The prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) was experimentally infected with tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. Individual snakes were killed at 4 wk increments, and sections of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine and attached mesenteries were examined for nonencapsulated and encapsulated tetrathyridia. Capsule formation was asynchronous with 9 to 80% encapsulated metacestodes. The distribution of tetrathyridia in the wall of all segments of the gastrointestinal tract is presented as evidence that this metacestode is principally a tissue dwelling parasite.
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1 January 1991
Asynchronous Capsule Formation in the Gastrointestinal Tract of the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) Induced by Mesocestoides sp. Tetrathyridia
Elmer A. Widmer,
H. David Specht
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Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 27 • No. 1
January 1991
Vol. 27 • No. 1
January 1991
capsule
Crotalus viridis viridis
experimental infection
Mesocestoides sp.
Prairie rattlesnake
tetrathyridium