A survey of intestinal helminthes and blood parasites of the African giant rat- Crycetomys emini in South eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Fifty-eight Cricetomys emini (giant rat) caught in the tropical rainforest of southeastern Nigeria between June 2001 and February 2002 were examined for intestinal helminths and blood parasites. Intestinal parasites recovered included nematodes such as Nippostrongylus sp; Trichuris sp; Nematodirus sp and Ancyclostoma sp, two cestodes; Taenia teaniformis and Hymenolepis sp. An acanthocephalan-Moniliformis moniliformis was also recovered. The only blood parasite recovered was Trypanosoma lewisi. Of the 58 giant rats examined (19 males and 25 females), 44 (62.1%) were infected. Percentage infection of giant rats varied significantly among villages (p<0.05) and across sex with prevalence in females being significantly higher than that of males (p<0.05). The identification of some zoonotic parasites especially M. moniliformis and Hymenolepis sp. as well as their public health significance in congenial rural villages are discussed.

Keywords: intestinal helminthes, blood parasites, giant rats, Crycetomys emini, tropical rain forest, Nigeria

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 1(1) 2005: 1-6