Intestinal helminths infection of Reithrodontomys mexicanus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from a Suburban Area in Medellín, Colombia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal parasites associated with small wild rodents in Colombia remain poorly understood. AIM: This study aimed to identify the intestinal helminths ofa common wild rodent species, in rural areas of Medellín, Colombia. METHODS: Between June and December 2022, 31 individuals were captured and sex-classified. Fecal samples underwent flotation and sedimentation analysis. RESULTS: The overall helminth prevalence inwas 67.7% (21/31). Identified helminth egg morphotypes included: Ascarid (types 1 and 2), Dicrocoeliidae-like (types 1 and 2),sp.,sp.,sp., and two unidentified nematode eggs. CONCLUSION: This study reveals thathosts a diverse range of parasites, including those with significant public health implications such asspp.,spp., andspp. Our findings contribute to the understanding of wild rodent helminth fauna in South America and provide the first documentation of parasites in.