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New parasitology research from University of Zurich outlined
2009 MAY 26 - (NewsRx.com) -- "Rodents are shared intermediate or paratenic hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxocara spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, and May serve as Valuable indicators for assessing the occurrence and the level of environmental contamination and infection pressure with free-living stages of these zoonotic parasites. We investigated 658 non-commensal rodents for parasite infections ill the canton of Geneva, Switzerland," researchers in Zurich, Switzerland report. "The prevalence of infection with E. multilocularis was highest in Arvicola terrestris captured in the north-western area (16.5%, CI: 10.1%-24.8%), possibly reflecting a higher red fox density due to the low incidence of sarcoptic mange in this part of the canton. The exposure rate to Toxocara spp. was highest ill the Urban area (13.2%, CI : 7.9%-20.3%), and may account for higher densities of domestic carnivore and red fox definitive hosts within the city. Exposure to T. gondii was widespread (5.0%, CI: 3.2-7.4%), indicating a ubiquitous distribution Of infected cat definitive hosts. Interestingly, a widespread distribution of Taenia taeniaeformis, a parasite mainly transmitted by cats, was similarly evidenced in A. terrestris. Distinct spatial patterns for the different zoonotic parasites likely reflected differences in distribution, abundance, and habitat use of the respective definitive hosts," wrote L.A. Reperant and colleagues, University of Zurich. The researchers concluded: "These results highlight the potential value of rodents as shared indicators for these pathogens." Reperant and colleagues published their study in Parasitology (Rodents as shared indicators for zoonotic parasites of carnivores in urban environments. Parasitology, 2009;136(3):329-337). For additional information, contact P. Deplazes, University of Zurich, Institute Parasitology, Winterthurerstr 266A, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Publisher contact information for the journal Parasitology is: Cambridge University Press, 32 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013-2473, USA. Keywords: Switzerland, Zurich, Life Sciences, Scabies, Taeniasis, Parasitology, University of Zurich. This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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