Incidence of gastrointestinal helminthes in emin’s pouch rat (Cricetomys emini Wroughton) in the semi-arid zones of katsina state

Abstract

A survey was carried out to determine the multiple incidence and compositions of gastrointestinal/helminth parasites of Emin's Pouched Rat, Cricetomys emini that inhabit the Semi-Arid Areas of Katsina State, and to analyze the parasitic load of these parasites. Out of the eighty six (86) trapped and caught pouched rats, 57% were females and 48% males, of immature sub-adult individuals per sex and were examined base on the parasites incidence and multiplication rate. The following parasites were detected in accordance with the gastrointestinal gut parts: In the alimentary canal found are the Cestodes: Hymenolepis diminuta (39.53%) and Rodentolopis fraterna (25.58%); found in the ileum and lumens of large intestine are Nematodes, Heterakis spumosa (36.05%) and Ascaridia collumbae (30.23%). Similarly, Capillaria collumbae (18.60%) was detected in the ileum/small intestine. Found in the caecum and rectums were also nematodes: Aspiculuris sp (11.63%), Trichuiris trichuira (3.49%) and Strongyloides sp (5.81%). The nematodes were the most prevalent followed by cestodes and Trichuiris trichuira as the least incident species. The helminthes showed significant difference (P>0.05). Acanthocephalans and flukes (Trematodes) and a few of minute intestinal worms were not recognized during the practical analysis. Proper sanitation need to be adapted in the Saharan and the Semi-Arid Zones so as to minimize the population of these zoonotic helminthes in order to yield healthy living wild life/muroid rodents.