European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as an accidental host of Trypanosoma pestanai

In Europe, trypanosomes are not considered a serious threat to humans or domestic animals; however, their potential ecological impact on wildlife remains largely unknown. This study investigates presence of trypanosomes in European brown hare (<i>Lepus europaeus</i>) in Czechia, where this species is an important game species and plays a significant role in ecosystems. Using nested PCR targeting 18S rDNA, trypanosome DNA was detected in two of 435 blood samples, representing the first confirmation of trypanosomes in the genus <i>Lepus</i>. Subsequent sequencing identified <i>Trypanosoma pestanai</i>, a species previously reported in the European badger (<i>Meles meles</i>). These findings suggest that <i>T. pestanai</i> may have a broader host range than previously recognized, emphasizing the need for further research into its ecological impact and its potential transmission dynamics in wildlife populations.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife
Published
2025-05-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101079
Primary Topic
Trypanosoma species research and implications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as an accidental host of Trypanosoma pestanai

Vladimír Piaček, Jan Votýpka, Jana Sedláčková, Petr Linhart et al.
International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife
Trypanosoma species research and implications
article

European Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) as an accidental host of Trypanosoma pestanai

Vladimír Piaček, Jan Votýpka, Jana Sedláčková, Petr Linhart, Lucie Veitová, Paulina Maria Lesiczka, Hana Banďouchová, Jiří Pikula, Tomáš Heger, Vendula Kokesova, Anna Sindelarova
article en

Abstract

In Europe, trypanosomes are not considered a serious threat to humans or domestic animals; however, their potential ecological impact on wildlife remains largely unknown. This study investigates presence of trypanosomes in European brown hare (<i>Lepus europaeus</i>) in Czechia, where this species is an important game species and plays a significant role in ecosystems. Using nested PCR targeting 18S rDNA, trypanosome DNA was detected in two of 435 blood samples, representing the first confirmation of trypanosomes in the genus <i>Lepus</i>. Subsequent sequencing identified <i>Trypanosoma pestanai</i>, a species previously reported in the European badger (<i>Meles meles</i>). These findings suggest that <i>T. pestanai</i> may have a broader host range than previously recognized, emphasizing the need for further research into its ecological impact and its potential transmission dynamics in wildlife populations.

International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and WildlifeVol. 27
University of Veterinary Sciences Brno (CZ), Charles University (CZ), University of Veterinary Science (MM), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NL), Institute of Parasitology (CZ), Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre (CZ), Mendel University in Brno (CZ)
Openalex Percentile: Top 85%
Trypanosoma species research and implications
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