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Aivelo T, Alburkat H, Suomalainen N, Kukowski R, Heikkinen P, Oksanen A, Huitu O, Kivistö R, Sironen T. Potentially zoonotic pathogens and parasites in opportunistically sourced urban brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus) in and around Helsinki, Finland, 2018 to 2023. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2400031. [PMID: 39364602 PMCID: PMC11451135 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.40.2400031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundBrown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are synanthropic rodents with worldwide distribution, which are known to harbour many zoonotic pathogens and parasites. No systematic zoonotic surveys targeting multiple pathogens and parasites have previously been conducted in urban rats in Finland.AimIn Helsinki, Finland, we explored the presence and prevalence in brown rats of certain pathogens and parasites (including helminths, viruses and bacteria) across potentially zoonotic taxa.MethodsWe opportunistically received rat carcasses from pest management operators and citizens from 2018 to 2023. We searched for heart- or lungworms, performed rat diaphragm digestion to check for Trichinella and morphologically identified intestinal helminths. We assessed virus exposure by immunofluorescence assay or PCR, and detected bacteria by PCR (Leptospira) or culture (Campylobacter).ResultsAmong the rats investigated for helminths, no heart- or lungworms or Trichinella species were detected and the most common finding was the cestode Hymenolepis nana (in 9.7% of individuals sampled, 28/288). For some of the surveyed virus taxa, several rats were seropositive (orthopoxviruses, 5.2%, 11/211; arenaviruses, 2.8%, 6/211; hantaviruses 5.2%, 11/211) or tested positive by PCR (rat hepatitis E virus, 1.8%, 4/216). Campylobacter jejuni (6.6%, 17/259) and Leptospira interrogans (1.2%, 2/163) bacteria were also present in the rat population examined.ConclusionsPrevalences of potentially zoonotic pathogens and parasites in brown rats in Helsinki appeared low. This may explain low or non-existent diagnosis levels of rat-borne pathogen and parasite infections reported in people there. Nevertheless, further assessment of under-diagnosis, which cannot be excluded, would enhance understanding the risks of zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Aivelo
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology research program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Science Communication & Society, Institute of Biology, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hussein Alburkat
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Suomalainen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rebekka Kukowski
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology research program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petra Heikkinen
- Finnish Food Authority, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit (FINPAR), Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit (FINPAR), Oulu, Finland
| | - Otso Huitu
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rauni Kivistö
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Mirkov I, Tucovic D, Kulas J, Malesevic A, Kataranovski D, Kataranovski M, Popov Aleksandrov A. Physiological strategies in wild rodents: immune defenses of commensal rats. Integr Zool 2024; 19:350-370. [PMID: 37814602 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of issues associated with urban/commensal rats and mice (property damage, management costs, and health risks) press upon research on these animals. While the demography of commensal rodents is mostly studied, the need for understanding factors influencing their natural morbidity/mortality is also stressed. In this respect, more attention is expected to be paid to immunity, the physiological mechanism of defense against host survival threats (pathogens, parasites, diseases). Commensal rats and mice carry numerous pathogens that evoke diverse immune responses. The state of immunity in commensal house mice is studied in great detail, owing to the use of laboratory strains in biomedical research. Because commensal rats are, compared to mice, carriers of more zoonotic agents, rats' immunity is studied mainly in that context. Some of these zoonotic agents cause chronic, asymptomatic infections, which justified studies of immunological mechanisms of pathogen tolerance versus clearance regulation in rats. Occurrence of some infections in specific tissues/organs pressed upon analysis of local/regional immune responses and/or immunopathology. A survey of immunological activity/responses in commensal rats is given in this review, with mention of existing data in commensal mice. It should throw some light on the factors relevant to their morbidity and lifespan, supplementing the knowledge of commensal rodent ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mirkov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dina Tucovic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Kulas
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anastasija Malesevic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Hernández-Castro C, Agudelo-López SDP, Medina-Lozano AP, López-García D, García-Tuberquia LA, Botero-Garcés JH, Orozco-Peláez MC, Bolaños-Muñoz M, Bejarano-Villafañe DA, Carmena D. The burden of intestinal parasitic infections in Antioquia, Colombia: Impact in childhood growth development and nutritional status. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107119. [PMID: 38195005 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal protist (GP) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause significant morbidity among children in poor-resource settings of tropical and sub-tropical countries including Colombia. Few prospective transversal studies investigating how GP and STH infections affect growth development and nutritional status during childhood have been conducted in this country, none of them in the Antioquia Department. This microscopy-based study estimated the prevalence of GP and helminth (including STH) infections in faecal samples from schoolchildren (n = 384) collected during April-May 2019 in three municipalities of the Antioquia Department. Demographic, epidemiological, and household data were elicited through face-to-face interviews. Parasite detection was carried out by direct microscopic examination of both fresh smears and concentrated faecal material. Children (aged 6-15 years) also had their haemoglobin (Hb) levels, height and weight data collected, and BMI estimated. Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, 60.7 % (233/384) of schoolchildren were infected by at least one intestinal parasitic species. Among GPs, Blastocystis sp. was the most common species found (47.7 %, 95 % CI: 42.6-52.8), followed by G. duodenalis (15.9 %, 95 % CI: 12.4-19.9). Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis were sporadically identified (0.3 %, 95 % CI: 0.1-1.4 each). Among helminths, the most prevalent species found were Trichuris trichiura (6.0 %, 95 % CI: 3.8-8.9) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0 %, 95 % CI: 0.3-2.6). Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis were found at prevalence rates <1 %. Underweight, overweigh, or obese schoolchildren had 1.2 times greater chance of being infected with intestinal parasites than their counterparts with a healthy weight (P-value: 0.015). Variables significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being infected by intestinal parasites include living in a household with unfinished flouring, not wearing shoes, being in close proximity to rodents, and having improper waste disposal. Relatively simple interventional measures directed towards the improvement of household conditions, access to sanitary toilets, and promoting shoe wearing can significantly reduce childhood infections by GP and helminths in the Antioquia Department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia; Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Majadahonda 28220, Spain.
