A Study on the ectoparasites and hemoparasites infections in Rodents from the Kilwa district, Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and Technology
Abstract
Ectoparasites play a significant role in facilitating the transmission of disease pathogens and
parasites that affect animals and humans. This study aims to assess the prevalence of ectopara- sites and hemoparasites in rodents from the Kilwa district, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was
conducted to trap 138 rodents using Sherman and wire cage traps. Ectoparasites were removed from
rodents by using fine brushes and identified based on morphological features using a Stereo microscope with the assistance of dichotomous taxonomic keys. Blood samples were collected from supraorbital veinsin captured rodents, and thick and thin smears were made, stained and examined using a Compound Microscope for screening hemoparasite. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in rodents was 57.87 % with a high infestation of rodents by Echinolaelaps (Laelaps) echidninus (44.20%) than Laelaps nuttalli (10.87%), Xenopsylla cheopis (12.32%), and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2.90%). Most ectopara- sites were found in M. natalensis 76.40% followed by R. rattus 25.81%, and G. leucogaster 36.36%. Adult rodents recorded 63.41% of ectoparasites prevalence higher than juveniles 13.33% (p< 0.05). The overall prevalence of hemoparasites in rodents was 18.12%. The identified hemoparasites were Anaplasma sp. (13.04%), Babesia sp. (3.62%), and Trypanosoma sp. (1.45%) observed only in adult rodents. The study recommends engaging and encouraging the community to use integrated pest management practices for rodents and ectoparasite control and prevention to safeguard both human and animal health.Received: 18
Ektoparasit berperan penting dalam memfasilitasi penularan patogen penyakit dan parasit
yang menyerang hewan dan manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai prevalensi ektoparasit
dan hemoparasit pada hewan pengerat dari distrik Kilwa, Tanzania. Penelitian cross-sectional
dilakukan untuk menjebak 138 hewan pengerat menggunakan perangkap Sherman dan perangkap kawat. Ektoparasit dikeluarkan dari hewan pengerat menggunakan sikat halus dan diidentifikasi berdasarkan ciri morfologi menggunakan mikroskop stereo dengan bantuan kunci taksonomi dikotomis. Sampel darah dikumpulkan dari vena supraorbital pada hewan pengerat yang ditangkap, dan apusan tebal dan tipis dibuat, diwarnai, dan diperiksa menggunakan mikroskop majemuk untuk skrining hemoparasit. Prevalensi ektoparasit pada rodensia secara keseluruhan adalah 57,87% dengan tingkat infestasi rodensia tertinggi oleh Echinolaelaps (Laelaps) echidninus (44,20%) dibandingkan dengan Laelaps nuttalli (10,87%), Xenopsyl- la cheopis (12,32%), dan Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (2,90%). Ektoparasit terbanyak ditemukan pada M. natalensis 76,40% diikuti oleh R. rattus 25,81%, dan G. leucogaster 36,36%. Tikus dewasa mencatat preval- ensi ektoparasit sebesar 63,41%, lebih tinggi daripada tikus muda yang hanya 13,33% (p< 0,05). Prevalensi
hemoparasit secara keseluruhan pada tikus adalah 18,12%. Hemoparasit yang teridentifikasi adalah
Anaplasma sp. (13,04%), Babesia sp. (3,62%), dan Trypanosoma sp. (1,45%) yang hanya ditemukan pada tikus dewasa. This study revealed a high prevalence of ectoparasites (57.87%) and a moder- ate prevalence of hemoparasites (18.12%) among rodents in Kilwa district, Tanzania, with Mastomys natalensis being the most infested species.
Description
Article
Keywords
Ectoparasites infections, Hemoparasites infections, Rodents, Kilwa District, Tanzania
Citation
Correspondence: Pilato Waya E-mail: wayapilato@gmail.com Keywords: Ectoparasites; Hemoparasite; Prevalence; Rodents