Helminth parasites in the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) from Algeria

S Merabet,N Khammes–El Homsi,Ribas Ribas,N Khammes–Talbi,S Morand,A- Milla,L Aftisse

doi:10.32800/amz.2021.19.0205

Abstract

Helminth parasites of the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus (Rodentia, Murinae) were studied for the first time in Algeria. Fifty mice from Mizrana forest were examined in 2017. Our results showed a general prevalence of 82 % and a six species of helminths: four nematodes (Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Syphacia stroma, Syphacia frederici and Rictularia sp.) and two cestodes (Hymenolepis sp. and Hydatigera parva larvae). The most prevalent species was S. stroma (52.0 %), followed by S. frederici (46 %) and H. polygyrus (26 %). Infection rates in the analysed mice were higher in Nematoda (70 %) than in Cestoda (12 %). Host age was the most important factor determining the prevalence of helminth species, with adults being the most infected group. The differences were significant. No differences in prevalence were observed related to host sex or seasonality.

Highlights

The wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus 1758), is found throughout Europe and in parts of North Africa (Schlitter et al, 2021)
This study presents the first data for a helminth community in wood mice in Algeria
Previous studies of A. sylvaticus helminths from the Magreb are limited to reports of a number of helminth species but with no accompanying ecological data (Bernard, 1963, 1967)

Summary

Introduction

The wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus 1758), is found throughout Europe and in parts of North Africa (Schlitter et al, 2021). A. sylvaticus is the commonest species in high–altitude forests and mountains (Khidas, 1993, Khidas et al, 2002; Khammes, 2008) Despite this wide–ranging distribution, no surveys of helminth parasite have yet been conducted on this rodent species in Algeria. This study of these Maghreb populations (and as an introduced species) is of special interest. The aim of our study was to report data for the helminths of A. sylvaticus in Algeria for the first time

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Conclusion