| | - Sonia Del Pilar Agudelo-López
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Angélica Patricia Medina-Lozano
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Diego López-García
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Luis Alfonso García-Tuberquia
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Jorge Humberto Botero-Garcés
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - María Cenelia Orozco-Peláez
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Manuela Bolaños-Muñoz
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Daniel Antonio Bejarano-Villafañe
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Madrid, Majadahonda 28220, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid 28008, Spain
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Popovici DC, Marin AM, Ionescu O, Moraru MMF, Kaya DA, Imre M, Mederle N. First Molecular Data of Gongylonema pulchrum (Rhabditida: Gongylonematidae) in European Fallow Deer Dama dama from Romania. Pathogens 2024; 13:175. [PMID: 38392914 PMCID: PMC10892342 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to its adaptive versatility to numerous types of habitats, extremely diverse both in terms of composition and specificity, developed in various areas of the Western Plains of Romania, the European fallow deer (Dama dama) is a species with high ecological plasticity. In this area, the D. dama interacts with other species of wild fauna but also with numerous domestic animals, an important aspect in terms of the sanitary-veterinary status of animal populations, as well as the existence of a potential risk of infection with various species of parasites that can cause the D. dama specimens to obtain certain diseases and even zoonoses. A total of 133 esophagi from D. dama have been examined for helminths. Of the 133 esophagus samples from D. dama, nematodes of the genus Gongylonema were identified in 25 (18.80%). Sequencing revealed that the nematode identified in the samples was 99% similar to the sequence of Gongylonema pulchrum (GenBank no. LC026018.1, LC388754.1, AB646061). The present research is the first report of the nematode G. pulchrum from D. dama in Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Cornel Popovici
- Forestry Faculty, Transilvania University Brasov, 500123 Brasov, Romania; (D.-C.P.); (O.I.)
| | - Ana-Maria Marin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.F.M.); (M.I.); (N.M.)
| | - Ovidiu Ionescu
- Forestry Faculty, Transilvania University Brasov, 500123 Brasov, Romania; (D.-C.P.); (O.I.)
| | - Maria Monica Florina Moraru
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.F.M.); (M.I.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Mirela Imre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.F.M.); (M.I.); (N.M.)
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (M.M.F.M.); (M.I.); (N.M.)
