The grey wolf as a host of . and other helminths - a new zoonotic threat in Poland.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence of 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 spp. The faeces were additionally examined microscopically. Also, 20 samples of wolf intestines were examined with a sedimentation and counting technique (SCT).

RESULTS

DNA was detected in 6.8% and . (identified as ) in 4.1% of faeces samples. spp. DNA was found in 43.2% and in 4.1%. Examination of the intestines by SCT showed worms in 10%, . () in10%, spp. in 100%, hookworms in 30%, in 20%, sp. in 10%, in 15%, sp. in 5% and sp. in 5%. By coproscopy, Capillariidae eggs were found in 59% of faeces samples. Genetic analysis of worms showed the presence of two European haplotypes previously described in Poland in red foxes and pigs. Sequences of obtained from worms shared full identity with a sequence from a human case in Poland.

CONCLUSION

The study showed the presence of in wolves for the first time in Poland and confirmed our earlier observations on . This double threat from 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 () that were recorded for the first time in this species.