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Islam MM, Farag E, Hassan MM, Enan KA, Mohammadi A, Aldiqs AK, Alhussain H, Al Musalmani E, Al-Zeyara AA, Al-Romaihi H, Yassine HM, Sultan AA, Bansal D, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Rodent-borne parasites in Qatar: A possible risk at the human-animal-ecosystem interface. One Health 2024; 18:100708. [PMID: 38496338 PMCID: PMC10944255 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100708] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Rodents are known reservoirs for a diverse group of zoonotic pathogens that can pose a threat to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate these pathogens to institute prevention and control measures. To achieve this, the current study was conducted to investigate the frequency of different parasites in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents, including Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus were captured using traps placed in different habitats such as agricultural and livestock farms, residential areas, and other localities. Blood, feces, ectoparasite, and visceral organs were collected for gross, microscopic, immunological, and molecular analysis. The study identified 10 different parasites, including Capillaria annulosa, Eimeria spp., Giardia spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, Mastophorus muris, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Taenia taeniaeformis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma lewisi, and Xenopsylla astia. Overall, 62.2% of the rodents tested positive for at least one parasite species. Helminths were found to be the most prevalent parasites (46.0%), followed by ectoparasites (31.8%), and protozoa (10.1%). However, individually, X. astia was the most prevalent (31.8%), whereas C. annulosa was the least common (0.7%). The prevalence of X. astia and H. diminuta significantly differed between habitats (p < 0.05). The sequence analysis of Hymenolepis spp. was closely related to the previously reported H. diminuta in Iran, China, and Mexico. In conclusion, the study identified a diverse range of rodent-borne parasites that are important to public health, with most of them being recorded for the first time among commensal rodents in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality, Doha, Qatar
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chottogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Khalid A. Enan
- Preventive Reference Laboratory, Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417613151, Iran
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infection Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar Ahang, Hamadan 6556153145, Iran
| | | | | | | | | | - Hamad Al-Romaihi
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ali A. Sultan
- Department of Microbiology and Imunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Devendra Bansal
- Department of Health Protection & Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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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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Islam MM, Farag E, Hassan MM, Bansal D, Al Awaidy S, Abubakar A, Al-Romaihi H, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Reply to Hamzavi et al. Comment on "Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals 2020, 10, 2342". Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3467. [PMID: 38003085 PMCID: PMC10668707 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents serve as an important reservoir or carrier of zoonotic pathogens on a global scale [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Devendra Bansal
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
| | | | - Abdinasir Abubakar
- Infectious Hazard Preparedness (IHP) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Department (WHE), World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt;
| | - Hamad Al-Romaihi
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 40000, South Africa;
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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Hamzavi Y, Bozorgomid A, Rostamian M. Comment on Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals 2020, 10, 2342. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3443. [PMID: 38003064 PMCID: PMC10668670 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
I read with great interest the article by Islam et al. entitled "Helminth parasites among rodents in the Middle East countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis" published in Animals in December 2020 [...].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mosayeb Rostamian
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415333, Iran; (Y.H.); (A.B.)
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Mateusa M, Selezņova M, Terentjeva M, Deksne G. Giardia duodenalis (Styles, 1902) in Cattle: Isolation of Calves with Diarrhoea and Manure Treatment in the Lagoon Presented as Risk Factors in Latvian Herds. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2338. [PMID: 37764182 PMCID: PMC10537315 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092338] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a waterborne zoonotic protozoan that causes gastrointestinal tract inflammation in humans, cattle, and other animals. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and potential risk factors for Giardia infection in cattle in Latvia. During 2020-2021, a total of 973 individual faecal samples from cattle aged from 1 day to 12 years old, from 32 cattle herds, were tested for Giardia cyst presence with immunofluorescence staining followed by Giardia assemblage differentiation targeting beta-giardin gene. Using a questionnaire, information was collected to estimate the potential risk factors for G. duodenalis infection in cattle herds. Giardia was found in 8.4% of the examined cattle with a mean intensity of 5756 cysts per gram of faeces. The highest prevalence was observed in the 0 to 3-month-old calves (16.4%). At least one Giardia shedding animal was found in 27 herds with an overall prevalence of 84.4%. Significantly higher prevalence was found for cattle infected with G. duodenalis assemblage E compared to that infected with assemblage A: 88.7% and 11.3%, respectively. Protective factors such as age and rodent control and change of shoes were found to be significant for Giardia infection, while isolating calves for diarrhoea and water bodies (ponds/lakes) in pasture were potential risk factors in Latvian cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Mateusa
