The helminth parasitofauna of Bufo Regularis (Reuss) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

One hundred and sixty two specimens of Bufo regularis were collected between June 1998 and May 1999 in Ile-Ife and examined for helminth parasites. Ninety nine percent (99%) of the specimens were infected by seven parasitic helminths made up of one trematode, one cestode and five nematodes. All the helminths exhibited site preferences except one nematode, Amplicaecum africanum, recovered from both stomach and intestine.

Parasite abundance was variable from one toad size class to another. It appeared that there was a general tendency for the prevalences to increase with increase in size of the host except for Aplectana sp. which appeared not to be affected. Mean intensities and variance/mean ratios are reported. Mesocoelum monodi and Ochoterenella digiticauda showed aggregated distribution.

Key Words: Bufo, size, helminths, prevalence and intensity.

Ife Journal of Science Vol.6(2) 2004: 101-104