The caspian turtle Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) is a medium-sized semi aquatic freshwater turtle. It is widely distributed in suitable areas throughout Iraq. A total of 28 road-killed specimens have been examined for their intestinal helminthic parasites. Results have been showed that 78.6% of this turtle were infected with one or more of following parasite species of Telorchis assula (Trematoda), Falcaustra araxiana, Serpinema microcephalus, and Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda).The statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in prevalence between male and female turtles in parasitic infections (P<0.05) as the percentage of females was higher than males. Morphometric and meristic description for the helminthes have been provided. Reporting the nematode F. araxiana from M. caspica in this study constitutes a new record for Iraqi parasitic fauna as well as a new host record. It also expands the geographical distribution of this parasite to include Armenia, Iran and Iraq. A description based on measurements and number of these worms was given.

The study aimed at comparing infection of Hymenolepis nana with that of H. diminuta during the study period from November 2016 to August 2017, A total of 220 rodents were identified including Mus musculus(89), Rattus norvegicus(37), R. rattus(48) & Swiss albino(46). Under anesthesia by chloroform, specimen were dissected, seeking parasitic helminths within digesting bowels. It was found that Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus and Swiss Albino were infected by H. nana (4.4%, 4.1%, 8.1%, 13%) respectively, comparison with Mus musculus, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus were infected by H. diminuta (31.4%, 39.5%, 13.5%) respectively. Diagnosis is confirmed by using PCR technique for H. nana using ITS1 gene, and for H. diminuta using ITS2 gene. In addition to diagnosis is confirmed by using Gen Sequencer technique, through out the analyzing of phylogenetic tree leading to learn the extent of convergence between the local specimens and the global ones, the diagnosis of these helminthes by using this technique is considered the first in Iraq.

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