Morphological identification of Calicophoron sp. (Digenea: Param- phistomidae) in the rumen of infected goat

Abstract

This study was undertaken to identify Calicophoron sp. on the basis of its morphology and morphometry to differentiate it from other paramphistomes affecting ruminants in Bangladesh. Adult rumen flukes were recovered from the rumen of naturally infected goat slaughtered in local abattoirs of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Some adult flukes were flattened and stained for morphometry. The permanent slides were used to record the length and width of various internal organs including oral and ventral sucker, anterior and posterior testes, ovary, esophagus, acetabulum, pharynx etc. Microscopic features of the parasite used in identification are morphology and histology of the anterior sucker, pharynx, esophagus, genital atrium, posterior sucker (acetabulum) and testes to the Calicophoron sp. The study is possibly the first report of Calicophoron sp. in goats in Bangladesh. Further histological and molecular analyses can highlight its taxonomic position with a view to their reliable differentiation from other rumen flukes of small ruminants.