ABSTRACT

Parasites of Amphibians are the sources of infection to wild and domestic animals including mammals and are of zoonotic importance to man. Toads were collected from five different locations in Umuahia South L.G.A. to determine the parasites of the gastrointestinal tract of toad (Bufo regularis). Out of 100 toads examined, 69(69.00%) were infected and 321 parasites were isolated. The prevalence rate of infection from the different locations is Old Umuahia 67(20.87%), Amakama village 67(20.87%), Okwu village 56(17.45%), Ubakala 77(23.99%), and Agbama village 54(16.88%). The parasite fauna was most abundant in the intestine 198(61.68%) followed by stomach 69(21.50%), while rectum was the least infected 54(16.82%).No parasite was found in the oesophagus. Parasite fauna comprised of cestoda 200(62.31%): Osphiotaenia nigriocollis 23(11.5%), Cephalochlamys namaquensi 58(29.00%), and Proteocephalid cestode larvae had a prevalence rate of 119(59.50%). Trematoda observed was 33 with a prevalence of 10.28%: Messoceollium monodi 2(6.06%) and Echinostoma revolutum 531(93.14%). Nematoda 69(18.31%), species isolated were Amplicaecum africanum 33{55.53%), Rhabdias bufonis 14(23.73%), Ascaridoid 1(6.69%), Ascaridoid larvae 7(11.86%), Oswaldocruzia pipiens 3(5.08%), and Camallanus spp. Showed a prevalence rate of 1(6.69%).Protozoa was the least isolated 29(9.03%). Species observed are Nyctotheroides bambuiensis 16(55.17%), Lankesterella bufonis 5(17.24%), Protoopolina spp. 8(27.59%) respectively. Infection was higher in males 35(50.72%) than in females 34(49.28%). Toad is an important source of protein among the people in these localities. Parasites identified are Echinostoma revolutam, Proteocephalid cestodes larvae and Ascaridoid have zoonotic potentials and can infect man. The toad also serves as intermediate and paratenic host to these parasites. The communities should be enlightened on the need to properly wash and cook this delicacy before consumption.