The prevalence of <i>Angiostrongylus Cantonensis</i> (Chen) in <i>Archachatina Marginata</i> (Swainson) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out between April 1997 and May 1998 to provide information on the prevalence of helminth infection in the giant land snail, A.marginata. Specimens of Archachatina marginata collected from Ile-Ife were examined for infection with parasitic helminths. The length and weight of the snails were taken. The snails were caught in the wild and dissected and examined in the laboratory. Various organs which include the oesophagus, crop, stomach, intestine, hepatopancreas, lung, heart, rectum, and common hermaphroditic duct were examined for helminth parasites. Out of 218 specimens of A. marginata examined, 86.7% were infected with the larvae of a nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The mean intensity of infection was 22.68 + 3.5. Seasonal variation in the intensity level of A. cantonensis during the year was more pronounced. This is probably due mainly to the moderately high rainfall recorded in September, which probably favour higher infestation of A. marginata. The prevalence however exhibited much less seasonal variation, although a trend towards higher value in September was also noticeable. This study has revealed that A. marginata serves as intermediate host of the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Key Words: Archachatina marginata, prevalence, Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Ife Journal of Science Vol.6(1) 2004: 1-5