Endohelminths of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from southeast Texas

Fifty American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) were obtained from southeast Texas from September 1992 to September 1995. A total of 8,861 parasites were recovered from 46 infected alligators (92%). Necropsy revealed the presence of 1 species of pentastome (Sebekia mississippiensis), 3 species of nematodes (Brevimulticaecum baylisi, B. tenuicolle, and Dujardinascaris waltoni), and 8 species of trematodes (Acanthostomum coronarium, A. loossi, A. pavidum, Archaeodiplostomum acetabulatum, Crocodilicola pseudostoma, Dracoverimis occidentalis, Polycotyle ornata, and Pseudocrocodilicola georgiana). Prevalence, mean intensity, and abundance of infection were higher in adult (greater than or equal to 1.80 m) alligators. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in mean intensity or abundance between male and female alligators. Infracommunity structure, based on species richness, intensity of infection, and diversity of endohelminths, is considered depauperate when compared to homeothermic hosts. However, alligator endohelminth communities are relatively rich and diverse compared to other reptilian hosts. Broadened feeding preferences. as related to maturity, are suggested as the main factor that determines endohelminth community structures in alligators.