Species Identification of Helminth Parasites in Small Mammals
University
Shawnee State University
Major
Biomedical Science
Student Type
Undergraduate Student
Presentation Types
Oral Presentation (Live)
Abstract
This research project focuses on helminth infection dynamics within small mammals of southern Ohio. It is a part of a larger project that investigates the pathological effects of parasitic infections. In the summer and fall of 2024, we trapped small mammals, including rodents and shrews, at the Shawnee State Forest and Thacker family property. We collected samples from the mammals, including fecal samples and organ samples. In the fall semester, I assessed helminth infection status using two methodologies: fecal floats to look for helminth eggs and intestinal dissections to look for adult helminths. Five of the seven mammals were infected with helminths. Helminth species were determined by comparing the morphology of the eggs and adults to reference pictures of known helminth species. This semester, I’m validating helminth species identifications by extracting DNA from the adult helminths, amplifying the DNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing the amplified DNA product.
Human and Animal Subjects
yes
Faculty Mentor Name
Nathaniel Mull
Faculty Mentor Title
Dr.
Faculty Mentor Department
Natural Sciences
Recommended Citation
Henson, Elizabeth, "Species Identification of Helminth Parasites in Small Mammals" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 1.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2025/session5/1
Location
LIB 204
Species Identification of Helminth Parasites in Small Mammals
LIB 204
This research project focuses on helminth infection dynamics within small mammals of southern Ohio. It is a part of a larger project that investigates the pathological effects of parasitic infections. In the summer and fall of 2024, we trapped small mammals, including rodents and shrews, at the Shawnee State Forest and Thacker family property. We collected samples from the mammals, including fecal samples and organ samples. In the fall semester, I assessed helminth infection status using two methodologies: fecal floats to look for helminth eggs and intestinal dissections to look for adult helminths. Five of the seven mammals were infected with helminths. Helminth species were determined by comparing the morphology of the eggs and adults to reference pictures of known helminth species. This semester, I’m validating helminth species identifications by extracting DNA from the adult helminths, amplifying the DNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing the amplified DNA product.
