Abstract

Rattus rattus (n=65) were autopsied and their intestine examined for the presence of parasites. The intestine of 4 rats revealed whitish cestodes frequently attached to the intestinal wall and were identified as Hymenolepis nana (the dwarf tapeworm (length 22 to 43 mm; width 0.95-1.48 mm). Scolex anterior, small, globular, (diameter 0.31 mm), cup-like, tetrad (four suckers) and retractile rostellum (row of 20–30 hooks). Proglottid contains a single set of reproductive organs, genital pores unilateral. Testes three, ovary sub median, lobed (0.19-0.42 mm by 0.21-0.39 mm). Gravid proglottids (length 0.22–0.34 mm, width 0.81–0.94 mm) filled with numerous eggs. Vitellaria compact and small. Eggs slightly oval (average 53.71 X 42.29 micrometers).