Vol. 9, Issue 2, Part E (2024)

Author(s): Anandu S, Aditi Malviya, MK Vijayasarathi, Deepak Dohare, Annmary Raju, VA Gopika and Indu Yadav

Abstract: Murshidia species are gastrointestinal nematodes belonging to the family Trichonematidae which colonises the caecum of elephants. Murshidia infection are commonly reported in elephant populations concurrently with other gastrointestinal nematodes. Prevalence of this parasite has been found in both captive and wild Asian elephants. In spite of the common occurance of this small Strongyle, there are relatively less information available on the molecular and morphological identification of various species belonging to these genera. The present case report provides photomicrographs for morphological identification of Murshidia received on the necropsy of a captive Asian elephant from Kerala, India. Identification by microscopy and comparison with available photomicrographs data of various species revealed typical features of Murshidia indica. Although further identification using molecular techniques is further required, morphological identification has its importance.