Investigation and therapeutic management of hymenolepiosis in wistar rats from Chhattisgarh Rawat Nidhi1*, Jolhe Dhananjay Kumar2, Hirpurkar Sadanand Devidas1, Bisen Savita3, Patel Shailesh Kumar2, Sannat Chandrahas1, Mandavi Seema4 1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India 2Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India 3Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India 4Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India *Corresponding author: N Rawat; E-mail: dr_nidhirawat@yahoo.com
Online published on 17 October, 2020. Abstract The present investigation was aimed to know the cause of sudden mortality among Wistar rats in a rat colony. The dead rats (n=20) were subjected to necropsy examination. Intestinal lumens were examined to know the presence of parasites or parasitic body parts. Intestinal faecal contents were collected for identification of the parasitic eggs. Intestinal tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Necropsy revealed the presence of cestodes in the intestinal lumen. The intestines were found to be haemorrhagic and filled with serous and blood tinged contents. The cestode worms were identified as Hymenolepis diminuta based on gross morphological examination of the adult worms and microscopic examination of the eggs. Histopathology revealed necrosis of enterocytes, blunting of villi, degeneration and necrosis of villous and crypt epithelium. The diseased rats were observed for clinical signs and symptoms. Clinically, the rats showed inappetence, dullness, depression, loss of body weight, rough hair coat and a typical hunchback posture. The affected rats were treated by oral administration of Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate and Febantel combination (kiwof plus tablet, Savavet) at a dose rate of 6 mg/kg body weight. The rats were cured after anthelmintic treatment. The present study highlighted the occurrence of hymenolepiosis that caused high mortality among Wistar rats. This study emphasizes the necessity of rapid and specific disease diagnosis and treatment to control the mortality among affected rats and to prevent and control the further spread of parasitic infection among susceptible rats and in the personnel in close surroundings of the infected rats. HIGHLIGHTS • Histopathology of intestine revealed necrosis of enterocytes, blunting of villi, degeneration and necrosis of villous and crypt epithelium. • Gross and microscopic examination of the cestode worms indicated Hymenolepis diminuta. • Affected rats were cured after oral administration of praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate and febantel. Top Keywords Hymenolepis diminuta, Mortality, Therapeutic management, Wistar rat, Zoonoses. Top |