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, 1076 Riga, Latvia; (M.S.); (M.T.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, 3001 Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Maija Selezņova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, 1076 Riga, Latvia; (M.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Margarita Terentjeva
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, 1076 Riga, Latvia; (M.S.); (M.T.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, 3001 Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, 1076 Riga, Latvia; (M.S.); (M.T.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, 1004 Riga, Latvia
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Fonti N, Parisi F, Mancianti F, Freer G, Poli A. Cancerogenic parasites in veterinary medicine: a narrative literature review. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:45. [PMID: 37496079 PMCID: PMC10373346 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00522-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite infection is one of the many environmental factors that can significantly contribute to carcinogenesis and is already known to be associated with a variety of malignancies in both human and veterinary medicine. However, the actual number of cancerogenic parasites and their relationship to tumor development is far from being fully understood, especially in veterinary medicine. Thus, the aim of this review is to investigate parasite-related cancers in domestic and wild animals and their burden in veterinary oncology. Spontaneous neoplasia with ascertained or putative parasite etiology in domestic and wild animals will be reviewed, and the multifarious mechanisms of protozoan and metazoan cancer induction will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Fonti
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Freer
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge, 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Islam MM, Khanom H, Farag E, Mim ZT, Naidoo P, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL, Tibbo M, Islam A, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Hassan MM. Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. One Health 2023; 16:100561. [PMID: 37200564 PMCID: PMC10166617 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is one of the human coronaviruses that causes severe respiratory infection. Bats are considered to be the natural reservoir, where dromedary camels (DC) are the intermediate hosts of the virus. The current study was undertaken to provide an update on global distribution of the virus in camels, and to investigate the pooled prevalence and camel-associated risk factors of infection. After registration of the review protocol in the Open Science Framework, data searches were conducted on 18 April 2023 through Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Considering only natural MERS-CoV infection in camels, 94 articles were selected for data curation through blind screening by two authors. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and to evaluate camel-associated risk factors. Finally, the results were presented in forest plots. The reviewed articles tested 34 countries, of which camels of 24 countries were seropositive and in 15 countries they were positive by molecular method. Viral RNA was detected in DC. Non-DC, such as bactrian camels, alpaca, llama, and hybrid camels were only seropositive. The global estimated pooled seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence in DC were 77.53% and 23.63%, respectively, with the highest prevalence in West Asia (86.04% and 32.37% respectively). In addition, 41.08% of non-DC were seropositive. The estimated pooled prevalence of MERS-CoV RNA significantly varied by sample types with the highest in oral (45.01%) and lowest in rectal (8.42%) samples; the estimated pooled prevalence in nasal (23.10%) and milk (21.21%) samples were comparable. The estimated pooled seroprevalence in <2 years, 2-5 years, and > 5 years age groups were 56.32%, 75.31%, and 86.31%, respectively, while viral RNA prevalence was 33.40%, 15.87%, and 13.74%, respectively. Seroprevalence and viral RNA prevalence were generally higher in females (75.28% and 19.70%, respectively) than in males (69.53% and 18.99%, respectively). Local camels had lower estimated pooled seroprevalence (63.34%) and viral RNA prevalence (17.78%) than those of imported camels (89.17% and 29.41%, respectively). The estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in camels of free-herds (71.70%) than confined herds (47.77%). Furthermore, estimated pooled seroprevalence was higher in samples from livestock markets, followed by abattoirs, quarantine, and farms but viral RNA prevalence was the highest in samples from abattoirs, followed by livestock markets, quarantine, and farms. Risk factors, such as sample type, young age, female sex, imported camels, and camel management must be considered to control and prevent the spread and emergence of MERS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamida Khanom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | | | - Zarin Tasnim Mim
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Pragalathan Naidoo
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Zilungile Lynette Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Discipline of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Division of Research Capacity Development, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Markos Tibbo
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhaes
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
- Children Health and Environment Program, UQ Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, QLD 4343, Australia