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Galán-Puchades MT, Gosálvez C, Trelis M, Gómez-Samblás M, Solano-Parada J, Osuna A, Sáez-Durán S, Bueno-Marí R, Fuentes MV. Parasite Fauna and Coinfections in Urban Rats Naturally Infected by the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:28. [PMID: 38251336 PMCID: PMC10819396 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation, as if the rat lungworm were the only component of its parasite community. In this study, we report the coinfections found in rats naturally infected by A. cantonensis in urban populations of Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the rat lungworms, which were found in 14 of the 125 rats studied (a prevalence of 11.20%), 18 other parasite species (intestinal and tissular protists, microsporidia and helminths) were found, some of them with high burdens. Fourteen of these nineteen species found are potential zoonotic parasites, namely Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon hellem, Toxoplasma gondii, Brachylaima spp., Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. larvae, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Calodium hepaticum, Gongylonema neoplasticum and Moniliformis moniliformis. The total predominance of coinfected rats as well as their high parasite loads seem to indicate a trend towards parasite tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - María Trelis
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Samblás
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Jennifer Solano-Parada
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Ronda Auguste y Louis Lumière 23, Nave 10, Parque Tecnológico, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marius V. Fuentes
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
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Occurrence and characteristics of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (bla TEM-128) isolated from Mus musculus captured from a veterinary clinic and houses in Tunis, Tunisia. Vet Microbiol 2023; 280:109698. [PMID: 36863174 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is a public health problem. Rodents, can be a potential vector for transmission of multidrug resistant bacteria between animals, humans, and environment. The aim of our study was to assess the level of Enterobacteriaceae present in the intestines of rats collected from different locations in Tunisia, then to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, to screen extended spectrum β-lactamases-producing strains and determine the molecular mechanism of β-lactams resistance. Between July 2017 and June 2018, 55 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 71 rats captured in various locations in Tunisia. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Genes encoding ESBL and mcr genes were investigated by RT-PCR, standard PCR and sequencing when these genes were found. Fifty-five strains of Enterobacteriaceae were identified. The overall prevalence of ESBL production found in our study was 12.7 % (7/55) of which two E. coli strains were DDST positive, one isolated from a house-caught rat and one from the veterinary clinic and harbored the blaTEM-128 gene. In addition, the other five strains were DDST negative and harbored the blaTEM gene, including three strains isolated from collective restaurant (n = 2: blaTEM-163; n = 1: blaTEM-1), one strain isolated from the veterinary clinic (blaTEM-82), and one strain isolated from a house (blaTEM-128). The results of our study suggest that rodents may play a role in the spread of antimicrobial resistant E. coli, highlighting the need to protect the environment and monitor antimicrobial resistant bacteria in rodents to prevent their spread to other wildlife and humans.
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A systematic review of Rat Ecology in Urban Sewer Systems. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Grandón-Ojeda A, Moreno L, Garcés-Tapia C, Figueroa-Sandoval F, Beltrán-Venegas J, Serrano-Reyes J, Bustamante-Garrido B, Lobos-Chávez F, Espinoza-Rojas H, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Henríquez A, Landaeta-Aqueveque C. Patterns of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus in Chile. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:929208. [PMID: 35847649 PMCID: PMC9277659 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.929208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have assessed the patterns of parasite populations of rodents over a longitudinal gradient in Chile. In this work, the gastrointestinal helminthic fauna of invasive rodents in Chile was examined to assess the association between their presence/absence and abundance with latitude, host sex, and host body condition, and to assess the coexistence and correlation of the abundance between parasite species. Rodents were obtained from 20 localities between 33 and 43°S. Helminths were extracted from the gastrointestinal tract and identified morphologically. Overall, 13 helminth taxa were obtained. The most frequently identified parasite species was Heterakis spumosa, and the most abundant was Syphacia muris, while Physaloptera sp. was the most widely distributed. No locality presented with a coexistence that was different from that expected by chance, while the abundance of five helminthic species correlated with the abundance of another in at least one locality, most likely due to co-infection rather than interaction. Host sex was associated with parasite presence or abundance, and female sex-biased parasitism was notably observed in all cases. Body condition and latitude presented either a positive or negative association with the presence or abundance of parasites depending on the species. It is notable that the likely native Physaloptera sp. is widely distributed among invasive rodents. Further, gravid females were found, suggesting spillback of this species to the native fauna. The low frequency and abundance of highly zoonotic hymenolepid species suggest that rodents are of low concern regarding gastrointestinal zoonotic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucila Moreno
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carolina Garcés-Tapia
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Fernanda Figueroa-Sandoval
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Jazmín Beltrán-Venegas
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Josselyn Serrano-Reyes
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Bárbara Bustamante-Garrido
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Felipe Lobos-Chávez
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Hellen Espinoza-Rojas
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | | | - AnaLía Henríquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carlos Landaeta-Aqueveque
