Enterohepatic helminths in two guinea pig groups (Inka Line and Chota Ecotype) from an experimental station in Northern Peru

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca - Perú

10.22092/ari.2025.370270.3769

Abstract

Guinea pigs are rodents with considerable potential for small-scale production, and their breeding has expanded across various regions worldwide. These animals are susceptible to a wide range of parasites that can adversely affect their productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of enterohepatic helminths, identify the parasitic genera, and compare the infection rates between two guinea pig groups (Inka Line and Chota Ecotype) from an agricultural experimental station in Cajamarca, a major guinea pig-producing area in northern Peru. Fecal samples from 191 Inka Line and 162 Chota Ecotype guinea pigs were analyzed using the natural sedimentation method for trematodes and concentration flotation for nematodes. Of 353 animals examined, 305 were infected (86.40±3.58%). The prevalence in the Inka Line was 52.12±5.21% (184/353) and 34.28±4.95% (121/353) in the Chota Ecotype. Four helminth genera were identified: Paraspidodera spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., and Fasciola hepatica. Co-infections were common, affecting 63.35% of the Inka Line and 24.07% of the Chota Ecotype animals. Single infections were most frequent, followed by double, triple, and quadruple infections. The most common co-infection in the Inka Line was Trichuris spp./ Paraspidodera spp. (30.89%), whereas in the Chota Ecotype, Trichuris spp./ Capillaria spp. predominated (5.56%). Triple infections involving F. hepatica, Trichuris spp., and Paraspidodera spp. were more frequent in the Inka Line (p<0.01). The detection of F. hepatica underscores a potential zoonotic risk among intensively managed guinea pig populations. In conclusion, a high prevalence of enterohepatic helminths was recorded in both groups, with distinct infection patterns, emphasizing the need for targeted parasitic control strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects