The First Data on the Fauna and Distribution of Blood Parasites of Amphibians in Lithuania

Abstract

One hundred and fifty two specimens of frogs (the order Anura) belonging to four species (Rana esculenta-lessonae, R. temporaria, Bufo bufo, B. viridis) were captured in nine localities of Lithuania during summer and early autumn in 1998–2000 and investigated for blood parasites by microscopic examination of stained blood films. Only haemoflagellates from the genus Trypanosoma were recorded. Parasites were found in all the examined species of anurans, except B. viridis. Four morphological forms of these parasites, which were attributed to the Trypanosoma rotatorium complex, were recorded. The overall prevalence of infection was 40.1%. The highest prevalence of infection was recorded in R. esculenta-lessonae (65.1%). There were clear differences in the prevalence of infection among different populations of the same amphibian species. There was no discernible difference in the intensity of infection among different frog species. This is the first report on blood parasites of amphibians in Lithuania.

Keywords:

• Trypanosoma rotatorium
• amphibians
• morphology
• distribution
• blood parasites
• Lithuania