Author/Authors :
DODANGEH, Samira Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , AZAMI, Davoud Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , DARYANI, Ahmad Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , GHOLAMI, Shirzad Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , SHARIF, Mehdi Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , MOBEDI, Iraj Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , SARVI, Shahabeddin Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , SOLEYMANI, Eissa Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , RAHIMI, Mohammad Taghi Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences - School of Medicine - Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran , PIRESTANI, Majid Dept. of Parasitology - School of Medical Sciences - Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran , GOHARDEHI, Shaban Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , BASTANI, Reza Toxoplasmosis Research Center - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are distributed worldwide and found in many
parts of Iran. Although S. scrofa is reservoirs for many parasites, there is little data on
helminthic prevalence in them. We aimed to survey the status of helminthic infections
in S. scrofa in the Mazandaran Province of northern Iran.
Methods: Twenty-one wild boars were captured and examined for helminth infection
during Dec 2012-Mar 2014. Adult worms such as Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus
were identified by helminth size and shape, and the arrangement of the proboscis
hooks. The sedimentation and flotation techniques were used to detect parasite eggs
and larvae in faecal samples. Muscle samples were also surveyed for Trichinella larvae
by artificial digestion method.
Results: Of the 21 samples, 13 (61.9%) were infected with one or more helminth
species. Seven helminth types were identified in the alimentary track, comprising 5
nematodes, 1 trematode, and 1 acanthocephalan, with prevalence rates of
Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (57.14%), Globocephalus spp. (33.33%), Trichuris suis
(19.04), Gongylonema pulchrum (14.28%), Fasciola hepatica (14.28%), Dioctophyma renale
(4.76%), and Ascaris suum (4.76%).
Conclusion: Wild boars might be involved in transmitting zoonotic parasites to
humans. The abundance of these animals near human habitation creates favorable
conditions for infection. So the risk of parasitic helminth diseases increases in other
animals and humans.
