The pig as a host for Schistosoma mekongi in Laos.
A survey of helminths in domestic pigs was conducted in Khong District, Laos, to elucidate if these domestic animals could act as definitive hosts for Schistosoma mekongi and to obtain a general overview of their helminthological infection status. Fecal samples were collected from 98 pigs. Twelve pigs (12.2%) were found to excrete S. mekongi eggs. Infection was confirmed by detection of S. mekongi eggs in tissues of liver, rectum, and cecum of 2 pigs. A total of 75.8% of the pigs was infected with 1 or more helminth species. This study showed that pigs may act as a definitive host for S. mekongi.
Strandgaard
H
H
Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory, Charlottenlund.
Johansen
M V
MV
Pholsena
K
K
Teixayavong
K
K
Christensen
N O
NO
D000818:Animals; D002432:Cecum / Q000469:parasitology; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary*; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007812:Laos / Q000453:epidemiology; D008099:Liver / Q000469:parasitology; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012007:Rectum / Q000469:parasitology; D012547:Schistosoma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*