The Effect of Pyrantel Pamoate Treatment on Fecal Pinworm (Leidynema appendiculata) Parasites of Dietary Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia): Efforts to Eliminate Passthrough Fecal Pseudoparasites in Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs (Echinops telfairi)

Abstract

Pinworm ova were discovered on lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) fecal exams. Ova were passthrough pseudoparasite pinworms originating from feeder roaches (Blaptica dubia). Roaches were maintained as a feeder colony and offered to tenrecs as a portion of their diet. Pinworms were identified as Leidynema appendiculata. This study aimed to determine if these pinworms could be eliminated from the roaches. Roaches were randomly assigned into groups (n = 24), including a control (A) and four treatment groups (B–E). Treatment group roaches received oral dosing of anthelmintic pyrantel pamoate at four concentrations (mg/g as offered): 3.5 (Group B), 14.0 (Group C), 26.0 (Group D), and 35.0 (Group E). Roach diets were made weekly and offered to roaches 2 consecutive days per week for 3 consecutive weeks. The total pinworm ova per gram of roach feces examined were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls at the end of the feed dosing period (Day 23). Post-treatment pinworm numbers were visually reduced in all treatment groups compared to controls on Day 29 and Day 65. Groups receiving higher concentrations of the oral dosing (C–E) significantly differed from controls at Day 29 (p = 0.0086, p = 0.0045, and p = 0.0013, respectively) with a concentration-dependent response. Parasites were not eliminated in any group at Day 29 or 65 post-treatment, with an increasing visual trend indicating recontamination. This is the first report confirming a passthrough pseudoparasite in tenrecs from dubia roaches, and anthelmintic dosage research is warranted.