Gnathostorna doloresi parasitizes the gastric wall of wild (boars) and domestic (pigs) swine (Sus scrofa). Its larvae cause cutaneous larva migrans in humans. Amphibians, reptiles and a freshwater fish are infected with the advanced 3rd stage larvae. Prevalence of G. doloresi larvae were surveyed in several snakes, especially in a common frog-eating snake (Rhabdophis tigrinus). All species of snakes examined were infected with G. doloresi larvae suggesting that snakes are important reservoir hosts. Prevalence of G. doloresi larvae in frog-eating snakes was lower than that found in mammal-eating snakes. Thus, as a source of infection to snakes, small mammals may be more important than frogs in the natural life cycle of G. doloresi in Japan.
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1 October 1997
Gnathostomiasis in Frog-eating Snakes from Japan
K. Ishiwata,
H. Nakao,
R. Nose,
M. Komiya,
S. Hanada,
Y. Enomoto,
Y. Nawa
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 33 • No. 4
October 1997
Vol. 33 • No. 4
October 1997
Agkistrodon halys
E. conspicillata
Elaphe quadrivirgata
Gnathostoma doloresi
nematode prevalence
Rhabdophis tigrinus
transmission