Background

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause enteric infection in a wide range of mammals, including humans. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive species in many parts of the world and studies have shown that they can be infected with Cryptosporidium spp. both outside and in their original distribution area. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. antigens in the faeces of raccoons in Luxembourg.

Methods

Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we tested 81 faeces samples, collected between 2014 and 2018, for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. coproantigens. Samples with an optical density equal to or greater than 0.15% were considered positive.

Results

Antigens were detected in 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI 6.68–21.26) of the tested samples. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection between the sexes and age categories. Cryptosporidium spp.-positive raccoons were found in 7 of the 12 Luxembourg administrative districts (Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Mersch, Remich, Vianden and Wiltz).

Conclusion

The results show that Cryptosporidium infections are not uncommon in Luxembourg raccoons and suggest possible transmission of Cryptosporidium by raccoons.

中文翻译：

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检测隐孢子虫。使用 ELISA 方法感染来自卢森堡的野生浣熊 (Procyon lotor)。

背景

隐孢子虫属 是原生动物寄生虫，可引起包括人类在内的多种哺乳动物的肠道感染。浣熊 ( Procyon lotor ) 是世界许多地方的入侵物种，研究表明它们可以感染隐孢子虫。无论是在其原始分布区域之外还是在其原始分布区域内。本研究的目的是确定隐孢子虫的存在。卢森堡浣熊粪便中的抗原。

方法

我们使用酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA) 检测了 2014 年至 2018 年间收集的 81 份粪便样本中是否存在隐孢子虫。粪抗原。光密度等于或大于 0.15% 的样品被认为是阳性的。

结果

在 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI 6.68–21.26) 的测试样品中检测到抗原。隐孢子虫的流行率没有显着差异。性别和年龄类别之间的感染。在卢森堡 12 个行政区中的 7 个（克莱沃、迪基希、埃希特纳赫、默施、雷米希、维安登和威尔茨）发现了隐孢子虫阳性浣熊。

结论

结果表明，隐孢子虫感染在卢森堡浣熊中并不少见，表明浣熊可能传播隐孢子虫。