First molecular detection of and in wild boars from southern Italy.

INTRODUCTION

Following the increase of wild boar () populations in Europe, a potential risk of emerging infections by vector-borne pathogens may occur. Despite this, the circulation of piroplasmid species in these ungulates is still a neglected topic, particularly in the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of / spp. in wild boars from southern Italy to assess the epidemiological role of these ungulates in the circulation of piroplasmids.

METHODS

By using a approach among hunters and veterinarians, wild boar spleen samples were collected in the Campania region (southern Italy) between 2016 and 2022. A combined semi-nested PCR/sequencing analysis targeting the V4 hyper-variable region of rRNA was run to detect / spp. DNA.

RESULTS

Out of 243 boars, 15 (i.e., 6.2, 95% CI: 3.4-9.9) tested positive to / spp., ( = 13, 5.3, 95% CI: 3.1-8.9) the most prevalent, followed by ( = 2, 0.8, 95% CI: 0.2-2.9). Three different sequence types were identified (i.e., ST1, ST2, ST3), with the most representative as ST1 (60%), and a single sequence type. No statistically significant difference ( > 0.05) were found between the presence of the pathogens and boar age, sex, province and sample collection year.

DISCUSSION

Data demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of and in wild boars, which may play a role in the biological cycle of piroplasmids. We emphasize the importance of monitoring these ungulates to prevent potential foci of . The engagement of hunters in epidemiological scientifically based surveys can constitute a technically sound control strategy of piroplasmids in a One Health perspective.