occurrence and subtype diversity in wild European terrestrial mammals - The case of Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland).

cf. is the most common unicellular parasite found in human and animal intestines. Little is known about the life cycle, transmission and mechanisms of pathogenesis for this parasite. The aim of this study was to obtain new data on the genetic diversity of in selected species of mammals found in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, the best preserved lowland forest in temperate Europe. 113 faecal samples were collected in the period 2018-2020 from seven species of wild mammals occurring within the Polish part of BPF and its surroundings. was detected by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of in animals was 8.9%. A larger number of stool samples (90) were collected from European bison and only for this species was it possible to calculate the prevalence of infection (5.6%). The isolates obtained from European bison were classified as ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7. was also detected in the grey wolf () (ST5), wild boar () (ST5) and red deer () (ST1). In conclusion, for the first time we have demonstrated the presence of in wild European bison. Preliminary studies have shown that is present in at least 4 species of wild mammals in the BPF area and that it exhibits great genetic diversity.