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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Guo X, Lee MJ, Byers KA, Helms L, Weinberger KR, Himsworth CG. Characteristics of the urban sewer system and rat presence in Seattle. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Galán-Puchades MT, Solano J, González G, Osuna A, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. Molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in rats and sand flies in the urban sewers of Barcelona, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 35710435 PMCID: PMC9201797 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classically, dogs have been considered to be the only reservoir of leishmaniasis in urban areas. However, in a previous study, we found a 33.3% prevalence of Leishmania infantum in the spleens of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) sampled in the underground sewer system of the city of Barcelona (Spain). The aim of the present study was to verify, using molecular methods, the potential reservoir role of these rats in the same sewer system. Methods A sensitive real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were carried out to identify and quantify the presence of L. infantum DNA in sand fly individuals captured in the same underground sewer system of Barcelona as in our previous study and in the spleens and ears of rats captured in the same sewer system. Results Leishmania infantum DNA was found in 14 of the 27 (51.9%) sand flies identified as Phlebotomus perniciosus, and 10 of the 24 (41.7%) rats studied were infected. Leishmania infantum was found in the spleens (70%) and in the ears (40%) of the infected rats. Quantitative results revealed the presence of high loads of L. infantum in the rats studied (> 3 × 106 parasites/g ear tissue) and among the sand flies (> 34 × 106 parasites in 1 individual). Conclusions The molecular methods used in this study demonstrated a high prevalence of L. infantum in the underground
sewer populations of both R. norvegicus and P. perniciosus. These results suggest that sewer rats, in addition to dogs, are likely to act as reservoirs of leishmaniasis in cities, where sewer systems seem to offer the ideal scenario for the transmission of leishmaniasis. Therefore, to achieve the WHO 2030 target on the elimination of leishmaniasis as a public health problem successfully, an efficient control strategy against leishmaniasis in rats and sand flies should be implemented, particularly in the sewer systems of urban areas of endemic countries. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05309-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jennifer Solano
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria González
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Molecular Biochemistry and Parasitology Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Influence of Environmental Pollution and Living Conditions on Parasite Transmission among Indigenous Ecuadorians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116901. [PMID: 35682484 PMCID: PMC9180715 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of environmental pollution and the living conditions of indigenous Ecuadorians on the transmission of enteroparasites in an Andean agricultural area located at high altitude. Environmental pollution was recorded after observation in each community. The parasites were identified by microscopic sediment analysis using physiological saline solution from macerated arthropods, washed vegetables, and human stools, utilizing four coproparasitological techniques (direct examination, Kato–Katz, ether concentration, and Ziehl–Neelsen). The results show that the inadequate disposal of human and animal excreta that contaminate soil and water, incorrect food hygiene, inadequate sanitary infrastructure in houses, a lack of animal veterinary care, and rodent proliferation are important reservoirs of zoonotic parasites. The use of excrement as fertilizer increases the number of flies, which act as mechanical vectors, and vegetables grown in areas with disperse infective parasitic forms act as vehicles that are marketed at the local, regional, and international levels. These analyses verify contamination levels of 52.7% in mechanical vectors, 70.6% in vegetables, and 98.2% in human stools. The agricultural communities analyzed maintained poor hygienic–sanitary and environmental conditions, which had a significant influence on the transmission of enteroparasites that affect human health.
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12
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Oliveira FBD, Correia TPD, Neves LBD, Teixeira PEF, Moreira JDC, Souza LSD, Neves RH, Almeida FBD, Bóia MN, Silva RRE, Silva JRME. Spurious infection by Calodium hepaticum (Bancroft, 1983) Moravec, 1982 and intestinal parasites in forest reserve dwellers in Western Brazilian Amazon. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2022; 64:e2. [PMID: 35137896 PMCID: PMC8815845 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202264002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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13
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González-Ramírez LC, Vázquez CJ, Chimbaina MB, Djabayan-Djibeyan P, Prato-Moreno JG, Trelis M, Fuentes MV. Ocurrence of enteroparasites with zoonotic potential in animals of the rural area of San Andres, Chimborazo, Ecuador. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100630. [PMID: 34879941 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was the identification of the enteroparasites harbored by the animals of the San Andrés community, to evaluate their role as susceptible hosts and sources of infection for other animals, humans (zoonoses), as well as parasite forms spreaders to the environment in this rural area, located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuadorian Andean region. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out combining 3 coproparasitological techniques: direct examination, Ritchie and Ziehl-Neelsen in 300 animal stool samples RESULTS: Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Strongylida, Hymenolepis nana and Echinococcus spp., were detected. Infection by protozoa (87.3%) was higher than helminths (31.0%). All cattle, sheep and guinea pigs were found parasitized, and the presence of Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by all groups of animals stands out. It is also remarkable the presence of Giardia spp. in swine (19.2%), big herbivores-livestock (11.5%), leporids (8.3%) and carnivores (5.9%); Balantidium spp. in swine (19.2%), big herbivores-livestock (5.8%) and carnivores (1.2%); Hymenolepis nana in guinea pigs (2.1%); and Toxocara spp. (15.7%), Echinococcus spp. (9.6%) and Ancylostoma spp. (6.0%) in dogs. CONCLUSION Animals from San Andrés have a wide spectrum of intestinal parasitic forms in their feces, being a source of infection to other animals and humans, and a source of contamination of the environment, posing a risk factor and reinforcing the idea of the need for more effective treatments and hygienic measures to improve livestock production and cutting its transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Carolina González-Ramírez
- Research Group "Analysis of Biological and Forensic Samples", Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Edison Riera, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (UNACH), Av. Antonio José de Sucre, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - Cristian Joao Vázquez
