What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to monitor parasitic infections in wolves of central Italy to understand ecosystem health and zoonotic risks.

February 23, 2026Open Access

Parasitic surveillance in wolves of central Italy: a focus on the Abruzzo region

SDSabrina Vanessa Patrizia DefournyIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale MCMariasole ColomboIstituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale GDGianluca D’AmicoUniversity of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca

Key Points

The study aims to monitor parasitic infections in wolves of central Italy to understand ecosystem health and zoonotic risks.
Evaluated 169 wolf carcasses recovered between 2018 and 2024
Used molecular techniques for Leishmania spp. and Trichinella spp. detection
Performed flotation and Baermann tests on 147 fecal samples for intestinal parasites
80% of analyzed carcasses tested positive for at least one parasite
Leishmania spp. found in 7.1% of wolves
Trichinella spp. detected in 28.7% of wolves
Various intestinal parasites including nematodes were prevalent

Abstract

Abstract Background Monitoring parasitic infections in wildlife is essential for assessing ecosystem health and pathogen dynamics, particularly in apex predators like the wolf ( Canis lupus ). As top-level carnivores with wide-ranging habitats and diverse interactions with prey, wolves can serve as effective sentinels for the circulation of parasitic agents within ecosystems. The present study aimed at monitoring parasitic infections, particularly those of zoonotic importance, in wolves from central Italy. Methods The study was conducted on 169 wolf carcasses recovered between 2018 and 2024. Leishmania spp. and Trichinella spp. infections were evaluated using molecular techniques (on 169 spleen and 150 striated muscle samples, respectively), while intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites were investigated using flotation and Baermann tests (147 fecal samples). Results Of the 169 wolves included in the study, 89 (52.66%) were males and 131 (77.51%) were adults. Of all analyzed carcasses, 135 (80%) tested positive for ≥ 1 parasite. Leishmania spp. were detected in 12 of 169 (7.1%) wolves and Trichinella spp. were detected in 43 of 150 (28.7%) wolves. Copromicroscopic examinations revealed infections with nematodes belonging to family Ancylostomatidae (62%), Trichuris vulpis (32%), Capillaria spp. (20.4%), helminths from Class Cestoda (8.8%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (7.5%), coccidian oocysts (4.8%), Crenosoma vulpis (2.7%) and Toxocara canis (2%). Conclusions The present study included the largest number of wolves when compared with previous similar parasitological surveys conducted in Europe. High parasite circulation shared by dogs and humans within the wolf population can be surmised, highlighting the potential role of wolves in pathogen transmission. Given their position at the wildlife/domestic animal/human interface, continuous parasitological surveillance is important not only for conservation efforts but also for protecting public and veterinary health. Graphical abstract

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