Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the parasites of laboratory and pet animals in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 128 cages including 279 animals as 115 rabbits from 82 cages, 75 mice from 5 cages, 28 rats from 7 cages, 26 guinea pigs from 23 cages and 35 hamsters from 11 cages were used. Faecal samples were obtained from 8 commercial pet shops in 6 different districts of Istanbul and 2 laboratory animal suppliers. All samples were examined by flotation technique using saturated salt solution. Eimeria spp. oocysts were found in the faeces of rabbits, hamsters and mice, and the prevalence of the infections were 29.6%, 28.6% and 20%, respectively. Two of 115 rabbits were infected with Passalurus ambiguus (1.7%). Trichurid eggs were determined in 2 of 35 hamsters (5.7%). Mice were infected with Syphacia spp., Aspiculuris spp. and the infection ratios were 20% and 40% respectively. Out of 28 rats, 20 were infected with only Syphacia spp. (71.4%). No parasites were observed in guinea pigs’ faeces. Laboratory animals were used not only as experimental animals but also as pets. Therefore coprological examinations for parasite eggs and oocysts are important for treatment and control of the infections in these animals and for protecting the human health because of zoonotic potential of some species.
Highlights
Laboratory animals are used as biological models in many experimental investigations
Eimeria spp. oocysts were found in the faeces of rabbits, hamsters and mice and the prevalence of the infection were 29.6%, 28.6% and 20.0%, respectively
Parasites of laboratory animals should be investigated for both proper experimental results, and for researchers and pet owners’ health. For this purpose this study was conducted in some rodents from pet shops and laboratory animal suppliers in different districts of Istanbul
Summary
Laboratory animals are used as biological models in many experimental investigations. Infections including in parasitic can affect the results of the investigations by inducing physiological and immunological alterations in host’s body (Hsu, 1980). These animals could be used as pet in house by many people. These animals can have some zoonotic diseases that treat human health, especially pet owners and researchers In this regard, some parasites of these animals are known to be zoonotic (Baker, 1998). The other pinworms Syphacia muris, Syphacia mesocricetus and Denstomella translucida are seen in rat, hamster and gerbil respectively (Baker, 1998) Of these pinworm species, S. obvelata has been reported to infect humans (National Research Council, 1991).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
