Digenean parasites of Sigmodontinae rodents from Argentina: a list of species, new host, and geographical records

Introduction Among Argentinean rodents, only one species of Muridae and seven of Cricetidae were reported as digenean hosts. Despite the available data, the taxonomic diversity of the Digenea from rodents has been little explored. An update on digeneans of Sigmodontinae rodents (Cricetidae-Muroidea) in Cuenca del Plata is provided. New host and geographical data are recorded and taxonomic and ecological data are summarized. Methods Rodents were collected from 11 localities in the region Cuenca del Plata, Argentina. Moreover, other unidentified specimens from four localities, deposited in the Coleccion de Helmintologia del Museo de La Plata, were studied. Prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance are provided. Results Eight species of digeneans belonging to four families were identified. Twelve new geographical records for five provinces of Argentina are presented. In addition, six new host-parasite associations are reported. The information is presented in a taxonomic list for each digenean species: site of infection, host records, locality records, and comments. Conclusions It becomes interesting to explore the diets and habits of each rodent species to understand the dispersal and transmission ability of each group of digeneans. This survey constitutes an update on digeneans of Sigmodontinae rodents in Cuenca del Plata, Argentina.