Echinococcus granulosus infection in foxes in Coquimbo District, Chile

Abstract

Echinococcus granulosus is a cestode of zoonotic importance that infects a wide range of animals. The main definitive host of this parasite is the domestic dog, which most commonly becomes infected by ingestion of infected tissues from ruminant livestock. In some areas, however, wild carnivores have been reported to be infected with E. granulosus and to potentially have a role in the maintenance of infection. This study explores E. granulosus infection in free-ranging foxes in rural areas of the Coquimbo District. Faecal samples of live-trapped culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus) and chilla (L. griseus) foxes were obtained in six of previously designed rural sites of the Coquimbo District in Chile between 2005 and 2006. Overall, E. granulosus coproantigen prevalence in chillas by a coproELISA test was 7% (2/28) and ranged from 0% to 20% in the different study sites. Only five culpeos were trapped and none was positive. The presence of E. granulosus in wild carnivores for the maintenance of this parasite in this District is discussed.