Survey of Helminth Parasite Species Infecting Anurans of Azuabie and Woji Communities, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of Azuabie and Woji communities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, was conducted for a period of seven months with the view of identifying the anuran species and their associated gastro-intestinal helminth parasites in both locations. Standard sampling protocols were adopted and identification of both the host and parasite species was accomplished using appropriate keys. A total of three anuran species were recovered (Sclerophrys maculata, Ptychadena pumilio and Hoplobatrachus occipitalis). Seven helminth parasite species were recovered from the hosts, consisting of three nematodes, one trematode, two cestodes and one monogenean. Overall prevalence of infection was 82.86% and 97.14% at Azuabie and Woji, respectively. More parasite species (Azuabie =6; Woji = 5) were recovered during the dry season than the rainy season (Azuabie =4; Woji = 3). Likewise, more male (Azuabie = 27; Woji =26) than female hosts (Azuabie = 8; Woji =9) were infected. However, differences in prevalence of infection were not significantly affected by both season (Azuabie, p=1.4204E-50; Woji, p= 6.2638E-23) and gender (Azuabie, p=2.9966E-288; Woji, p= 2.9956E-288). Although diversity of both anurans and their helminth parasites was poor, there was high parasite endemicity in both communities. This research has added to the growing literature of species of both anurans and their helminth parasites found in parts of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.