Preliminary Study on the Helminth Parasites of Rattus rattus sp (Rodentia) – M9 (nomen nodum) and Arion hortensis (Pulmonata) and Heavy Metals in their Muscle Tissues in a Terrestrial Ecosystem

Abstract

The Rattus rattus sp – M9 (nomen nodum) and Arion hortensis have been primary sources of protein to humans.  The fact that their close association to humans may pose collateral risks, there is need to evaluate their bio-indicator potentials and their associating helminth parasites.  In order to assess the heavy metals contents in the muscles these two animals were selected based on being a vertebrate and invertebrate, land and aerial dwelling, as well as hairy protective skin and soft, membranous skin respectively in order to appreciably conduct good assessment of the environment to breach the gap in knowledge. They were collected by digging of burrows and hand picking with average body lengths (cm), R. rattus sp 12 (16.13±2.49) and A. hortensis 8 (3.99±1.53) respectively. Due to difficulty in their collection not quite many samples were collected, although enough for preliminary investigation. Parasitological analysis using sedimentation method was used to examine their intestines, body fluids, and internal organs. Out of this number, 4(0.333) R. rattus sp. were infected with the eggs of Trichuris muris 2 (0.167), Ancylostoma duodenale 2(0.167) and Strongyloidus sp 1(0.083) and Ascaris suum 1(0.083) with mixed infection of T. muris, Strongyloidus sp and Ancylostoma duodenale whereas 2 (0.25) samples of A. hortensis were infected with both adult Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita and their eggs.  Also, muscle tissues analysis for the presence of heavy metals (AAS) mg/kg, indicates no Hg while other heavy metals indicate safe range limits.