Patho-physiological observations in natural concurrent infections of helminth parasites of zoonotic importance in the wild rodents, Bandicota bengalensis.

Screening of 83 mature wild rodents of Bandicota bengalensis (52 male and 31 females), live trapped from premises near railway station, fish market and agricultural fields in Ludhiana district of Punjab province, India was carried out to assess the natural occurrence of helminth parasites and their potential as reservoirs of zoonoses. On necropsy, intestine of rats was found infected with adult cestode parasites of Hymenolepis diminuta and H. nana. Liver was found infected with Capillaria hepatica and Cysticercus fasciolaris. These parasites were present either alone or as concurrent infection. In overall, 68.67 % rats were found infected of which 59.65 % were infected with nematode parasite, C. hepatica and 75.44 % with cestode parasites. Grossly, pathognomonic lesions of C. hepatica and C. fasciolaris were seen clearly and microscopic changes were observed only in severely infected cases. Overall investigation on the effect of these parasitic infections on pathophysiology of the host revealed that rodents serve as reservoirs of these parasitic infections without having much pathogenic effect on their vital organs, fecundity and enzyme activities. Because of its close association with human habitations, B. bengalensis may act as an important source of zoonotic infections and thus direct or indirect contact with excrements and carcasses of this rodent species, should be avoided.