A survey of the gut parasites of rodents in Nsukka ecological zone

Abstract

A survey of gut parasites of rodents was undertaken in Nsukka ecological zone. Out of the 87 rodents caught and examined, 47 (54.0%) were positive for helminth parasites. The prevalence rates for the various rodents examined were 60.0% for Xerus erythropus (squirrels); 59.3% for Cricetomy sp. (giant rats) and 48.9% for Rattus rattus (house rats). The difference in prevalence rates amongst the rodents was statistically insignifcant (P>0.05). The parasites isolated were 2 Cestode species- Hymenolepis sp (172%) and Raillietina sp; 3 nematode species- Trichuris muris (9.2%),, Ascaris sp (2.3%), Cyathostomum sp (4.6%) and one Acanthocephalan- Moniliformis morniliformis.(6.9%).

Keywords: Rodents, Xerus erythropus, Cricetomy sp, Rattus rattus, Gut parasites, Hymenolepis sp, Raillietina sp, Trichuris muris, Ascaris sp, Cyathostomum sp, Moniliformis morniliformis