Echinococcus multilocuraris –first recorded case of Norway rat ( Rattus norvegicus ) in Poland

Abstract

Introduction Echinococcus multilocularis is a very dangerous zoonotic parasite threatening human health. The red fox is the main definitive host, and cats and dogs less commonly. Rats can be intermediate hosts. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the parasitofauna of Norway rats and some cats and dogs living on a farm near a forest. Material and Methods A parasitological section on 15 Norway rats was conducted. The internal organs were examined by means of macroscopic and microscopic methods. For molecular examination, a QIAmp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen) was used. Results Based on necropsy, parasitological and molecular examinations, of the 15 examined rats, 1 was found to have larvae of E. multilocularis , while 3 others had eggs of Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana and Syphacia obvelata . The faeces of the pets did not contain any developmental forms of parasites. Conclusions This is the first case of Echinococcus multilocularis infestation in a rat in Poland.

Keywords

• echinococcus multilocuralis
• rodent
• rattus norvegicus
• intermediate host
• poland