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Umhang, G.; Forin-Wiart, M.-A.; Hormaz, V.; Caillot, C.; Boucher, J.-M.; Poulle, M.-L.; Boue, F.
_Echinococcus multilocularis_ detection in the intestines and feces of free-ranging domestic cats (_Felis s. catus_) and European wildcats (_Felis s. silvestris_) from northeastern France
2015  Veterinary Parasitology (214): 75-79

Experimental studies have demonstrated that cats can be infected by _Echinococcus multilocularis_, although few data are available concerning their natural infection. This study was designed to compare experimental findings with information on the prevalence of natural _E. multilocularis_ infections of cats in a rural high endemic area. Of 19 intestines of domestic cats (_Felis s. catus_) and five of European wildcats (_Felis s. silvestris_) analyzed by segmental sedimentation and counting technique (SSCT), infection by_ E. multilocularis _was observed for one individual of each species, resulting in a prevalence estimated at 5%, (CI95%: 1-26) in domestic cats and at 20% (CI95%: 1-72) in wildcats. High worm burdens (680 and 7040) were noted, but comprised only immature worms. The same EmsB microsatellite profile obtained from the worms' DNA was observed in the two cats as in foxes from the same area and from other European countries. The presence of_ E. multilocularis_ DNA was diagnosed in 3.1% (10/321) of the domestic cat feces collected on the field in two villages. However, no_ E. multilocularis_ eggs were found after flotation with zinc chloride of the positive feces. The detection of DNA from _E. multilocularis_ was thought to be due to the presence of cells from worms untied from the intestine and corresponding to prepatent infection or due to the digested metacestode. These results from _E. multilocularis_ presence in wild and domestic cat populations agree with those previously obtained by experimental infections. These findings support that these cats play an insignificant role in _E. multilocularis_ transmission, even in a "highly endemic" region. Nevertheless, since the presence of thick-shelled _E. multilocularis_ eggs from cats has already been reported, the associated zoonotic risk cannot be totally ruled out, even if it is very low.

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