Scanning electron microscope observations of Gongylonema neoplasticum and Heterakis spumosa, nematode parasites of an endemic murine rodent from Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract Sulawesi has unique mammalian fauna with high level of endemism. One of the endemic fauna in Sulawesi is Bunomys chrysocomus (Rodentia: Muridae). This study aimed to observed the nematode species parasitizing B. chrysocomus by using scanning electron microscope. Based on the observation nematodes obtained from gastric mucosa was Gongylonema neoplasticum Fibiger and Ditlevsen, 1914, while from the caecum was Heterakis spumosa Schneider, 1866. Both nematodes are cosmopolite nematodes which have wide host range and worldwide distribution. The detail morphology and taxonomic status of both nematodes from B. chrysocomus of Sulawesi will be presented here.