Abstract
Introduction: Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode with worldwide distribution among rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus) which can also infect human beings through ingestion of embryonated eggs and cause the zoonotic disease of capillariasis philippinensis. This study aimed to determine the C. hepatica infection in Rattus spp. in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province of Iran, as well as orally infecting of Balb/c mice with embryonated eggs. Methods: Area of study was the city of Sanandaj located in the west of Iran, wherein 4 R. norvegicus, 6 R. rattus and 10 Mus musculus were captured using live traps in a period of more than 2 years. Livers were examined for C. hepatica infection, sectioned, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Embryonated eggs were used in order to experimentally infect 3 Balb/c mice orally. Results: Capillaria hepatica was detected in 5 out of 20 livers (25%); rates of infection were 50% (2/4) for R. norvegicus, 50% (3/6) for R. rattus, and 0% (0/10) for M. musculus. Cross sections of the livers showed active infections as eggs were deposited beside the worms, and they were also observed inside the female worms. After performing the autopsy on 3 mice that had been infected experimentally, there was no sign of infection based on gross and microscopic examinations. Conclusion: This study was the first report on C. hepatica infection in Rattus spp. in Sanandaj. The main reservoir hosts of C. hepatica infection in different areas of Sanandaj were R. rattus and R. norvegicus. On the other hand, with regard to limited sample size of study, no significant role could be considered for either infection or transmission of C. hepatica for M. musculus in these areas.
Highlights
IntroductionCapillaria hepatica) is a nematode with worldwide distribution among rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus) which can infect human beings through ingestion of embryonated eggs and cause the zoonotic disease of capillariasis philippinensis
In another part of the same liver, a fibrous capsule was observed around unembryonated eggs that could be related to a prior infection with C. hepatica (Figure 3C)
Due to the zoonotic importance of capillariasis and its potential in infecting humans, for Zamini et al example the true case report of a severe Capillaria infection in a 5-year-old child of Iran in 2015,7 and the fact that genus Rattus is considered a reservoir host for this infection, infected rodents are reported as risk factors for public health
Summary
Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode with worldwide distribution among rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus) which can infect human beings through ingestion of embryonated eggs and cause the zoonotic disease of capillariasis philippinensis. The parasite belongs to the order of Trichinellida and Capillariidae.[1] It is distributed worldwide among rodents, and has been found in more than 140 mammalian species such as human beings, which causes the zoonotic disease of capillariasis.[2] The size of an adult parasite is ranged from 30 to 50 mm in length in males and females.[1] The eggs are bi-operculatestructured with a tray-like shape, and have a pitted shell, and the apical plugs do not protrude.[3] Eggs are embryonated within 5 to 7 weeks outside the host and transmitted directly through being ingested by the soil or animal carcasses without the need for an intermediate host. The female dies after a period of approximately 30 days after laying eggs, and immature fertilized eggs remain viable up to 120 days
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