Hymenolepis diminuta and Rodentolepis nana (Hymenolepididae: Cyclophyllidea) in urban rodents of Gran La Plata: association with socio-environmental conditions

• Published in: Journal of helminthology Vol. 92; no. 5; pp. 549 - 553
• Main Authors: Fitte, B., Robles, M.R., Dellarupe, A., Unzaga, J.M., Navone, G.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Alcohol; Animal health; Ecological risk assessment; Environmental conditions; Health risks; Hymenolepididae; Hymenolepis diminuta; Identification; Laboratory animals; Morphology; Morphometry; Parasites; Precipitation; Rattus norvegicus; Rattus rattus; Research Paper; Rodentia; Rodentolepis nana; Rodents; Surveying; Worms; Zoonoses
• ISSN: 0022-149X; 1475-2697
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X17000864

The aim of this survey was to study two Hymenolepididae species in urban rodents, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, and to analyse factors that favour their presence in the environment and pose a sanitary risk. Hymenolepis diminuta and Rodentolepis nana were found in R. rattus and R. norvegicus in different proportions. Values of prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity were recorded, and new morphometric characters were described, adding to previously known information. No significant differences were found. However, the results revealed that there is a tendency for these parasites to develop in areas with deficient socio-structural conditions and in water bodies. This study thereby shows that certain areas on the periphery of the Gran La Plata favour the existence of rodents, which act as sentinels of zoonotic diseases, and stresses the need to take action to minimize them in order to avoid putting human and animal health at risk.