Small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) in Iran: first evidence for the infection with Spirura sp. (Nematoda: Spiruridae)
Objective: To investigate the infection with gastrointestinal helminthes in small Indian
mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) and its epidemiologic aspects in Iran.
Methods: During June 2012 to July 2013, a total of 13 small Indian mongooses were caught
using live trap boxes in an area located near Shiraz, southern of Iran. Captured animals were
euthanized, eviscerated and parts of the alimentary tract were inspected. Two mongooses showed
a nematode attached to the mucosa of the stomach.
Results: According to the main morphological characteristics, the specimens belonged to the
genus Spirura (Blanchard 1849). This study represents the first evidences of the infection with
Spirura sp. in Herpestes auropunctatus in the world.
Conclusions: Because the animal can invade and appear in the habitat of the other animal
populations including omnivores or carnivores, it seems that mongooses in this area could have a
high potential for the transmission of the infection with the spirurid nematodes to a large range of
animals. Thus, besides the necessity of conducting the controlling programs, autochthonous dogs,
cats and rodents should be included in more epidemiological studies in this region.
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicin, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran 2: Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicin, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Publication date: 01 January 2014
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