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Parasitic Infestation in Laboratory Rat Strain, Long-evans (rattus Norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Md. Abdul Gofur
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka

Hamida Khanum
Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka

Milka Patracia Podder
1Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka

Zaibun Nessa
Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In the present investigation, 30 Long-Evans were examined. Out of 30, 23 rats were infected by helminth parasites, two species of helminth parasites from two taxonomic groups were identified, cestode Hymenolepis nana and nematode Syphacia muris. The prevalence and intensity of parasites were quite different in different groups of helminth parasites in hosts. The prevalence and intensity of infestation of cestodes were 26.67% and 5.57±1.5 while higher of nematodes 66.67% and 60.85±8.1 in the Long-Evans respectively. Hymenolepis nana was found in small intestine and Syphacia muris in all parts of the alimentary tract. The prevalence and intensity of infestation was 36.67% and 5.09±1.6 respectively in small intestine. The prevalence of infestation was similar both in large intestine and caecum (63.33%), and in rectum (63.33%). The intensity of infestation was 24±3.30 and 39.16±4.10 in large intestine and caecum, and in rectum respectively.

Keywords: Long-Evans, Rattus norvegicus, cestodes, nematodes, prevalence, intensity.

Location:

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity:

Objectives:

The present study was undertaken to identify prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites of the Long-Evans (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769).

Methodology:

The hosts were reared in cages and special type of food and water were supplied. Food materials supplied for the rearing of long-evans were rice polish, wheat bran, maize, protein, soyabean pulses, coarse flour, salt, soyabean oil, g.s. vitamin, treacle etc. After measuring the length and weight of the hosts, the parasites were collected. The cestodes were dipped quickly in a dish of hot fixation (AFA) when the scolices were in extended condition. After 10 minutes cestodes were then preserved in 70% ethyle alcohol. Cestodes were cleared and accomplished more rapidly when Lacto-phenol was used. Worms with thick cuticle required over night to be fairly cleaned. The nematodes were washed thoroughly in the saline solution and were cleared in Lacto-phenol. Finally the nematodes were preserved in 70% ethyle alcohol. The parasites were identified following the key given by Yamaguti (1959 and 1961). Like other helminthes nematodes were cleared and studied satisfactorily as temporary whole mount in Lacto-phenol. The smaller forms required overnight and the larger forms required more than 7 days to be fairly cleaned.

Source of Information: Univ. J. Zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 29. 2010, pp 41-46 ISSN 1023-6104

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Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The prevalence of helminth parasites in male was 80% and in female was 73.33%. But the intensity in male was higher (63.17(9.2) than in female (45.27(6.60). The prevalence of infection was higher in female than male. From the present result it appears that the cestodes and nematodes are most common in laboratory rats and mice, due to its special type of feeding habits. The feeding habit, non-sterilized water and food supply, overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and improper handling by lab attendant may be some contributing factors for high worm burden in Long-Evans in the present animal house. Such an infected individual causes zoonotic disease and also remains completely unfit for use in any kind of scientific work. But throughout the world Long-Evans are widely used for experimental works. The result in the present study emphasized that the living condition of the animal house belonging to the IFST of BCSIR should be improved

Knowledge Management: Journal