size of hooks have been key distinguishing features. However, recent findings suggest that morphology alone may not provide accurate identification. In this study, rodent livers from various habitats across five regions of the Czech Republic were examined for the presence of taeniid larval cestodes. METHODS: A total of 2,934 rodent specimens were collected using snap traps between 2014 and 2022. Taeniid metacestodes detected in these intermediate hosts were subsequently subjected to species determination through molecular (targeting the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene) and morphological examinations. RESULTS: The following cestodes were identified using molecular methods: Hydatigera kamiyai (found in Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus arvalis, and Microtus agrestis), Taenia martis (in A. flavicollis, M. arvalis, and Myodes glareolus), and Versteria mustelae (in M. arvalis and My. glareolus). Sequencing of 55 PCR-positive isolates revealed 13 haplotypes of H. kamiyai, one of T. martis and four of V. mustelae. Further, we also identified co-infection by more metacestode species or haplotypes. No rodent liver samples tested were positive for Echinococcus multilocularis or Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto, either through morphological or molecular identification methods. Furthermore, no other cryptic species were detected during this study. CONCLUSION: This study presents the first comprehensive molecular data on the aforementioned zoonotic cestode species in the Czech Republic. The findings demonstrate the importance of using molecular techniques for Taeniidae species determination, as morphological methods may lead to erroneous classifications. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of accurate diagnostic techniques, enabling the development of effective prevention and control strategies by verifying host-parasite relationships.
- Klíčová slova
- Czech Republic, Hydatigera, Taenia, Versteria, haplotype, liver, molecular epidemiology, small mammals,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Thirty goats of the breeds Czech Brown Shorthaired and Czech White Shorthaired and their crosses were randomly selected from a flock at a farm in the Czech Republic. All animals were monitored for one year at monthly intervals for their nutritional status (live weight, LW; body-condition score, BCS; depth of musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum, MLTL; back-fat thickness, BT) and infection intensity with Eimeria sp. (EIM) and strongylid nematodes (STR). Regression-correlation analysis showed a possible interrelation of BCS with EIM infection. Analysis of muscle and fat reserves indicated that BT was better than MLTL in identifying EIM infection. Goat nutritional status was not significantly correlated with STR infection. A linear tendency (p = 0.092), however, was detected for the response of MLTL to STR infection. Results of this study indicated theoretical use of BCS for Eimeria identification and suggested some perspective of BCS for targeting animals infected by strongylid nematode. Validity of our results, however, was limited by number of observed animals managed under specific breeding conditions.
- Klíčová slova
- depth of musculus longissimus thoracis et lumborum, parasitic control, strongylid nematodes,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
