Comparative Biodepurative Potentials of Metadavinae Cestodes and Strongyloides Nematodes on Trace Metals in the Intestine of whe-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria.

2 Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, PMB 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) harbour ecto- and endo-parasites. In this study we compared the bioaccumulation potentials of metadavinae cestode and stongylondes nematode parasites for trace metals in the intestine, and the lipid profile in the liver of infected and uninfected P. tricuspis sampled from Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Trace metal concentrations were determined in the pangolin and its intestinal parasites using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Total cholesterol levels in the infected and uninfected pangolin were determined using the enzymatic endpoint method. The concentrations of Al, Cd, and Cr were higher in the infected intestines, while Ba, Fe, and Zn were higher in the uninfected intestines. The levels of lipid profile in the infected intestine were comparatively low. The average level of cholesterol (CHOL) in the infected intestine was 0.87 mg/dL, while the levels of triglycerides (TRIG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were all below 0.4 mg/dL. The concentrations of the lipid profile CHOL and HDL in the uninfected intestines were higher than the concentrations observed in the infected counterparts. The concentrations of CHOL, HDL, and LDL were 2 mg/dL, 1.7 mg/dL, and 0.85 mg/dL respectively, while TRIG below 0.35 mg/dL. The concentrations of trace metals detected in the tissues of strongylondes nematodes showed significant bioaccumulation factors in the order of Mn (28.6)> Zn (9.7)> Ba (5.2)> Cd (3.5)> Cr (2.9)> Al (1.3). Cestode parasites are good biodepurative agents. The nematodes in this study exhibited notable biodepuration superiority. Strongyloides spp. may be a reliable bioindicator of the metal burden in P. tricuspis. This provides a reliable ecotoxicological prognosis for proactive remediations and decisions by lawmakers to make pragmatic plans and policies toward sustainable conservation of P. tricuspis.

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