PCR detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum in faecal samples of dogs and foxes.

Angiostrongylus vasorum is spreading in foxes and dogs of northern Europe, therefore specific diagnosis is crucial for detecting the infection and assessing the disease prevalence. In this study, faecal samples were screened with a new PCR. Isolation of larvae by sieving facilitated the processing of larger sample volumes and allowed the recovery of dead L1 from frozen samples. By the sieve-PCR method, a single larva per 2 g of faeces was detected and DNA of other carnivore helmiths was not amplified, thus presenting a non-invasive tool for wildlife surveillance and for confirmative diagnosis in dogs.