Concurrent infections ofFasciola,SchistosomaandAmphistomumspp. in cattle from Kafue and Zambezi river basins of Zambia

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigated interactions amongFasciola gigantica,Schistosomaspp. andAmphistomumspp. concurrent natural infections in Zambian cattle, based on egg and worm counts. In the abattoir 315 cattle were screened for worms ofF. giganticain the liver,Schistosomaspp. in mesenteric veins and/orAmphistomumspp. in the rumen. One hundred and thirty-three (42.2%) of the abattoir-examined cattle harboured one, two or all three trematodes. Of 133 cattle, 50 were randomly selected for worm and egg counts. The mean numbers ( ±  SD) ofAmphistomum, SchistosomaandFasciolawere 622.08 ( ±  97.87), 33.68 ( ±  7.44) and 19.46 ( ±  4.58), respectively. A total of 32% harboured all the three trematodes, 66% hadF. giganticaandAmphistomumspp. infections, 52% hadSchistosomaspp. andAmphistomumspp. infections while 32% hadF. giganticaandSchistosomainfections. A positive correlation (P = 0.014) was found betweenF. giganticaandAmphistomumworm burdens. There were no correlations betweenAmphistomumandSchistosomaworm burdens and betweenF. giganticaandSchistosomaworm burdens. It may be concluded that there is no significant cross-protection among these trematodes in cattle in endemic areas.