Date of Publication

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Mary Jane C. Flores

Defense Panel Chair

Eligio Santiago V. Maghirang

Defense Panel Member

Jose Isagani B. Janairo
Frances C. Recuenco
Joel M. Chavez
Aimee Caye G. Chang

Abstract/Summary

Intestinal helminths are parasitic worms that cause severe harm and morbidity in the most impoverished, disadvantaged, or isolated communities globally. Depending on the endemic location, the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in the Philippines is reported to be 33.80% to 75.90%. Schoolchildren who reside in underprivileged neighborhoods are the most vulnerable group. Although the prevalence and impact of these parasitic helminths have been studied in many parts of the world, little is known about the role of animal reservoirs in parasitic zoonoses, which determine disease persistence. Breeding and keeping uncommon pets, such as dwarf hamsters, has become increasingly popular worldwide. However, even while pet rodents benefit their owners, they harbor zoonotic diseases, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This study aims to determine the prevalence and co-infection rate with multiple species of parasitic zoonotic helminths among dwarf hamsters bought from selected pet shops in Metro Manila. Dwarf hamsters were purchased from pet shops in Arranque market Sta. Cruz, Manila and Cartimar market, Pasay City. The stools were collected and examined using a direct fecal smear test and formol-ether concentration technique. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis in dwarf hamsters was 77.50%. Of these, 45.00% were recorded in dwarf hamsters from Manila City, while 32.50% were recorded in dwarf hamsters purchased from Pasay City. This study identified five zoonotic intestinal helminth species with the potential to transmit parasitic infections to humans. Hymenolepis nana (55.00%) recorded the highest prevalence among the intestinal helminths detected in dwarf hamsters. It was followed by Hymenolepis diminuta (50.00%), Syphacia spp. (32.50%), hookworm (22.50%), and Trichuris muris as the least with only (5.00%). Co-infections were greater in dwarf hamsters purchased in Manila City, at 42.50%, compared to 20.00% in Pasay City. Trichuris muris was only identified as a co-infection in Manila City. The 3D models were developed based on the vectorization of the egg structure of the identified intestinal parasites. The use of 3D models offers significant, new, and great potential in teaching and developing advanced morphological and parasitological studies. The connection between humans and rodents is a highly dynamic phenomenon with implications for zoonotic transmission. Despite their ubiquity, the reservoir host-parasite relationship must be investigated further to minimize morbidity. Therefore, the control plan must include more feasible case detection to identify zoonotic helminths accurately. Also, innovative approaches to treatment alternatives are urgently needed. These will be essential preconditions for raising awareness and creating long-term, practical strategies to prevent, control, and eliminate gastrointestinal infections in the Philippines.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Hamsters; Helminths; Three-dimensional imaging in biology; Microscopy—Technique

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Embargo Period

8-16-2026

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Available for download on Sunday, August 16, 2026

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