Concurrent Infections of Hymenolepis diminuta and Trichinella spiralis in the Rat Intestine

Abstract

The intestinal distribution of T. spiralis and H. diminuta in rats was studied in single and concurrent infections. The location of T. spiralis was not significantly changed in concurrent infections but higher populations of T. spiralis in single and concurrent infections resulted in a posterior shift in position. T. spiralis affected H. diminuta distribution significantly by causing a posterior shift in the position of scoleces and biomass and a loss of circadian rhythm. Infection with 4000 T. spiralis larvae resulted in decreased tapeworm weight and fecundity and destrobilation of H. diminuta from day 8-18 of the T. spiralis intestinal stage. H. diminuta moved anteriorly to its preferred microhabitat as the T. spiralis intestinal stage decreased.