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The prevalence and intensity of infection with helminth parasites in Mus spretus from the Setubal Peninsula of Portugal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

J. M. Behnke
Affiliation:
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
C. Barnard
Affiliation:
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
J. L. Hurst
Affiliation:
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
P. K. McGregor
Affiliation:
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
F. Gilbert
Affiliation:
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
J. W. Lewis
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY, UK

Abstract

The results of a 5 year study of helminth parasites of Mus spretus, are reported. Six nematode and 5 cestode species were identified but no helminth showed 100% prevalence in M. spretus, the most commonly encountered nematode and cestode species being Syphacia obvelata (46·6%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (22·4%). Among the more unusual helminth species identified was Eucoleus bacillatus, a capillariid nematode inhabiting the stomach musculature. This species was identified in 3 of the 5 years of the study. The results are discussed in the broader context of previous studies and the epidemiology of rodent helminth infections in general.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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