Parasites & Vectors (Dec 2015)

Giardia duodenalis in Alpine (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and Apennine (Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata) chamois

  • Claudio De Liberato,
  • Federica Berrilli,
  • Marianna Marangi,
  • Maristella Santoro,
  • Tiziana Trogu,
  • Lorenza Putignani,
  • Paolo Lanfranchi,
  • Francesco Ferretti,
  • Stefano D’Amelio,
  • Annunziata Giangaspero

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-015-1243-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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Abstract Background Although chamois Rupicapra spp. are the most abundant mountain ungulates in Europe, no data are available on the presence of Giardia duodenalis infecting these species. Methods A total of 157 fecal samples from Alpine Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra and Apennine Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata chamois were tested for the presence of G. duodenalis by immunofluorescence test, quantitative Real Time PCR and end-point PCR for genotype characterization. Results G. duodenalis was detected in R. r. rupicapra and R. p. ornata, with a percentage value of 4.45 (5.82 and 1.85 %, respectively), and a cyst burden of up to 31,800 cysts/g of feces. Assemblages A/AI and E were identified in R. r. rupicapra and assemblage A/AIII in R. p. ornata. Conclusions The present study represents the first record of Giardia duodenalis in Rupicapra spp., suggesting that these wild bovids can play an epidemiological role in environmental contamination and transmission of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic genotypes.

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