Species composition and host preference of fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) on rodent and domestic animals in Tamil Nadu, India

The species composition and host preference of medically important fleas monitored in urban, semi-urban, and rural revealed 412(65%) and 222(35%) fleas. From urban and rural habitats 90 and 345 fleas were collected respectively. There was a significant difference between urban and rural habitats in flea abundance. From rodents and domestic animals 209 (33%) Xenopsylla cheopis, 203 (32%) X. astia and 222 (35%) Ctenocephalides felis fleas were recorded. Fleas were predominantly found on Rattus rattus 45(83.3%) and Canis familiaris 31(83.8%). Among the habitats, there was no significant difference in rodent flea positivity and dog/cat flea positivity.

(IN1330) common name: oriental rat flea; scientific name: Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild, 1903) (Insecta: Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

This is an FC submission; below I have pasted the Introduction. The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild, 1903), is a member of the family Pulicidae in the order Siphonaptera. Fleas are highly specialized insects that are demonstrably successful as ectoparasites of birds and mammals (Marquardt, et al. 2000). Of the nearly 2,500 species of fleas known from around the world (Triplehorn & Johnson 2005), few are as infamous as the oriental rat flea. This species is best known as the carrier of the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) that was responsible for decimating large populations of people, including nearly a third of the human population of Europe, and influenced the trajectory of human history (Fasulo 2004). In addition to its role as a vector of the plague bacterium, this species can vector other pathogens and at least two tapeworm parasites of humans (Marquardt, et al. 2000; Gage 2005).

Promovendo saúde pública através do cuidado animal / Promoting public health through animal care

As doenças zoonóticas são responsáveis por cerca de 75% das doenças infecciosas emergentes e podem ser devastadoras para a saúde humana e animal em todo o mundo. Um subconjunto de doenças zoonóticas é referido como "doenças zoonóticas negligenciadas - NZDs", pois afetam principalmente as populações pobres que vivem nas proximidades de animais domésticos ou selvagens, muitas vezes em áreas onde o acesso à saúde e instalações sanitárias adequadas não estão disponíveis. Em 2017, a comunidade Sururu do Capote foi acometida por um surto de tungíase. Diante disso, foi idealizado o projeto de extensão intitulado “Cuidado animal: uma alternativa no controle da tungíase humana” a fim de controlar a tungíase, oferecendo uma maior qualidade de vida à comunidade. O projeto foi realizado em parceria com a Comunidade Espírita Nosso Lar, que mobilizou a população e cedeu o local para os atendimentos. Foram beneficiadas pelo projeto 166 famílias, sendo 98 delas tutoras de cães e gatos e 68 de equinos. Os 166 animais foram submetidos a exames físico-clínicos criteriosos, os animais doentes foram encaminhados para o setor de farmácia, onde foram tratados. Houve ainda os que tiveram material biológico coletado para realização de exames laboratoriais, quando necessário. Durante o projeto foram feitas 74 amostras para identificação de ectoparasitas. Além da Tunga penetrans foram encontrados animais parasitados por Xenopsylla cheopis, Lynxacarus radovskyi, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Ctenocephalides felis e Ctenocephalides canis. Constatou-se que 132 animais estavam acometidos por zoonose de caráter parasitário, oferecendo riscos à população. O atendimento clínico aos animais da comunidade acrescidos de prevenção educativa aos tutores acerca de suas responsabilidades com os animais e a importância do acompanhamento médico veterinário para a manutenção da saúde animal e humana.

Occurrence and Prevalence of Macroparasites of African Giant Rats (Cricetomys Gambianus) in a Savanna Region of Nigeria

Rodents play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases since they serve as reservoirs of these infections. A survey of ecto and intestinal parasites of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) was carried out between January and May, 2018 in Il-orin to access their potential as reservoirs of zoonoses. A total of 60 African giant rats were caught live using single catch rat traps which were set around bushes, near human habitation. The giant rats were euthanized with chloroform and thoroughly examined for ectoparasites. The giant rats were dissected and the alimentary canal removed. Direct smear floatation and sedimentation methods were used to detect endoparasites in the animals. The prevalence of different types of endoparasites were: Hymenolepis nana (33.3 %), Hymenolepis diminuta (25.0 %), Aspicularis tetraptera (29.2 %), and Acanthocephala spp. (12.5 %), while the ectoparasites were: Ixodes rasus (37.9 %), Xenopsylla cheopis (44.8 %) and Ornithonyssus bacoti (17.2 %). African giant rats harbour quite a number of infections that can be spread to humans especially in developing countries where most communities are economically disadvantaged, thus the need to properly enlighten the populace.

The existence and characteristics of rats and shrews in endemic leptospirosis areas and types of ectoparasites: a case study of West Jakarta, Indonesia

Background: This study aimed to determine the presence and species of the rats and shrews that can potentially cause leptospirosis in West Jakarta, Indonesia, and the species of ectoparasites found in them. Methods: The research was a descriptive study employing a cross-sectional approach. The study population was all species of rats and shrews in the region and the sample collection technique used was purposive sampling. The traps were installed in the homes of respondents who had suffered from leptospirosis and their closest neighbors, with a total of 521 traps. Leptospirosis data based on secondary data was obtained from West Jakarta Health Office (2016-August 2019). The technique for catching rats involved using humane live traps, while the identification of the rats and ectoparasites was done in the laboratory. Results: It was found that more rats were caught in Cengkareng Timur sub-district, Cengkareng District, with a percentage of 14.8%, while the least in Duri Kepa, Kapuk, Kedaung Kali Angke and Kedoya Utara with a percentage of 3.7%. The rats were mostly found in East Cengkareng Sub-District, with the most common type being Rattus rattus (74.1 %) and the least Suncus murinus (11.1%); more male rats were caught (66.7%) than female (33.3%). The type of ectoparasite found in the rats was fleas. Xenopsylla cheopis was the most common type, at 83.3% and more fleas were male, at 66.7%. The most common rat species was Rattus rattus. The ectoparasite most commonly found in them was the female flea Xenopsylla cheopis. Conclusions: Rattus rattus and Xenopsylla cheopis were found in an East Cengkareng sub-district. Surveys, monitoring, and control of rats and ectoparasites are essential for the preparedness and development of an early warning system of possible diseases that they can cause.