INFECTION OF RODENTS AND INSECTIVORES WITH TRICHINELLA IN THE KURSK REGION

Abstract

The study of the Trichinella distribution in representatives of different systematic taxa is quite relevant as it allows us to establish the role of infected animals in the functioning of the parasitic system of the causative agent of trichinellosis. Scientific works contain contradictory information on the presence of the Trichinella infection in rodents and insectivores. Many scientists publish data on the detection of Trichinella in species of these orders of mammals. There is a large number of works showing the absence of the Trichinella invasion in different species of rodents and insectivores. The purpose of our research was to study the Trichinella infection rate in rodents and insectivores in the Kursk Region. Trichinella larvae were detected by compressor trichinelloscopy and by the method of digesting muscle tissue in artificial gastric juice. Capsule-forming Trichinella (Trichinella spp.) were found in the muscles of infected animals. In total, 7 species of rodents and 5 species of insectivores were studied. The Trichinella invasion was detected in the common vole (1.8%) and in Erinaceus roumanicus (4.2%). The results obtained show that rodents and insectivores are involved in the circulation of Trichinella in the Kursk Region. We believe that representatives of these orders of animals serve as one of the sources of infection for many species of predatory mammals.