Mir Asadollah Amiri1, Nona Moradpour2,*,and Hassan Borji1,*
1 Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
2 Rodentology Research Department, Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract:
Introduction: Rodents are the largest group of mammals and act as a reservoir for many common human diseases, leading to societal health and economic problems. Due to the different prevalenceratesof rodent-borne parasitic infections in various regions, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in wild and domestic rodents in Kalat County, located in the north of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2016. Materials and methods: The study was performed usinga descriptive method on 86 mountainous and domestic rodents randomly caught using live traps.After anesthesia and species identification, the gastrointestinal tract was dissected, and the digestive system worms were separated and preserved in 10% formalin until identification. The nematodes were clarified with lactophenol and stained with carmine acid. All worms were identified using diagnostic keys, and the results were presented using descriptive statistics.Results:The prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents in the study area was 75.5%. The captured rodents in this area included Microtus(53.4%), Mus musculus(17.4%), Pikas (15.1%), Apodemus agrarius (12.7%), and Allactaga elater (1.1%). Six species of nematodes and one cestode species were identified in this study. The prevalence of parasitic infections shared between humans and rodents included Syphacia obvelata(83%), Aspicularistetraptera(18.5%), Trichurisfossor(16.9%), Hymenolepisnana(6.1%), Heligmosomoidespolygyrus(10.7%), and Nipostrongylusbraziliensis(1.5%). Capillariaspp were found in 1.5% of rodents.Conclusion:The results revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents, with an overall prevalence rate of 75.5% in Kalat, Iran. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with rodent-borne parasitic infections in the study area and emphasize the importance of implementing effective control and prevention measures to mitigate the impact on human health and the local economy.
1. Introduction:
Rodents are fascinating creatures that have adapted to various environments and play essential roles in many ecosystems1. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and their populations can range from a few individuals to millions. Rodents belong to the largest order of mammals, Rodentia, and are known for their distinctive incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives2. While rodents are generally harmless, they can pose significant public health and economic challenges in communities where they are prevalent3. They are notorious for carrying and transmitting various diseases to humans and other animals. Large rodents like beavers, porcupines, and capybaras harbor zoonotic diseases that can infect humans4. Additionally, rodents can carry parasitic infections leading tosignificant health problems in humans and other animals5.