- Research Group "Analysis of Biological and Forensic Samples", Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Edison Riera, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (UNACH), Av. Antonio José de Sucre, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - Manuel Benjamín Chimbaina
- Research Group "Analysis of Biological and Forensic Samples", Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Edison Riera, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (UNACH), Av. Antonio José de Sucre, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Djabayan-Djibeyan
- Research Group "Public Health", Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus Edison Riera, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo (UNACH), Av. Antonio José de Sucre, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - José Gregorio Prato-Moreno
- Research Group "Interdisciplinary Studies", Faculty of Engineering, Campus Edison Riera, UNACH, Av. Antonio José de Sucre, Riobamba 060150, Ecuador
| | - María Trelis
- Research Group "Parasites and Health", Universitat de València, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Universitat de València - Health Research Institute La Fe (IISLAFE), Av. Fernando Abril Martorell, 106, 46026, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Research Group "Parasites and Health", Universitat de València, Av. Vicente Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, València, Spain
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14
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Younis AE, Saad AI, El-Akhal IRM, Saleh NMK. A parasitological survey of zoonotic cestodes carried by house rats in Aswan, Egypt, reveals cryptic diversity at the molecular level. Vet World 2021; 14:2160-2169. [PMID: 34566335 PMCID: PMC8448621 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2160-2169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Some rat cestodes are zoonotic and are capable of parasitizing humans and animals, raising serious concerns regarding human and veterinary health. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for cestodes in Egyptian house rats and to characterize the cestodes molecularly. Materials and Methods: The current survey examined 115 house rats (Rattus rattus) in two cities (Edfu and Aswan) in Egypt’s Aswan Governorate for cestode infection using integrated molecular approaches (polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis) and morphological/morphometrical approaches. Results: The cestodes identified in this study exhibited the typical morphological characteristics of Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819), Hymenolepis nana (Siebold, 1852) (from rat intestine), and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (from rat liver). The species prevalence rates from these three studies were reported to be 8.7%, 10.4%, and 20.9%, respectively. The ribosomal DNA (ITS1, 18S, and complete ITS) sequences revealed that the hymenolepid sequences were highly distinct but were related to other sequences in the GenBank database, with some sequences showing high similarities to those of H. nana and H. diminuta. In addition, the H. taeniaeformis sequences (ITS2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 [mtCOX1]) obtained in this study were highly similar to some Taenia taeniaeformis GenBank sequences. The constructed phylogram revealed that the hymenolepidid tapeworms examined in this study were classified into four major branches (the majority of which were hybrids of the two species) and belonged to the genus Hymenolepis. In addition, the phylogram of H. taeniaeformis assigned this species to T. taeniaeformis. Conclusion: When typical hymenolepid morphology is combined with molecular and phylogenetic divergence, it may indicate the existence of possible cryptic species. In addition, on the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, genetic diversity within T. taeniaeformis may exist as determined by comparing the metacestode mtCOX1 sequences. The current study presents the prevalence values of zoonotic cestodes and contributes to the body of knowledge, including identification keys and the use of molecular tools for species confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atef Ibrahim Saad
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt
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15
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Galán-Puchades MT, Trelis M, Sáez-Durán S, Cifre S, Gosálvez C, Sanxis-Furió J, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Fuentes MV. One Health Approach to Zoonotic Parasites: Molecular Detection of Intestinal Protozoans in an Urban Population of Norway Rats, Rattus norvegicus, in Barcelona, Spain. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030311. [PMID: 33799948 PMCID: PMC7998591 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rattus norvegicus, the brown or Norway rat, is the most abundant mammal after humans in urban areas, where they live in close proximity to people. Among rodent-borne diseases, the reservoir role of Norway rats of zoonotic parasites in cities has practically been ignored. Considering the parasitic diseases in the One Health approach, we intended to identify and quantify the zoonotic intestinal protozoans (ZIP) in an urban population of R. norvegicus in the city of Barcelona, Spain. We studied the presence of ZIP in 100 rats trapped in parks (n = 15) as well as in the city’s sewage system (n = 85) in the winter of 2016/17. The protozoans were molecularly identified by means of a multiplex PCR (AllplexTM Gastrointestinal Panel-Parasite Assay). We also investigated the presence of co-infections among the species found. Four ZIP were identified, presenting significant prevalences in sewers, specifically Blastocystis (83.5%), Giardia duodenalis (37.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (34.1%), and Dientamoeba fragilis (14.1%). Several co-infections among the detected ZIP were also detected. The reservoir role of ZIP that Norway rats play in cities as well as the role rats may play as sentinels of zoonotic parasites affecting humans in urban areas are strongly backed up by our findings. The increasing worldwide urbanization, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic are factors that are producing an increase in human–rat interactions. Our results should be considered a warning to the authorities to intensify rat control and surveillance in public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-962544536; Fax: +34-963544769
| | - María Trelis
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Susana Cifre
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Joan Sanxis-Furió
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Pascual
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Franco
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Víctor Peracho
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Pest Surveillance and Control, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.); (S.F.); (V.P.); (T.M.)
