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This chapter reviews several parasites that may be found infecting laboratory rats. The chapter focuses on several organ systems involved, and the parasite phylogeny. Each parasite is presented with a brief morphologic description, lifecycle, pathobiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control. Several parasites of parenteral systems are discussed. Both Trypanosoma lewisi and T. cruzi are hemoflagellates commonly found in wild rats. Natural infection of the trypanosomes in animal hosts requires the presence of suitable arthropod vectors. The class Sporozoa belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. Parasites in this class reproduce both sexually and asexually. Oocysts contain infective sporozoites which arise from sporogony. Several parasites of the alimentary system including Giardia muris, Hexamastix muris, Chilomastix bettencourti, Tritrichomonas muris, and Entamoeba muris are discussed in the chapter. Parasites of the integument including Polyplax spinulosa, Radfordia ensifera, Notoedres muris, and Laelaps are also presented in the chapter. |
