Development of Centrocestus armatus in different final hosts.

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Centrocestus armatus is a trematode parasite with implications for animal and potentially human health.
• Understanding its host-parasite dynamics is crucial for effective control and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the suitability of four different animal models (hamsters, albino rats, mice, and chicks) for studying Centrocestus armatus infections.
• To determine the development and recovery rates of C. armatus in these hosts.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of Centrocestus armatus metacercariae to hamsters, albino rats, mice, and chicks.
• Necropsy and dissection of animals at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days post-infection.
• Fecal examination for parasite eggs.

Main Results:

• Hamsters exhibited the highest worm recovery rate (25% on day 1), with continued recovery up to 14 days post-infection.
• Worms were recovered from mice and rats only up to day 3 post-infection.
• Chicks showed positive recovery at 12 hours post-infection, but no worms were recovered thereafter.
• Only hamster feces were positive for C. armatus eggs, starting from day 3 and continuing until day 14.

Conclusions:

• Hamsters represent the most suitable animal model for studying Centrocestus armatus due to sustained worm recovery and egg excretion.
• Rats, mice, and chicks are less suitable for long-term studies of C. armatus infection dynamics.