The pig as a host for Schistosoma mekongi in Laos. |
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Authors: | H Strandgaard M V Johansen K Pholsena K Teixayavong N O Christensen |
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Affiliation: | Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory, Charlottenlund. |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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