Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in grey wolves (Canis lupus) population in Slovakia - epidemiology and genetic analysis.

European wolf populations have expanded their distribution ranges in recent decades and their spatial behaviour may contribute to the spread of Echinococcus spp. across Europe. In this study, the occurrence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato was monitored in the faecal samples from grey wolves from areas covering the substantial part of their range in Slovakia. Samples were collected from several geographical areas, including Poloniny National Park in the easternmost part of the country, as well as Muráň Plateau National Park, the Vepor Mountains and the Poľana Protected Landscape Area in central Slovakia. The overall occurrence of the parasite in 112 samples collected between 2014 and 2017 was 5.4%. Echinococcus canadensis (genotype G7), the main causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in Central Europe, was confirmed in all six positive faeces through sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Geographically, five positive samples were derived from the Vepor Mountains and one from the Poľana Protected Landscape Area. The occurrence of E. canadensis G7, the primary cause of human cystic echinococcosis in Central Europe, in wolves in Slovakia indicates its presence in a sylvatic cycle, which may contribute to sustaining its circulation within the country.