Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes in The Netherlands.
Echinococcus multilocularis was demonstrated in 5 out of 272 foxes in The Netherlands close to the border with Germany and Belgium. Besides microscopic examination of mucosal scrapings, two different PCR assays were used based on the detection of E. multilocularis DNA in colon content. Two distinct areas in The Netherlands were positive for E. multilocularis. Two positive foxes were found in the northern province of Groningen and three positive foxes were found in the southern province of Limburg. Both PCR assays detected more positive foxes compared to microscopic examination of the intestinal content. This is the first report of E. multilocularis in foxes occurring in The Netherlands.
van der Giessen
J W
JW
Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Microbiological Laboratory for Health Protection, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. joke.van.der.giessen@rivm.nl
Rombout
Y B
YB
Franchimont
J H
JH
Limper
L P
LP
Homan
W L
WL
D000818:Animals; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000737:chemistry; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004446:Echinococcus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / Q000662:veterinary; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005589:Foxes / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary
D017931:DNA Primers; D018509:DNA, Helminth