Seasonal and site specific variation in the component community structure of intestinal helminths inApodemus sylvaticusfrom three contrasting habitats in south-east England

Abstract

AbstractSeasonal fluctuations in the prevalence and abundance of infection with intestinal helminths were studied inApodemus sylvaticus(wood mouse,n= 399), from three contrasting habitats in southern England, to test the hypothesis that both intrinsic (host sex, age) and extrinsic (season, site) factors influence parasite species richness and abundance. Five species of helminths were recovered but only one of these (Capillaria murissylvatici) was site-specific (Dungeness). Total species richness was therefore 5 at Dungeness and 4 at the other two sites. Mean species richness was 1.4, but in adult mice there was a pronounced difference between the sites, and an independent highly significant effect of season.Syphacia stromaandCorrigia vittaboth showed marked differences between sites in respect of prevalence and abundance of infection.Capillaria murissylvaticiwas encountered at Dungeness mostly in the spring whereas seasonal changes in abundance ofS. stromawere consistent across all three sites. Seasonal fluctuations in the abundance ofCatenotaenia pusillawere compounded by differences between sites. Host sex was not a significant factor in any species, althougha posteriorianalysis ofS. stromaworm burdens for the Isle of Wight site revealed a moderate local sex effect. Overall the principal determinants of variation in helminth burdens were the extrinsic factors, site and season.