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Fuentes MV, Puchades-Colera P, Gosálvez C, Sáez-Durán S, Cholvi-Simó M, Ruvira S, Sanxis-Furió J, Pascual J, Bueno-Marí R, Franco S, Peracho V, Montalvo T, Trelis M, Debenedetti ÁL, Galán-Puchades MT. The Role of the Norway Rat, Rattus norvegicus, as a Reservoir of Zoonotic Helminth Species in the City of Barcelona (Spain). Animals (Basel) 2025; 15:298. [PMID: 39943068 PMCID: PMC11816058 DOI: 10.3390/ani15030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2025] [Accepted: 01/20/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Synanthropic rodents are involved in the transmission of several parasitic zoonoses to humans, such as helminth parasites. As part of a multidisciplinary study concerning the rodent population in Barcelona (Spain), 300 specimens of the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, were analyzed to elucidate their helminth community, mainly species with a zoonotic potential. The sample included 263 specimens from the sewage system and 37 from public gardens. A total of 253 (84.3%) rats were found to be parasitized, and 206 (68.7%) harbored zoonotic species. Adult rats were found to be more heavily parasitized with zoonotic helminths than juveniles, but the sex and site of capture had no influence. Six zoonotic helminths were identified: Hydatigera taeniaeformis larvae (1.7%), Rodentolepis nana (8.0%), Hymenolepis diminuta (21.3%), Calodium hepaticum (46.3%), Gongylonema neoplasticum (36.7%), and Moniliformis moniliformis (2.3%). Human zoonotic helminth infections often go unreported, so that the role of R. norvegicus in their transmission is unknown. According to our results, it is advisable to monitor and control rodent populations in deprived settlements close to cities and in cities themselves, and to promote good hygienic and sanitary practices, especially among vulnerable populations and workers with high exposure such as sewage workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Pablo Puchades-Colera
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Maria Cholvi-Simó
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Santiago Ruvira
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Joan Sanxis-Furió
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - 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
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
- 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; (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
| | - María Trelis
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - Ángela L. Debenedetti
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
| | - María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; (P.P.-C.); (C.G.); (S.S.-D.); (M.C.-S.); (S.R.); (J.S.-F.); (R.B.-M.); (M.T.); (Á.L.D.); (M.T.G.-P.)
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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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Hamzavi Y, Khodayari MT, Davari A, Shiee MR, Karamati SA, Raeghi S, Jabarmanesh H, Bashiri H, Bozorgomid A. A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthic infections in rodents of Iran: An emphasis on zoonotic aspects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31955. [PMID: 38845951 PMCID: PMC11152961 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31955] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents are the largest group of mammals that adapt to different ecosystems and may act as the potential reservoirs of significant pathogens including gastrointestinal (GI) helminths. Rodent-borne parasitic pathogens have been and remain a great concern for animal and human health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is thus to clarify and better understand the pooled prevalence of GI helminthic infections and the associated risk factors in rodents in Iran. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran and Irandoc) were searched for relevant literature published up to March 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95 % confidence interval. Moreover, heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test and the I 2-statistic. Out of the 5438 publications searched, 28 articles (30 datasets) were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the study. Thus, 3649 captured rodents belonging to 6 families, 20 genera, and 35 species were examined for GI helminths in Iran. Then, 54 helminth species were identified in the present research, including 33 nematodes, 16 cestodes, 4 trematods, and 1 acanthocephalan. The prevalence rate of GI parasitic infections was 56 % (95 % CI: 50-63 %). Hymenolepis diminuta, Syphacia obvelata and Rodentolepis nana were the most common helminthic infections (13 %, 9 %, and 8 %, respectively). Moreover, 11 potential zoonotic helminths were found. There was no significant difference in pooled prevalence between male and female rodents (P = 0.40). Considering geographical areas, northern and eastern provinces had the highest prevalence of GI helminthic infections among rodents. The prevalence of GI worms in Iranian rodents was as high as 56 % with 11 zoonotic helminths. Therefore, it is suggested to observe the health of the environment, destroy the biological nests of rodents, avoid half-finished constructions, repair and improve streams and sidewalks, organize and collect garbage, and carry out biological and chemical control to handle the population of rodents. Increasing the awareness of local people about the harmful effects of rodents and the ways of transmission and prevention of rodent-borne intestinal worms transmitted to humans should be prioritized in health decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazdan Hamzavi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Afshin Davari
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shiee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Karamati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saber Raeghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hadis Jabarmanesh
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Helia Bashiri
