Serological survey on some pathogens in wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Central Italy
10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.03.032
- Author:
Valentina Virginia EBANI
1
;
Alessandro POLI
1
;
Guido ROCCHIGIANI
1
;
Fabrizio BERTELLONI
1
;
Simona NARDONI
1
;
Roberto Amerigo PAPINI
1
;
Francesca MANCIANTI
1
Author Information
1. Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum;
Borrelia burgdorferi s.l.;
Brown hare (Lepus europaeus);
Leishmania sp.;
Neospora caninum;
Serology;
Toxoplasma gondii
- From:
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
2016;9(5):465-469
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To determine the exposure of wild brown hares [Lepus europaeus (L. europaeus), pallas] to Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) sensu lato, Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi), Leishmania sp., Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Methods Two hundred twenty-two blood serum samples of wild brown hares captured in protected areas of the province of Pisa (Central Italy) were tested to detect antibodies against the reported pathogens. Results Thirty one (14.0%) animals resulted positive for at least one tested agent, with antibody titres ranging from 1:20 to 1:320. In particular, 13 (5.8%) samples were positive to B. burgdorferi s.l., 11 (4.9%) to N. caninum, 3 (1.3%) to T. gondii, 2 (0.9%) to A. phagocytophilum and 2 (0.9%) to Leishmania sp. No samples scored positive to E. cuniculi. Four animals (14.8%) resulted coinfected with 2 different pathogens. Conclusion The obtained results showed that B. burgdorferi s.l. N. caninum, T. gondii, A. phagocytophilum and Leishmania sp. circulate in wild brown hares in Central Italy, suggesting a possible role of L. europaeus as reservoir of these pathogens. The obtained results showed that autochthonous wild brown hares living in Central Italy have been exposed to several pathogens circulating in this area, suggesting a possible role of L. europaeus as reservoir.
