To confirm the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in coyotes in Washington State and assess the implications for detection and monitoring.
Approach:
Key Findings:
37% of tested coyotes were positive for Echinococcus multilocularis, indicating a high level of infection.
Intestinal samples were more reliable than fecal samples for detecting the parasite.
The strain detected in Washington is similar to one previously reported in Canada.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest an established transmission cycle of E. multilocularis in local wildlife, necessitating improved detection and monitoring strategies.
Limitations:
Fecal sampling may lead to underestimation of prevalence due to missed infections.
Microscopy is resource-intensive, while molecular methods require optimization based on sample type.
Conclusion:
Combining diagnostic methods and expanding surveillance is crucial for understanding and monitoring the spread of E. multilocularis, especially in regions where it has not been widely reported.
Saro Khemichian, MD, is a transplant hepatologist with the USC Transplant Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, who cares for patients across the full spectrum of liver diseases, from mild liver conditions to advanced cirrhosis and liver failure, including those who have undergone a liver transplant.