- CIBERESP Epidemiology and Public Health, 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (S.C.); (C.G.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
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16
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Azimi T, Azimi L, Fallah F, Pourmand MR, Ostadtaghizadeh A, Abai MR, Rahimi Foroushani A. Detection and characterization of Enterobacteriaceae family members carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus from Tehran, Iran. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1321-1334. [PMID: 33386421 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-02126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wild rats are known to carry different microorganisms and are considered a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens worldwide. The urban rats were collected from five districts of Tehran and Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) were isolated from fecal samples and were identified using classical biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria were determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, the results of which were interpreted in line with CLSI guideline. The frequency of antibiotic-resistant genes was identified using multiplex-PCR. Moreover, PCR method was used to identify the frequency of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and main categories of diarrheagenic E. coli including EPEC, ETEC, EIEC, EAEC, and STEC pathotypes. A total of 100 Rattus norvegicus were trapped and fecal samples were collected. Overall, 72 fecal samples were positive for GNB. E. coli (n = 46/72) had the highest frequency among the isolated GNB. Among E. coli isolates, the highest and lowest resistance rates belonged to ampicillin (56.5%) and ceftriaxone (0%), respectively. Klebsiella spp. was 100% resistant to imipenem, and streptomycin (0%) was the most effective antimicrobial agent on Klebsiella spp. Among surveyed genes, blaTEM (95.8%) and blaaadA-1 (58.3%) had the highest frequency, while blaKPC, and blaCMY-2 were not detected among Enterobacteriaceae. Herein, O157: H7 serotype was not detected and aEPEC (87%) was the most common pathotype detected. Results suggested that rodents might be a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and rodent control along with implementation of surveillance programs should be considered as a critical priority for urban health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taher Azimi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina St., Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azimi
- Pediatric Infection Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, and Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina St., Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abai
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Roqueplo C, Lepidi H, Medkour H, Laidoudi Y, Marié JL, Davoust B. Enzootic Hepatic Capillariasis (Calodium hepaticum) in Street Rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Marseille City, France. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121048. [PMID: 33327390 PMCID: PMC7764846 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic capillariasis is a rare and neglected zoonosis affecting wild and synanthropic small rodents. It is caused by infection with Calodium hepaticum in liver. Despite the worldwide distribution of the host Rattus norvegicus (brown or street rats) in the urban area, the epidemiological status of this parasitosis remains unknown. In the present study, we examined a total of 27 brown rats from the city centre and a garden (four km from the city centre) of Marseille, France. All rats were autopsied and 52% showed the presence of C. hepaticum eggs in the liver. This result draws general attention to public health risks, since street rats are living near the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Roqueplo
- French Military Health Service, 97411 Saint Denis, France;
- Animal Epidemiology Expert Group of the Military Health Service, 37000 Tours, France;
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (H.L.); (H.M.); (Y.L.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire D’anatomo-Pathologie, CHU La Timone, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hacène Medkour
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (H.L.); (H.M.); (Y.L.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (H.L.); (H.M.); (Y.L.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Lou Marié
- Animal Epidemiology Expert Group of the Military Health Service, 37000 Tours, France;
- Expertise and Defense Health Strategy Division, French Military Health Service, 75000 Paris, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Animal Epidemiology Expert Group of the Military Health Service, 37000 Tours, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (H.L.); (H.M.); (Y.L.)
