Modupe Agatha OGUNNIYI

Helminth infections remain an important public and veterinary health concern due to their impact on host populations, zoonotic potential and ecological significance. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity and mean intensity of helminths infecting small mammals (Mastomys sp, Mus musculus, Sorex sp, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) from two Local Government Areas of Edo State in order to determine the impact of helminths on host populations, zoonotic potential and ecological significance. Atotal of 90 small mammals were captured using Rat Glue Board and Sherman traps baited with smoked fish. The captured small mammals were anesthetized by chloroform and the measurement of the total body length, tail length, hind foot length, head body length and ear length were taken using vernier caliper and recorded in centimeter (to the nearest 0.1cm). The sex of the animal was determined and the weight was also taken using weighing balance and recorded in grams (nearest 0.1g). Standard parasitological techniques were employed to recover, identify and quantify helminth parasites from gastrointestinal tracts, and morphological identification was carried out using established taxonomic keys. Results show an overall helminth infection prevalence rate of 31.1% (28 out of 90 small mammals were infected). Members of the order Soricomorpha recorded a higher prevalence and mean intensity rates compared to Rodentia. A total of 10 helminth parasites belonging to two taxa: Cestoda and Trematoda were recovered from the small mammalian hosts. Two zoonotic helminthes (Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana) were recovered in commensal small mammals (Sorex, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus). Statistical analysis revealed significant variation (p<0.05) in infection rates with respect to host species, sex and the two Local Government Areas. The findings underscore the role of small mammals as important reservoirs of zoonotic helminths in Edo State, Nigeria. This highlights the need for continuous ecological surveillance, improved sanitation and public health education to mitigate potential transmission risks. This study provides essential baseline information for understanding the epidemiology of helminth infections among small mammal populations and their implications for human and animal health within the One Health framework