Occurrence of <i>Echinococcus felidis</i> in Apex Predators and Warthogs in Tanzania: First Molecular Evidence of Leopards as a New, Definitive Host and Implications for Ecosystem Health
(1) Background: Limited information on <i>Echinococcus</i> species among the wildlife in Tanzania has created a significant knowledge gap regarding their distribution, host range, and zoonotic potential. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of <i>Echinococcus felidis</i...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/5/443 |
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| Summary: | (1) Background: Limited information on <i>Echinococcus</i> species among the wildlife in Tanzania has created a significant knowledge gap regarding their distribution, host range, and zoonotic potential. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of <i>Echinococcus felidis</i> transmission dynamics within the great Serengeti ecosystem. (2) Methods: A total of 37 adult <i>Echinococcus</i> specimens were collected from a leopard (<i>Panthera pardus</i>) (n = 1) in Maswa Game Reserve and 7 from a lion (<i>Panthera leo</i>) (n = 1) in Loliondo. Two hydatid cysts were also obtained from warthogs (n = 2) in the Serengeti National Park. (3) Results: Morphological examination revealed infertile cysts in warthogs that were molecularly identified as <i>E. felidis</i>. This marks the first molecular evidence of <i>E. felidis</i> in leopards and warthogs in Tanzania. Pairwise similarity analysis showed 98.7%–99.5% identity between Tanzanian, Ugandan, and South African isolates. Thirteen unique haplotypes were identified, with a haplotype diversity of (Hd = 0.9485) indicating genetic variability. Phylogenetic analysis grouped <i>E. felidis</i> into a single lineage, with the leopard isolate forming a distinct haplotype, suggesting leopards as an emerging host. Lion and warthog isolates shared multiple mutational steps, suggesting possible genetic divergence. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms African lions and leopards as definitive hosts and warthogs as potential intermediate hosts of <i>E. felidis</i> in the Serengeti ecosystem. Our findings highlight disease spillover risks and stress the importance of ecosystem-based conservation in wildlife–livestock overlap areas. Although <i>E. felidis</i> is believed to be confined to wildlife, the proximity of infected animals to pastoralist communities raises concerns for spillover. These findings highlight the importance of ecosystem-based surveillance, especially in wildlife–livestock–human interface areas. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |