Intestinal helminth parasite community in wolves (Canis lupus) in Italy

Parassitologia. 1993 Dec;35(1-3):59-65.

Abstract

From 1987 to 1993, 89 wolves (Canis lupus) collected throughout the whole Italian range were examined for intestinal helminth parasites. Twelve species were found, including 5 nematodes (Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis and Toxascaris leonina) and 7 cestodes (Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena, T. multiceps, T. pisiformis, T. ovis, Mesocestoides lineatus and Dipylidium caninum). No significant differences were detected between sexes. T. canis showed higher prevalence and numbers in youngs, while E. granulosus and T. vulpis in adults. Interference between U. stenocephala and A. caninum was detected. Parasite biocenosis was stable in respect to geographical and ecological variables.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carnivora / parasitology*
  • Ecology
  • Helminthiasis / epidemiology
  • Helminthiasis / parasitology
  • Helminthiasis, Animal*
  • Helminths / classification
  • Helminths / isolation & purification*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary*
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Species Specificity