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-0413732401
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18
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Gliga DS, Pisanu B, Walzer C, Desvars-Larrive A. Helminths of urban rats in developed countries: a systematic review to identify research gaps. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2383-2397. [PMID: 32607706 PMCID: PMC7366588 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although black (Rattus rattus) and brown (Rattus norvegicus) rats are among the most widespread synanthropic wild rodents, there is a surprising scarcity of knowledge about their ecology in the urban ecosystem. In particular, relatively few studies have investigated their helminth species diversity in such habitat. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guideline to synthesize the existing published literature regarding the helminth fauna of urban rats in developed countries (North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan). We aimed at describing the species diversity and richness of urban rat helminths, the species prevalence and associations, the methods of investigation, the pathological changes observed in the hosts, the risk factors of infection and the public health significance of rat-borne helminthiases. Twenty-three scientific papers published between 1946 and 2019 were reviewed, half of them were conducted in Europe. Twenty-five helminth species and eight genera were described from the liver, digestive tract, lungs and muscles of urban rats. The most commonly reported parasite was Calodium hepaticum. Prevalence and risk factors of helminth infection in urban rats varied greatly between studies. Observed pathological findings in the rat host were generally minor, except for C. hepaticum. Several rat helminths can parasitize humans and are therefore of public health significance. The lack of references to identification keys and the rare use of molecular tools for species confirmation represent the main limitation of these studies. Knowledge gap on this topic and the needs for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S Gliga
- Conservation Medicine, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benoît Pisanu
- Unité Mixte de Services (UMS) 2006 Patrimoine Naturel, Office Français pour la Biodiversité (OFB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Paris, France
| | - Chris Walzer
- Conservation Medicine, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Conservation Medicine, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Azimi T, Pourmand MR, Fallah F, Karimi A, Mansour-Ghanaie R, Hoseini-Alfatemi SM, Shirdoust M, Azimi L. Serosurvey and molecular detection of the main zoonotic parasites carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus population in Tehran, Iran. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:60. [PMID: 32704233 PMCID: PMC7374959 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus norvegicus are reservoirs for transmission of various zoonotic parasites, and they have become a threat to public health worldwide. Given the large number and the significant presence of R. norvegicus throughout the city of Tehran, this study aims to assess the frequency of zoonotic parasites carried by commensal rodents wandering in Tehran, Iran. The study considered the north, south, west, east, and center regions of Tehran for the purposes of this study. The serological tests were applied in order to detect effective antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), Babesia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) was surveyed by using the conventional PCR method. Furthermore, nested PCR was employed to detect the presence of Giardia spp. and Leishmania spp. in commensal R. norvegicus dispersed in Tehran. Results Approximately, 76% of the 100 R. norvegicus tested were infected with at least one zoonotic parasite, indicating the significant frequency of parasites within the study areas. Seroreactivity against T. vaginalis, Babesia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 5%, 0%, and 1% of the R. norvegicus tested, respectively. T. gondii DNA was detected in 32 out of 100 (32%) R. norvegicus. In addition, Leishmania spp. and Giardia spp. DNA were found in 18 out of 100 (18%) and 76 out of 100 (76%) R. norvegicus investigated, respectively. T. vaginalis with 15% and T. gondii with 70% had the highest frequency of parasites among the R. norvegicus collected from the western and northeastern regions of Tehran, respectively. Moreover, Giardia spp. with 95% and Leishmania spp. with 30% had the highest frequency in the east and center districts, respectively. Conclusion The findings showed a wide geographical dissemination of Giardia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania spp. in R. norvegicus within five districts of Tehran. In contrast, other parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp. infection were rarely detected in Rattus populations. No evidence for the circulation of Babesia spp. was found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taher Azimi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roxana Mansour-Ghanaie
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahsan Hoseini-Alfatemi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shirdoust
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Panti-May JA, Rodríguez-Vivas RI, García-Prieto L, Servián A, Costa F. Worldwide overview of human infections with Hymenolepis diminuta. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1997-2004. [PMID: 32211990 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06663-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hymenolepis diminuta is a zoonotic cestode parasitizing the small intestine of rodents (definitive hosts). Humans can accidentally enter into the life cycle of this tapeworm via the ingestion of infected insects (intermediate hosts) containing cestode cysticercoids in their body cavity. More than two centuries after the first record in humans, there are no accurate estimates of the number of human cases around the world. In order to have a more precise idea about the number of human cases with H. diminuta and the current status of the disease (hymenolepiasis) worldwide, we conducted a literature review of published records on human infection with H. diminuta. One thousand five hundred and sixty-one published records of infection with H. diminuta from 80 countries were identified. This review presents an estimate of the number of human cases with H. diminuta and a current overview of the prevalence, geographic distribution, symptoms, diagnosis, exposure to infective stages, and therapeutic approaches for this underestimated zoonotic tapeworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alonso Panti-May
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, 97135, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Roger Iván Rodríguez-Vivas
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, 97135, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Luis García-Prieto
- Coleccion Nacional de Helmintos, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrea Servián
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Bv 120 e/ 61 y 64, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Costa
