Sparganosis (Spirometra) i n Europe in the Molecular Era

Sparganosis is a relatively neglected foodborne and waterborne disease caused by species of the tapeworm genus Spirometra, the global distribution of which has not been sufficiently recognized. Known mainly as a zoonosis of East Asia, its species are native to all inhabited continents including Europe. Spirometra has been reported from numerous wildlife species from 17 European countries, and a critical review confirmed 17 autochthonous and 8 imported human clinical cases. We present the first molecular evidence of the coincident presence of 2 species in Europe and review the current distribution to raise awareness of the parasite in this region. Spirometra erinaceieuropaei is restricted to Europe and Spirometra tnansoni represents a lineage distributed mainly across Asia and Oceania that reaches Europe. The parasite is common in Eastern Europe and its distribution has potential to expand along with its invasive or migrating mammal hosts, spreading the risks of human infection.

Automated summary

Sparganosis is a foodborne and waterborne disease caused by species of the tapeworm genus Spirometra, with global distribution across inhabited continents including Europe. The presence of two different species of Spirometra in Europe has been confirmed, with Spirometra erinaceieuropaei restricted to Europe and Spirometra tnansoni representing a lineage mainly distributed across Asia and Oceania. The parasite is common in Eastern Europe and its distribution has potential to expand, increasing the risks of human infection.