Occurrence of nematodes, Equinurbia sipunculiformis and Quilonia renniei in a wild male elephant: A case report

Abstract The occurrence of the nematodes, Equinurbia sipunculiformis and Quilonia renniei in the intestinal tract of a six-year-old, free ranging male elephant (Elephas maximus) observed during necropsy is reported. The worms were collected in 10% formalin and processed. E. sipunculiformis worms were stout, males were shorter than females. A total of 65 worms were recovered out of which 45 were male worms and 20 were female worms. They had a characteristic head with a cuticular prominence and a sub globular cup shaped buccal capsule without teeth. The external leaf crown was characteristic projecting above the anterior end of the worm. The oesophagus was enlarged immediately behind the buccal capsule, then cylindrical, and gradually enlarged. Male worms had a well-developed bursa at the posterior end with equal, alate and ornamentated spicules with elongated lateral bursal lobes. Female worms had a tapered tail with a conical prominence and a vulval opening at its summit. Uterus was filled with thin shelled eggs. Q. renniei male worms were shorter in length than female worms. A total of 150 worms were recovered out of which 110 were male worms and 40 were female worms. Cuticular striations were observed. Mouth collar and buccal capsule were present. The external leaf crown projected beyond the surface of the head. Male worms had a well-developed bursa and spicules. The dorsal ray of the bursa was comparatively short. The lateral and ventral rays were slender. Female worms had a pointed tail. The vulva was situated at a distance from the tip of the tail. Uterus was filled with oval thin shelled eggs. Pathological findings included pale mucous membrane, anaemia and haemorrhagic enteritis. The present observations on the occurrence of nematode infection with E. sipunculiformis and Q. renniei will be important to map the status of nematodiasis in elephants in wild and to frame strategies for control of intestinal nematodiasis in wild elephants.