The aim of this study was to estimate the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis DNA in fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms in rural areas of Varmia-Masuria Province, Poland, which is the region with the highest number of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) cases in this country. Recovery tests showed that E. multilocularis DNA is detectable in samples contaminated with at least 100 eggs of this tapeworm. In total, 103 environmental fruit, vegetable, and mushroom samples collected in forests, plantations, and kitchen gardens were analyzed using nested PCR assay based on the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The parasite DNA was detected in 23.3% of the samples. Sequencing confirmed that the obtained PCR products represented E. multilocularis. This study is the first environmental survey of the presence of E. multilocularis DNA in fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms intended for consumption. The results clearly demonstrate that it may be a direct source of human infections and shows the need to educate the public about the threat, especially people living in at-risk areas.
Keywords: Echinococcus multiloccularis; Eggs; Environment; Fruits; Mushrooms; PCR; Vegetables.