00000ctmaa22000003a 4500 UP-1685675941123958495 Buklod 20190725095056.0 a r |||| u| ta 190725s xx d r |||| u| (iLib)UPTAC-00019221850 UPVTC eng LG 993.5 2019 B5 B33 Babon, Penelope L. author. Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections among captured rice field rats in Catbalogan City, Philippines. Tacloban City Penelope L. Babon 2019. xi, 119 leaves illustrations. Undergraduate thesis (B.S. Biology) -- University of the Philippines, Tacloban. Schistosomiasis in the Philippines continues to be a major health problem despite the government's effort to control the disease. This is caused by blood flukes; Schistosoma japonicum which is endemic to 12 regions, 28 provinces in the Philippines. S. japonicum infects at least 46 mammals, including the rats. The high population density and migratory potential of rats may play a role in the disease transmission, and the infections are alarming for it can reintroduce the parasite where it was previously eliminated. Thus, this study aims to get the prevalence of S. japonicum infection among rice field rats in Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines. A total of 60 rice field rats were captured from three (3) barangays (Brgy. Iguid, Brgy. Palanyogon and Brgy. San Vicente) in Catbalogan City where cases of schistosomiasis were reported. All captured rats were dissected, examined but found negative for the presence of schistosome flukes. Incidentally, several other parasites were isolated and identification of which is yet to be determined. The results of the study do not, however, rule out the possibility of schistosomiasis in rodents in the study area. Rice field rats demonstrate unique migratory pattern and manifest a variety of eating habits (Barbehenn et al. 1971). It is thus recommended to screen for Schistosoma infection among household rats in domestic communities in nearby barangays. Varona, Gracia F. adviser. FI UP UPTAC UPTAC LG 993.5 2019 B5 B33 Thesis