Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Experimental Infection of Mice with the Parasitic Nematode Strongyloides ratti ratti Infection
Published on: January 17, 2025
Morphological effects on helminth parasites caused by herbicide under experimental conditions
Tainá Carneiro de Castro Monte1,2, Brunna Vianna Braga2,3, Maurício Carvalho de Vasconcellos4
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade e Saúde, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Abstract:
Helminth parasites have been studied as potential accumulators for different pollutants. Echinostoma paraensei is a foodborne trematode whose vertebrate host, the rodent Nectomys squamipes, is naturally exposed to environmental pesticides. However, little information exists regarding the pesticide's effects on helminths. This study investigated the morphological effects on the trematode, E. paraensei, after experimental Roundup® herbicide exposure, in concentrations below those recommended for agricultural use. After two hours of exposure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed changes to the tegument, such as furrowing, shrinkage, peeling, spines loss on the peristomic collar, and histopathological evidence of altered cells in the cecum and acinus vitelline glands with vacuoles and structural changes to the muscular layers. Glycidic content was decreased, primarily in the connective tissue. As E. paraensei is an intestinal parasite of the semi-aquatic wild rodent, N. squamipes, it is predisposed to pesticide exposure resulting from agricultural practices. Therefore, we emphasize the need to evaluate its impact on helminth parasites, due to their pivotal role in regulating host populations.
Related Concept Videos
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Microbial Morphologies
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Framing Effects
Classical Conditioning
Ivan Pavlov observed that dogs...
Conditions on Early Earth

