Effect of different nutrient elements on course, susceptibility and development of Hymenolepis nana infections

ABSTRACT

This experimental study was carried out to assess the role of some nutrient elements on mice infected with H. nana. The results obtained showed that Vitamin A deficient diet was unsuitable for growth of mice and also unsuitable for the parasite as evidenced by marked decrease in the number of viable egg count as compared with the control. However, worm burden was not affected. Vitamin B complex deficient diet was unsuitable for growth of mice and also unsuitable for the parasite as evidenced by marked reduction in number of worms recovered and marked decrease in percentage of viable eggs in stools as compared with the control. Vitamin D deficient diet did not influence H. nana infection. Protein deficient diet promoted H. nana infection, whereas the percentage of viable eggs was markedly decreased. High protein diet provided the host with protective properties and led to suppression of H. nana infection. Standard diet favored normal development of both host and parasite ending in a state of equilibrium between them