Prevalence of Rhabdias africanus and other Endoparasites of Sclerophrys regularis (Anura: Bufonidae) From Ogoni Land, Nigeria

Abstract

Sclerophrys regularis specimens from Ogoni, Nigeria, were investigated for the prevalence of the lung nematodes, Rhabdias
africanus. Hosts were collected from two locations, Zor Sogho, Bori and Kaani 1, Khana. High prevalence of R. africanus
infection was observed, 69% in Bori and 100% in Khana. Other helminth parasites recovered from the hosts included
acanthocephalan cystacanths, pentastomids (Raillietiella sp.), trematodes (Diplodiscus fischthalicus and Mesocoelium
monodi) and nematodes (ascaridida larvae, Amplicaecum africanum, Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia hoepplii). Coinfection
of C. ornata and R. africanus was very common in both locations, and multiple infection was more prevalent than
single infection. This is the second report of Diplodiscus fischthalicus from a bufonid in Nigeria, with both occurring in the
humid Niger Delta region, however in low prevalence and intensity. The other parasites have been reported by previous
authors. Research into the environmental factors that enhance transmission of Rhabdias africanus should be investigated.

Keywords: Lung nematode parasite, bufonids, co-infection, multiple infections, amphibians, Ogoni