Work

Effect of schistosomiasis on captive elephants in Madhya Pradesh, India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Schistosomes are parasitic flukes that reside in blood vessels and various host organs. Health monitoring of 51 captive elephants in tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh revealed a 35% overall incidence of blood flukes. The highest levels of Bivitellobilharzia nairi eggs were recorded in elephants in Satpura (67%), Kanha (47%), Bandhavgarh (33%), Pench (25%), and the lowest in Panna Tiger Reserve (14%). Infected animals showed decreased haemoglobin (7.5–11.8 g/dl), and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (65–102 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (85–105 U/L), and blood urea nitrogen (46–65 mg/dl). They also showed symptoms that included dullness/depression and emaciated body condition, which were especially evident in elephants with high B. nairi egg counts > 1200–2300 eggs/g.

Source: Journal of Threatened Taxa

DOI: 10.11609/jott.8132.17.9.27540-27543

Authors: Onkar Anchal, K.P. Singh

Institution: Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600