Determination of the Parasites in the Faeces of Laboratory Animals by Using Flotation Technique in Istanbul, Turkey

Authors : Handan ÇETİNKAYA, Tuğba TAŞ, Cem VURUŞANER

Pages : 35-39

Doi:10.30704/http-www-jivs-net.322964

View : 14 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2017-08-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study was to determine the parasites of laboratory and pet animals in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 128 cages including 279 animals as 115 rabbits from 82 cages, 75 mice from 5 cages, 28 rats from 7 cages, 26 guinea pigs from 23 cages and 35 hamsters from 11 cages were used. Faecal samples were obtained from 8 commercial pet shops in 6 different districts of Istanbul and 2 laboratory animal suppliers. All samples were examined by flotation technique using saturated salt solution.  Eimeria  spp. oocysts were found in the faeces of rabbits, hamsters and mice, and the prevalence of the infections were 29.6%, 28.6% and 20%, respectively. Two of 115 rabbits were infected with  Passalurus ambiguus  insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.7%);. Trichurid eggs were determined in 2 of 35 hamsters insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.7%);. Mice were infected with  Syphacia  spp.,  Aspiculuris  spp. and the infection ratios were 20% and 40% respectively. Out of 28 rats, 20 were infected with only  Syphacia  spp. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(71.4%);. No parasites were observed in guinea pigs’ faeces. Laboratory animals were used not only as experimental animals but also as pets. Therefore coprological examinations for parasite eggs and oocysts are important for treatment and control of the infections in these animals and for protecting the human health because of zoonotic potential of some species.  
Keywords : laboratory animals, parasites, prevalence, pet, Turkey