Research Article
Identification and prevalence of Paramphistomum cervi in naturally infected water buffaloes of central Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem Iqbal a, Khawar Ali Shahzad b,c, Ali Muhammad d*
a Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
b Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
c Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
d Department of Zoology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan
Abstract
Gastrointestinal trematode parasites especially Paramphistomum cervi are accountable for health hazards in buffalo of central
Punjab. A total of 289 rumens and reticulums of buffaloes were examined for the presence of Paramphistomum cervi by visiting
local abattoirs. The trematodes were preserved in 70% alcohol for identification based on its morphological characteristics. The
results of our study showed that 17.3 percent buffalos were infected by Paramphistomum cervi in central Punjab. The
correlation between worm burden and area was found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) indicating the presence of trematode in all
districts of study area. Highest average worm burden was observed in Sargodha and lowest in Mandi Bahauddin. The correlation
between worm burden and age was highly significant (p < 0.05), while correlation between worm burden and study area was
non-significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, highest worm burden was noted in buffaloes of having 22 year age. It was concluded
that Paramphistomum cervi is prevalent in central Punjab. The availability of fresh water snails serving as intermediate host,
existence of extensive water channel system and poor grazing management of animals being practiced in these areas should be
managed to control the trematode infections.
Key words: Paramphistomum cervi, trematode, buffalo, prevalence.
Received June 05, 2013; Revised August 12, 2013; Accepted September 04, 2013
*Corresponding author: Muhammad Ali A Shah; Email: alishah521@gmail.com