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-040, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
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21
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Panti-May JA, Servían A, Ferrari W, Zonta ML, Hernández-Mena DI, Hernández-Betancourt SF, Robles MDR, Machain-Williams C. Morphological and molecular identification of hymenolepidid cestodes in children and synanthropic rodents from rural Mexico. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102042. [PMID: 31862425 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hymenolepidid cestodes of synanthropic rodents represent a risk for public health. In order to describe the occurrence of hymenolepidids in children and the role of rodents as a potential source of infection, we conducted a morphological and molecular survey on cestodes in two rural villages from Yucatan, Mexico. One hundred and thirty-five stool samples from children (64 from Paraíso and 71 from Xkalakdzonot), 233 Mus musculus (159 from Paraíso and 74 from Xkalakdzonot) and 125 Rattus rattus (7 from Paraíso and 118 from Xkalakdzonot) were analyzed for the presence of cestodes. Three hymenolepidid species were identified morphologically: Hymenolepis nana in 7.8% of children from Paraíso, Hymenolepis microstoma in 4.4% of M. musculus from Paraíso and Hymenolepis diminuta in 15.3% of R. rattus from Xkalakdzonot. The molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome c subunit 1 (CO1) gene and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region, confirmed the identity of the three cestodes isolated from Yucatan. Phylogeny of the CO1 gene identified intraspecific genetic differences within H. nana ranging from 0 to 5%, in H. microstoma from 0 to 0.4%, and in H. diminuta ranged from 0 to 6.5% which suggests, the presence of complex species within H. nana and H. diminuta infecting humans and rodents, as reported by other authors. Based on the morphological and molecular results, and the epidemiological evidence, infections with H. nana suggest a non-zoonotic transmission; however, the presence of H. microstoma and H. diminuta in synanthropic rodents serve as a possible source for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alonso Panti-May
- Campus de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Andrea Servían
- Centro de Estudios Parasitologicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ferrari
- Centro de Estudios Parasitologicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Lorena Zonta
- Centro de Estudios Parasitologicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David I Hernández-Mena
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - María Del Rosario Robles
- Centro de Estudios Parasitologicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Machain-Williams
- Centro de Investigaciones Regionales 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
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22
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Coomansingh-Springer C, Vishakha V, Acuna AM, Armstrong E, Sharma RN. Internal parasitic burdens in brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02382. [PMID: 31517102 PMCID: PMC6728764 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identified the endoparasites in Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) during May to July 2017 in Grenada, West Indies. A total of 162 rats, 76 females and 86 males were trapped from St. George and St. David parishes in Grenada. The collected fecal samples were examined for parasitic eggs and/or oocysts using simple fecal flotation technique. Adult parasites found in the intestinal tract were examined for identification. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 79 %. Ten helminth species were recovered, several of which were reported for the first time in rodents in Grenada. The internal parasites consist of seven nematodes (Angiostrongylus spp., Nippostrongylus braziliensis, Heterakis spumosa, Strongyloides ratti, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia spp. and Protospirura spp.), one cestode (Hymenolepsis diminuta), one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis moniliformis) and one protozoa species (Eimeria spp.). The most prevalent zoonotic species were Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%), Hymenolepsis diminuta (7.4%) and Moniliformis moniliformis (3.1%). Several nonzoonotic endoparasites; which included Nippostrongylus braziliensis (50.6%), Heterakis spumosa (15.4%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (2.5%), Syphacia spp. (1.9%), Protospirura spp. (1.2%) and Eimeria spp. (4.7%) were also identified. The most prevalent parasites were Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (50.6%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%) and Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%). Co-infections occurred with up to six species per rat showing different combinations of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Coomansingh-Springer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - V Vishakha
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - A Montanez Acuna
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - E Armstrong
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - R N Sharma
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
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Patterns of helminth infections in Rattus rattus and Mus musculus from two Mayan communities in Mexico. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e30. [PMID: 30714552 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The black rat Rattus rattus and the house mouse Mus musculus are two commensal rodent species that harbour and shed zoonotic pathogens, including helminths. The aim of this survey was to study the helminth community and the patterns of infections in R. rattus and M. musculus from two Mayan communities in Mexico. Gastrointestinal helminths were isolated from 322 M. musculus and 124 R. rattus, including Gongylonema neoplasticum, Hassalstrongylus aduncus, Hassalstrongylus musculi, Hydatigera taeniaeformis metacestode, Hymenolepis diminuta, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Oligacanthorhynchidae gen. sp., Syphacia muris, Syphacia obvelata, Rodentolepis microstoma and Trichuris muris. The overall richness of helminths was seven in R. rattus and six in M. musculus. The results of generalized linear models showed that juvenile rodents had lower probabilities of being infected with G. neoplasticum, H. taeniaeformis and H. musculi than adult rodents. A positive association between the prevalence of S. muris and rat abundance was found. The intensity of infection with S. muris was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season; the opposite result was found for H. musculi infection. Male R. rattus harboured more S. muris specimens. The intensity of infection with T. muris was inversely associated with mouse abundance. The presence of the zoonotic H. diminuta, as well as H. taeniaeformis and R. microstoma in rodent populations indicates that there is risk of transmission, and that their entire life cycle occurs in the study area.
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