The spatial distribution and host partitioning of the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in Western Canada

Echinoccocus multilocularis (Em) is a deathly parasite that can affect humans and is considered as a global emergent pathogen. Recent findings indicate that the parasite is expanding its geographic range in North America and that the highly pathogenic European strain is the most prevalent in Western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan). Therefore, I will assess the genetic diversity, spatial distribution and host partitioning of the European strain in Western Canada to investigate the invasion processes of this strain and assess the role of the two main hosts coyotes and foxes in the transmission of the strain. I expect to find evidence of multiple introduction events of the European strain related to a recent introduction. Additionally, being the coyote a naïve host, this species could be more susceptible to the European strain and harbor more parasites compared to the fox, which is a co-evolved host; thus, having a predominant role in the transmission of the parasite. This project will help to understand the invasion process of the European strain in North America, specifically its origin, evolution, ecoepidemiology and the potential risk that the presence of this strain represents for humans and dogs in western Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marco Musiani

Student:

Partner:

University of Pisa

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: