Investigation of Capillaria hepatica infection in rodents from Wuhan section of Yangtze River marshland

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of Capillaria hepatica in rodents from Wuhan section of the Yangtze River marshland. METHODS: Rodents were trapped in Jiang'an section of Wuhan marshland of the Yangtze River. The livers of the rodents were examined for pathological changes by unaided eyes and the liver tissues were examined for the eggs of C. hepatica by a microscope. RESULTS: According to the natural conditions, the investigation was carried out in 6 survey areas. Each survey area was placed with 60 mousetraps, and all 360 mousetraps were recovered. A total of 31 rodents (rodent density 8.61%) were captured and examined, including 24 Apodemus agrarius, 3 Rattus norvegicus, 4 Sorex caecutiens, and C. hepatica eggs were found in 1 R. norvegicus (1/3) and not found in A. agrarius, and S. caecutiens. CONCLUSION: This study has documented a prevalence of C. hepatica in rodents from Wuhan section of the Yangtze River marshland where is a natural epidemic focus of capillariasis hepatica.