Alien parasitic infections in the endangered Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tokiwa, Toshihiro; Yoshimura, Hisashi; Ito, Keiko; Chou, Shyun; Yamamoto, Masami
• Is Part Of: Parasitology international. Volume 76(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Angiostrongylus cantonensis -- Calodium hepaticum -- Diplothrix legata -- Endangered species -- Histopathology -- Hydatigera taeniaeformis; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Parasitic Diseases -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; 571.99905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1383-5769

Abstract

Abstract: There is limited knowledge about parasites of the endangered Ryukyu long-furred rat, Diplothrix legata (Murinae, Rodentia) endemic to Okinawa, Tokunoshima, and Amami-Oshima Islands in Japan. In the present study, postmortem histopathological examination of an individual found on Amami-Oshima Island revealed a mixed helminth infection of Calodium hepaticum, Hydatigera taeniaeformis, and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. These helminths are considered non-native to Amami-Oshima Island and are maintained by invasive mammals, such as non-native rats and outdoor cats. This observation presents a new host record for C. hepaticum and H. taeniaeformis and the first record of A. cantonensis in Ryukyu long-furred rat on Amami-Oshima Island. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Three parasites infected an endangered Diplothrix legata on Amami-Oshima Island This is a new host record for Calodium hepaticum and Hydatigera taeniaeformis This is the first record of A. cantonensis in D. legata on Amami-Oshima Island Invasive helminths reported on Amami-Oshima Island threaten endemic animals