Ecto and gut parasitic fauna of the African Giant Rat (Cricetomy gambianus) in a semi-urban tropical community

Abstract

An investigation of ecto and gut parastic fauna of African giant rat Cricetomys gambianus was carried out to determine the composition and prevalence of ecto and gut parasites in the giant rat.Fifteen giant rats, C. gambianus were caught from different locations in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and some other villages in Nsukka. They were all examined for ecto and gut parasites. A total of 2503 gut parasites and 27 ectoparasites were recovered. Considering the gut parasitic worms, nematodes were the most prevalent (87.4%) and included species such as  Nippostrongylus braziliensis, Capillaria columbae and Strongyloides ophidae. Hymenolepis dimnuta (cestode) (126%) was the least in prevalence. All recovered ectoparasites were fleas – Leptopsylla segnis. The health sgnificances of these parasites along with control and management measures are discussed.

Keywords: Ectoparasite, Gut parasites, African giant rat, Cicetomys gambianus, Semi-urban tropical community