On the life history ofHepatojarakus malayae(Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae), a parasite of the feral rat in Malaysia

Abstract

AbstractAdults ofHepatojarakus malayaelive in the bile duct of many species ofRattusin Peninsular Malaysia, ine life cycle of this parasite was studied in laboratory white rats. Eggs were passed out with the faeces at the early morula stage and hatched within 15 hours, giving rise to the first stage larvae. These developed to the third stage in about 36 hours and these were given orally to new rats in experimental infections. The migratory route of the larvae from the gut to the liver was traced. Penetration into the host appeared to be confined mainly to the fundic wall of the stomach. The larvae presumably followed the portal route to the uver. Here the final moult occurred before the young adults moved into the biliary passages.