engleski

Spatial occurrence of the parasitic trematode Alaria alata among wild animals in eastern Croatia

The digenean trematode Alaria alata (Goeze, 1782) is considered an emerging zoonotic parasite in Europe. The presence of its mesocercarial stage in wild boar meat represents the possible human health risk as posed by this trematode. Parasitological monitoring was carried out in the period 2016- 2011, with an aim to examine occurrence of mesocercariae and invasion intensity in free- living wild boar (Sus scrofa) and water frog (Pelophilax kl. esculentus) as the paratenic host in the life cycle of the parasite. The sampling comprised three hunting grounds in eastern Croatia: Spačva, Podunavlje-Podravlje and Breznica, characterized with different orographic, hydrological and habitat conditions. In total, 761 muscle tissue samples of wild boar and 43 samples of water frog were examined. Percentage of A. alata mesocercariae detected in wild boar was 42% in Spačva ; 7% in Podunavlje-Podravlje, and 1% in Breznica hunting ground. The average number of mesocercariae ranged 2.4 – 6.5 per 30 g of infected wild boar muscle tissue. Percentage of mesocercariae in water frogs was 11% in Spačva, 56% in Podunavlje-Podravlje, and 0% in Breznica.The more frequent occurrence of A. alata mesocercariae was found in wild animals living in the lowland, periodically flooded areas with abundance of hygrophylous forests and wetland habitats. This coincided with the fact that life-cycle of Alaria alata depends on water-associated intermediate hosts. Considering the food safety and consumer exposure to this potential food-borne hazard, further monitoring is required to assess the occurrence, infestation rate and propose measures for the parasite reduction and removal from the food chain.

Alaria alata ; mesocercaria ; wild boar ; frog

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