Capillaria hepatica in Rattus Spp. Captured in Sanandaj and Orally uninfected Balb/C Mice With Embryonated Eggs

Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a nematode with worldwide distribution among rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus) and also can infect human beings through ingestion of embryonated eggs which causes zoonosis Capillariasis. This study aimed to determine the Capillaria hepatica infection in Rattus spp. in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province of Iran, as well as orally infecting Balb/c mice with embryonated eggs.
Material and Area of study was the city of Sanandaj located in the west of Iran, in which four Rattus norvegicus, six Rattus rattus and 10 Mus musculus were captured using live traps in a period of more than two years. Livers were examined for Capillaria hepatica infection, and sectioning of the livers and staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin were done. Embryonated eggs were used in order to experimentally infect three Balb/c mice orally.
Capillaria hepatica was detected in five out of 20 (25%) livers; rates of infection were 50% (2/4) for Rattus norvegicus, 50% (3/6) for Rattus rattus, and 0% (0/10) for Mus musculus. Cross sections of the livers showed active infections as eggs were deposited beside the worms, and they were also observed inside the female worms. After performing the autopsy on the three mice that had been infected experimentally, there was no sign of infection based on gross and microscopic examinations.
Discussion and This study is the first report on Capillaria hepatica infection in Rattus spp. in Sanandaj. The main reservoir hosts of Capillaria hepatica infection in different areas of Sanandaj were Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus; on the other hand, no significant role could be considered for either infection or transmission of Capillaria for Mus musculus in these areas.