Diversity, Prevalence and Risk Assessment of Nematode Parasites in Tatera indica found in Punjab State

Background: Present study was aimed to record diversity, prevalence and risk assessment of nematode parasites in Indian gerbil, Tatera indica, a wild rodent species found in crop fields. Methods: Total 180 Indian gerbils (T. indica) were live trapped from crop fields of Ludhiana, Punjab between April, 2019 to March, 2020 and examined for the diversity and prevalence of nematode parasites in liver and gastrointestinal tract. Result: Only 33 (18.33%) gerbils were found infected with four nematodes species i.e. Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (39.40%), Calodium hepaticum (21.21%), Trichuris muris (21.21%) and Syphacia muris (18.18%). Eggs of N. brasiliensis, T. muris and S. muris were found in faecal samples. Pale yellow lesions on surface of liver and subsequent histopathology of infected liver indicated the presence of C. hepaticum eggs entrapped in parenchyma. Host age (χ2 = 8.78, P = 0.03) and season (χ2 = 9.21, P = 0.01) significantly affected the prevalence of N. brassiliensis and C. hepaticum, respectively. Shannon-Weiner index and Species Evenness of nematode parasites were maximum in monsoon season (1.04 and 0.94, respectively). Based on results proper rodent pest management is advised by integrated control measures at village level to prevent spread of diseases caused by them.

A study on ectoparasites with special reference to chigger mites on rodents/shrews in scrub typhus endemic areas of Kerala, India

The main goal of this investigation was to record the ectoparasites living on rodents in scrub typhus endemic areas of Kerala state, India. Rodents captured alive using Sherman and wonder traps from four diverse habitations revealed, a total of 59 rodents/shrews constituted by 5 host species from families Muridae and Soricidae. In total, 1135 ectoparasites were collected on these rodents/shrews and were identified representing 23 species from 10 genera in 4 families Trombiculidae, Laelaptidae, Ixodidae and Pulicidae. Dominant insectivore species was Suncus murinus (57.6%). 42 (71.2%) rodents and shrews were found to be plagued with at least one of the 23 species of ectoparasite harvested. Mites belonging to the family Trombiculidae were the predominant ectoparasite species collected. Study revealed Tatera indica (35.5%) as the primary host harboring the chigger mites. Xenopsylla cheopis and Xenopsylla astia the flea species important vectors for the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as Leptotrombidium deliense, Schoengastiella ligula and Echinolaelaps echidninus were recorded. Twenty species of mites were reported for the first time in Kerala which add knowledge on the ectoparasites distribution.

Evaluation of Rodent Fauna of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Reservoir in East Azerbaijan Province of Iran During 2018-2019

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases that represents a serious health problem worldwide. This disease exists in three forms: cutaneous (rural, urban), visceral, and mucocutaneous. In the rural type, some rodents play the role of a reservoir. In our country, many people are infected with this disease every year. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is now common in some parts of East Azerbaijan province. Considering that no comprehensive study on the general condition of cutaneous Leishmaniasis reservoirs in this province has been done so far, this research was very necessary. This study was conducted to investigate the fauna, distribution, and frequency of rodents in East Azerbaijan province from 2018 to 2019. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Cluster sampling was performed on rodents. Rodents were caught each week by 30 live traps from different parts of East Azerbaijan province and were determined in the laboratory after examining their morphological characteristics. In order to identify Leishmaniasis, 2 samples were prepared from each rodent ear on a laboratory slide and after fixation with methanol and staining by Giemsa method, they were examined by light microscope. Results: A total of 100 rodents were found in this study, which included 5 species of Rhombomys opimus, Meriones libycus, Mus musculus, Nesokia indica, and Tatera indica. In this study, a total of 3 rodents infected with Leishmania parasite were caught, 2 of which were from Meriones libycus from Azarshahr and Sarab counties and 1 from R. opimus from Kalibar. Conclusion: Infection of R. opimus and M. libycus species was identified in Azarshahr, Sarab, and Kalibar counties. These two species are the most important reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. It is suggested that rodents be controlled in areas where there are cases of disease and rodents have been infected with Leishmania parasite in order to control the disease.

Growth and Breeding Biology of Female Indian Gerbil (Tatera Indica): Reproductive, Biochemical and Histological Evaluation

Average duration of pro-estrous, estrous, met-estrous and di-estrous stages in one oestrous cycle of female Indian gerbil, Tatera indica was found 0.61, 0.38, 0.62 and 1.37 days, respectively with total average duration of one cycle to be 2.99 days. Pairing of cyclic female gerbils with mature males resulted in 88% breeding success within gestation period of 21-24 days. Post-partum estrous was observed immediately after parturition in females not separated from males. Observations on onset of sexual maturity in female pups of seven different age groups (30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days old) revealed significant increase in body weight and weights of ovary and uterus, plasma level of estradiol and activity of 3â-HSD in ovarian tissue with increasing age. Sexual maturity in female T. indica was attained at age of 3-4 months. It is therefore suggested to apply control measures before they reproduce and cause damage to crops.