Acanthocephalan in Xenochrophis piscator Snake in Sidoarjo Indonesia

Abstract

Xenochrophis piscator is a snake that often found in Indonesia, particularly in Java Island. Xenochrophis piscator is a non-venomous snake and often used for food, traditional medicine and as pets in Indonesia. Snakes can be infected by different types of parasites which are zoonotic. One of the zoonotic helminth infect snakes is acanthocephalan. Acanthocephalan can be transmitted to humans by ingesting snake products. We investigate the incidence of helminthiasis in X. piscator from snakes collector in Tulangan district, Sidoarjo, East Java. Parasites were collected from X. piscator organs. Identification of parasites was in carmine stain using light microscope for examination. Sixty snakes were observed and sixteen snakes were positively infected by adult acanthocephalan (26.67%). Acanthocephalan was found in mesenterium and fascia of X. piscator. Keyword :  Xenochrophis piscator, acanthocephalan, helminthiasis, zoonosis.