Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Inter-Species Susceptibility in Laboratory Mice, Gerbils, and Guinea Pigs

In this study, gastrointestinal parasites and the interspecies susceptibility of laboratory mice, gerbils, and guinea pigs bred for experimental purposes were investigated. Within the scope of the study, a total of 335 mice from 32 cages, 140 guinea pigs from 7 cages, and 4 gerbils from 1 cage were used. Adequate amounts of fresh fecal samples were collected from each cage, and the collected samples were homogenized. Samples were processed by the flotation method and subsequently analyzed under light microscopy. As a result of the examination, no parasitic species were detected in the guinea pig and gerbil cages. However, parasitic infestation was identified in all mouse cages (100 %), with the distribution of parasites as follows: 46.9 % Eimeria spp. and Syphacia muris, 25 % Aspiculuris tetraptera and Hymenolepis nana, 15.6 % H. nana, and 12.5 % A. tetraptera. The study concluded that no gastrointestinal parasitic infections were found in guinea pigs and gerbils; however, mice raised under similar husbandry and feeding conditions at the same facility exhibited a heavy parasitic burden, including some parasites relevant to human health. The study demonstrates that guinea pigs are more resistant to helminth infections than mice and highlights the critical role of species selection in determining infection risk. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures in preventing parasitic infestations in mice, which hold a significant place among laboratory animals, as well as the necessity of improving husbandry and feeding conditions and implementing routine screening practices.