Determinants of helminth infection in a subterranean rodent, the Cape dune mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus)

摘要

The helminth fauna of the largest bathyergid, the Cape molerat(Bathyergus suillus) was studied throughout an entire calendar year.The species richness encountered was low, with only 3 species ofnematodes (Longistriata bathyergi, Mammalakis macrospiculum, andTrichostrongylus sp.) and 2 species of cestodes (Taenia sp. andRodentolepis sp.). At less than 10%, the prevalence for all helminthsspecies was similarly low and may be a result of the solitary lifestyle andthe subterranean habitat exploited by this rodent. Clear seasonal patternswere apparent for the most common nematode (L. bathyergi), andprevalence and abundance were highest among non-pregnant femalescompared to males and pregnant females. Dispersal patterns associatedwith the mating system of the host could explain this pattern. In contrast,the prevalence of the most common cestode (Taenia sp.) was neitherdetermined by season nor host sex, suggesting that foraging habits mayconstantly expose B. suillus to this parasite.