Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt

Abstract

Background and Aim: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020. Materials and Methods: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters. Results: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer. Conclusion: We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

Prevalence and Zoonotic Potential of Parasites in Wild Rats in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

“…Additionally, rat fleas can transmit diseases such as Yersinia pestis, Salmonellosis, Tularemia, and Bartonella, as confirmed by studies conducted by Kia et al (2009), Tay et al (2014), andFarid et al (2021). This study aimed to identify the parasite species and their prevalence in wild rats in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and highlights the potential public health risks associated with these parasites.…”

Insecticidal Efficacy and Safety of Phoxim and Influence on Hematological, Biochemical, and Antioxidant Profiles in German Shepherd Dogs

“…Sample preparations were conveyed as recommended by Farid et al . (2021a , b ). Ticks were subjected to installments such as being immersed into sodium hydroxide (NaOH 10%), washed in double distilled water, and dehydrated using ethyl alcohol.…”

What’s Eating You? Update on the Sticktight Flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea)

“…9 The sticktight flea is more prevalent in summer and autumn, which may explain its predominance in warmer climates, including California, Florida, Mexico, Egypt, Africa, and Iran. 1,[9][10][11] When a female sticktight flea begins to feed, it stays on the host for days at a time, waiting for a male. 5 The female deposits its fertilized eggs in nests on the host or in lesions caused by infestation.…”