Intestinal Protozoa of the African Common Toad (Sclerophrys regularis) in Abu Rawash, Egypt: Prevalence, Morphology, and Sex-Associated Infection Patterns | ||
| Al-Azhar Journal of Agricultural Research | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 25 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ajar.2025.425354.1462 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mohamed Sedek Shahein; Alaa A. M. Samn; Amgad Salahuldeen; Ibraheem M. Gobaara; Ayman N. Elsayed* | ||
| Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884, Cairo, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The African common toad (Sclerophrys regularis), a widespread amphibian in Africa, , is an important bioindicator and host for intestinal protozoa. Despite numerous global reports, data from Egyptian populations are scarce. This study examined 94 specimens of S. regularis collected from agricultural habitats in Abu Rawash, Giza Governorate, Egypt, between May 2022 and June 2025, to assess protozoan prevalence. Direct microscopic examination revealed two genera, Nyctotherus and Opalina, occurring either singly or as mixed infections. Overall, 46.8% of toads were infected; Nyctotherus was detected in 43.6% and Opalina detected in 37.2%. Mixed infections (34.0%) were more frequent than single infections (Nyctotherus 9.6%, Opalina 3.2%). Nyctotherus mainly inhabited the intestine, while Opalina occurred predominantly in the rectum. Females showed slightly higher infection rates than males, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Morphological examination confirmed the diagnostic features of both genera. These results provide the first record of intestinal protozoa prevalence in Egyptian S. regularis, emphasizing the predominance of mixed infections and their site-specific distribution. Broader molecular and seasonal studies are recommended to further elucidate host–parasite relationships in amphibians under environmental stress. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Nyctotherus; Opalina; Prevalence; Morphology; Egypt | ||
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