First Evidence of Acanthocephalan Parasite Infection in An Asian Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina) From Indonesia

Acanthocephalans commonly known as thorny-headed worm, were identified during necropsy in a wild Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina). Identification of parasites which collected from whole snake internal organs and skins was done by carmine staining method and examination under light microscope revealed the snake were positively infected by acanthocephalan parasite. To our best of knowledge, there is no further report about acanthocephalan infecting other species of snakes from Indonesia. Therefore, our study was the first report of acanthocephalan infection in Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) from East Java Province, Indonesia. Present report also indicates that parasitic disease caused by acanthocephalan is not only a neglected disease but also have a greater impact regarding disease control programs especially in Indonesian wildlife.