- Department of Biology, Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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Echchakery M, Boumezzough A, Hafidi M, Boussaa S. Histopathological and morphological characterization of Cysticercus fasciolaris isolated from domestic and wild rodents in Morocco. Exp Parasitol 2024; 259:108726. [PMID: 38428664 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108726] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cysticercus fasciolaris is a parasitic helminth that usually infects feline and canine mammal hosts. The intermediate hosts (rodents, occasionally lagomorphs, and humans) get infected by the consumption of feed or water contaminated with eggs. Rodents are vectors of disease and reservoirs of various zoonotic parasites. The current survey was aimed at determining endoparasitic helminth infections in rodents in central Morocco. Sampled rodents after specific identification were sacrificed and examined to identify parasitic helminths following ethical guidelines. Parasites were identified using morphological characteristics. A total of 197 specimens of rodents were collected and examined in this study. Ten rodent species were identified morphologically as Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus, M. spretus, Mastomys erythroleucus, Meriones shawi, M. libycus, Gerbillus campestris, and Lemniscomys barbarus. The parasitological results showed that metacestode of tapeworms was found encysted in the liver, the larval stage of Taenia taeniaeformis develops large multinodular fibrosarcomas which envelope the tapeworm cysts in the liver of the R. rattus and R. norvegicus. Based on morphological data, the metacestode was identified as C. fasciolaris in 23 (23/80) R. rattus 2 (2/8) and R. norvegicus with a prevalence of 11.7 % and 1.0 %, respectively. Rodents are major vectors of human and domestic animal diseases worldwide, and therefore, important parasitic zoonotic agents (C. fasciolaris), which are transmitted by black rats (R. rattus) and brown rats (R. norvegicus), must be considered to prevent the infectivity of humans, domestic animals, and livestock such as cattle, sheep, and rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Echchakery
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, 26000, Settat, Morocco; Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment Laboratory (BioMAgE), Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Ali Boumezzough
- Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment Laboratory (BioMAgE), Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Hafidi
- Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment Laboratory (BioMAgE), Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Samia Boussaa
- Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment Laboratory (BioMAgE), Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco; ISPITS- Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, 10000, Rabat, Morocco.
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Galán-Puchades MT, Gómez-Samblás M, Osuna A, Sáez-Durán S, Bueno-Marí R, Fuentes MV. Update on the First Finding of the Rat Lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, in Rattus spp. in Continental Europe, Valencia, Spain, 2022. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040567. [PMID: 37111453 PMCID: PMC10143490 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an emerging parasite that can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Over the past 60 years, the worm has greatly expanded its original Asian distribution to most tropical and subtropical areas of the world, mostly by traveling on ships with its definitive hosts, rats. Angiostrongylus cantonensis was recently found for the first time in Continental Europe, specifically in 3 (2 Rattus norvegicus and 1 Rattus rattus) out of 27 rats trapped in the sewer system of the city of Valencia, Spain. Updating the investigation, the parasite has subsequently been found in 8 (5 R. norvegicus and 3 R. rattus) out of 94 rats analyzed. The highest prevalence of infection (20%) was obtained in rats trapped in the orchards that surround the city, where both snails and slugs (intermediate hosts) abound, and where vegetables consumed in Valencia, other parts of Spain, and abroad, are produced. The presence of the parasite in rats does not necessarily mean that the disease it causes becomes a relevant public health concern since it strongly depends on the food habits of the population at risk. If proper precautions are taken, the risk of acquiring neuroangiostrongylosis should be minimal.
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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, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Samblás
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Ronda Auguste y Louis Lumière 23, Nave 10, Parque Tecnológico, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Màrius V. Fuentes
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Valencia, Spain
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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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Intestinal Helminths in Wild Rodents from Native Forest and Exotic Pine Plantations ( Pinus radiata) in Central Chile. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020384. [PMID: 33546281 PMCID: PMC7913297 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Land-use changes are one of the most important drivers of zoonotic disease risk in humans, including helminths of wildlife origin. In this paper, we investigated the presence and prevalence of intestinal helminths in wild rodents, comparing this parasitism between a native forest and exotic Monterey pine plantations (adult and young plantations) in central Chile. By analyzing 1091 fecal samples of a variety of rodent species sampled over two years, we recorded several helminth families and genera, some of them potentially zoonotic. We did not find differences in the prevalence of helminths between habitat types, but other factors (rodent species and season of the year) were relevant to explain changes in helminth prevalence. Given that Monterey pine plantations are one of the most important forestry plantations worldwide, and due to the detection of potentially zoonotic helminths, more research should be conducted in this study area and elsewhere in order to better understand the effect of pine plantations on parasites and pathogens in rodents and other wildlife hosts. Abstract Native forests have been replaced by forestry plantations worldwide, impacting biodiversity. However, the effect of this anthropogenic land-use change on parasitism is poorly understood. One of the most important land-use change in Chile is the replacement of native forests by Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) plantations. In this study, we analyzed the parasitism (presence and prevalence) of intestinal helminths from fecal samples of wild rodents in three habitat types: native forests and adult and young pine plantations in central Chile. Small mammals were sampled seasonally for two years, and a total of 1091 fecal samples from seven small mammal species were analyzed using coprological analysis. We found several helminth families and genera, some of them potentially zoonotic. In addition, new rodent–parasite associations were reported for the first time. The overall helminth prevalence was 16.95%, and an effect of habitat type on prevalence was not observed. Other factors were more relevant for prevalence such rodent species for Hymenolepis sp. and season for Physaloptera sp. Our findings indicate that pine plantations do not increase helminth prevalence in rodents compared to native forests.
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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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