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Al-Eitan L, Alnemri M, Alkhawaldeh M, Mihyar A. Rodent-borne viruses in the region of Middle East. Rev Med Virol 2023:e2440. [PMID: 36924105 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Rodents are one of the most abundant mammal species in the world. They form more than two-fifth of all mammal species and there are approximately 4600 existing rodent species. Rodents are capable of transmitting deadly diseases, especially those that are caused by viruses. Viruses and their consequences have plagued the world for the last two centuries, three pandemics occurred during the last century only. The Middle East is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia, along with the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, its geographic importance is gained through the diversity of topographies, biosphere, as well as climate aspects that make the region vulnerable to host emerging diseases. Refugee crises also play a major role in expected epidemic outbreaks in the region. Public health has always been the most important priority, and our aim in this review is to raise awareness among public health organisations across the Middle East about the dangers of rodent borne diseases that have been reported or are suspected to be found in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Al-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Malek Alnemri
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mishael Alkhawaldeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Mihyar
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Islam MM, Farag E, Hassan MM, Jaffrey SS, Atta M, Al-Marri AM, Al-Zeyara AM, Al Romaihi H, Bansal D, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL. Rodent-borne zoonoses in Qatar: A possible One-Health framework for the intervention of future epidemic. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
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Islam MM, Farag E, Eltom K, Hassan MM, Bansal D, Schaffner F, Medlock JM, Al-Romaihi H, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z. Rodent Ectoparasites in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020139. [PMID: 33572506 PMCID: PMC7911898 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents carry many ectoparasites, such as ticks, lice, fleas, and mites, which have potential public health importance. Middle Eastern countries are hotspots for many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as plague, leishmaniasis, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Q fever, due to their ecological, socioeconomic, and political diversity. Rodent ectoparasites can act as vectors for many of these pathogens. Knowledge of rodent ectoparasites is of prime importance in controlling rodent ectoparasite-borne zoonotic diseases in this region. The current systematic review and meta-analysis performs a comprehensive synthesis of the available knowledge, providing an evidence-based overview of the ectoparasites detected on rodents in Middle Eastern countries. Following a systematic search in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science, a total of 113 published articles on rodent ectoparasites were studied and analyzed. A total of 87 rodent species were documented, from which Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus were found to be the most common. Fleas were the most reported ectoparasites (87 articles), followed by mites (53), ticks (44), and lice (25). Xenopsylla cheopis, Polyplax spinulosa, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Hyalomma rhipicephaloides were the most commonly described fleas, lice, mites, and ticks, respectively. Based on the reviewed articles, the median flea, louse, mite, and tick indices were highest in Israel (4.15), Egypt (1.39), Egypt (1.27), and Saudi Arabia (1.17), respectively. Quantitative meta-analysis, using a random-effects model, determined the overall pooled flea prevalence in the Middle East as 40% (95% CI: 25–55, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging between 13% (95% CI: 0–30, I2 = 95%, p < 0.00001) in Iran and 59% (95% CI: 42–77, I2 = 75%, p < 0.00001) in Israel. The overall pooled louse prevalence was found to be 30% (95% CI: 13–47, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging between 25% in Iran (95% CI: 1–50, I2 = 99%) and 38% in Egypt (95% CI: 7–68, I2 = 100%). In the case of mites, the pooled prevalence in this region was 33% (95% CI: 11–55, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), where the country-specific prevalence estimates were 30% in Iran (95% CI: 4–56, I2 = 99%) and 32% in Egypt (95% CI: 0–76, I2 = 100%). For ticks, the overall prevalence was found to be 25% (95% CI: 2–47, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging from 16% in Iran (95% CI: 7–25, I2 = 74%) to 42% in Egypt (95% CI: 1–85, I2 = 100%). The control of rodent ectoparasites should be considered to reduce their adverse effects. Using the One Health strategy, rodent control, and precisely control of the most common rodent species, i.e., Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus, should be considered to control the rodent-borne ectoparasites in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mazharul Islam
- Department of Animal Resources, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Doha, P.O. Box 35081, Qatar
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-44265164 (M.M.I.); +974-44070396 (E.F.)
| | - Elmoubashar Farag
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha, P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.I.); (E.F.); Tel.: +974-44265164 (M.M.I.); +974-44070396 (E.F.)
| | - Khalid Eltom
- Department of Virology, The Central Laboratory, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartoum, Khartoum 7099, Sudan;
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Devendra Bansal
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha, P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
| | | | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Public Health England, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK;
| | - Hamad Al-Romaihi
- Ministry of Public Health, Doha, P.O. Box 42, Qatar; (D.B.); (H.A.-R.)
| | - Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 40000, South Africa;
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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