Alien parasitic infections in the endangered Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

• Published in: Parasitology international Vol. 76; p. 102058
• Main Authors: Tokiwa, Toshihiro, Yoshimura, Hisashi, Ito, Keiko, Chou, Shyun, Yamamoto, Masami
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Calodium hepaticum; Diplothrix legata; Endangered species; Histopathology; Hydatigera taeniaeformis; Calodium hepaticum; Histopathology; Endangered species; Hydatigera taeniaeformis; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Diplothrix legata
• ISSN: 1383-5769; 1873-0329
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102058

There is limited knowledge about parasites of the endangered Ryukyu long-furred rat, Diplothrix legata (Murinae, Rodentia) endemic to Okinawa, Tokunoshima, and Amami-Oshima Islands in Japan. In the present study, postmortem histopathological examination of an individual found on Amami-Oshima Island revealed a mixed helminth infection of Calodium hepaticum, Hydatigera taeniaeformis, and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. These helminths are considered non-native to Amami-Oshima Island and are maintained by invasive mammals, such as non-native rats and outdoor cats. This observation presents a new host record for C. hepaticum and H. taeniaeformis and the first record of A. cantonensis in Ryukyu long-furred rat on Amami-Oshima Island. [Display omitted] •Three parasites infected an endangered Diplothrix legata on Amami-Oshima Island•This is a new host record for Calodium hepaticum and Hydatigera taeniaeformis•This is the first record of A. cantonensis in D. legata on Amami-Oshima Island•Invasive helminths reported on Amami-Oshima Island threaten endemic animals