Introduction

Sparganosis is water- and foodborne disease caused by larvae (spargana) of Spirometra tapeworm. Previous studies have confirmed its presence in 7 carnivore species in NE Poland. The aim of this study was to: 1) investigate what biological (host sex and age) and environmental factors (diet and habitat humidity) influence the prevalence and intensity of infection.

Methods

In total, 299 raccoon dogs and 106 European badgers were necropsied. Spargana found in subcutaneous tissue were isolated, counted, and genetically analyzed to confirm the species. The age of animals was determined using relative width of the pulp cavity and dental cementum annuli of lower canines. The diet was determined on the basis of stomach content analysis.

Results

The overall infection prevalence for badgers and raccoon dogs was similar (32% and 30% respectively). Host sex and diet did not influence the infection intensity in both species. Probability of infection was higher in more humid habitats. It also increased with age of badgers, but not the raccoon dogs.

Conclusions

The results show that both, biological and environmental factors may influence rate of Spirometra infection in carnivores. Among them, wet habitats (where the 1^st stage larvae develop in Copepods), diversified sources of infection, and duration of host-parasite co-evolution may play an important role in spread and dynamic of Spirometra infection.

The study was financed by the National Science Centre project no. 2016/21/B/NZ8/02429.