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Helminth Collection and Identification from Wildlife
Published on: December 14, 2013
Mesostigmatid mites associated with the house shrew, Suncus murinus, in Rangoon, Burma
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|December 1, 1980
Summary
The Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) is a significant part of Rangoon's small mammal population, carrying a heavy load of mesostigmatid mites. Urban shrews show higher infestations of certain mite species like L. myonyssognathus and Cheyletus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Mammalogy
- Parasitology
Background:
- Suncus murinus (Asian house shrew) represents a substantial portion of the small mammal community in Rangoon.
- Mesostigmatid mite infestations on S. murinus are comparable in load to those found on murine rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the species composition and distribution of mesostigmatid mites infesting Suncus murinus in urban and rural environments near Rangoon.
- To identify specific mite species with a preference for urban versus rural S. murinus populations.
Main Methods:
- Field collection of Suncus murinus specimens from urban and rural areas.
- Microscopic examination and identification of parasitic mites from shrew hosts.
- Comparison of mite infestation loads and species prevalence between urban and rural shrew populations.
Main Results:
- Four species of laelapid mites were identified on Suncus murinus.
- Laelaps myonyssognathus was found to be a predominant mite species on urban shrews.
- Free-living Androlaelaps/Hypoaspis species were more prevalent on rural shrews, while Cheyletus species were more abundant on urban shrews.
Conclusions:
- Suncus murinus serves as a significant host for various mesostigmatid mites in the Rangoon region.
- Distinct patterns of mite infestation exist between urban and rural populations of S. murinus, indicating host-environment interactions.
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