Flea ectoparasites of commensal rodents in Shebin El Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Rodents population are widely distributed in some Egyptian Governorates, particularly those in the Nile Delta. Generally speaking, rodents particularly those living in close association with man, play a major role in human health, welfare and economy. Besides, their arthropod ectoparasites are important vectors of pathogenic agents as well as they themselves are causative agents of many allergic disorders. No doubt, the increase in rodent population is followed by an increase in many zoonotic diseases. In Shebin El Kom city, the capital of Menoufia Governorate three commensal rodents were identified. They were Mus musculus (house mouse), Rattus rattus (black rat) and Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat). The maximal rat index was in Autumn (0.69) and minimal was in Winter (0.2). Five species of fleas were collected from the rodents. They were Xenopsylla cheopis (57.7%), Xenopsylla ramesis. (12.7%), Pulex irritans (12.7%), Leptopsylla segnis (11.3%) and Ctenocephalides felis (5.6%). The maximal flea index was in Spring (1.02) and the minimal was in Winter (zero) The highly infested rodent species was R. rattus (0.65/rat), R. norvegicus (0.62/rat) and the lowest was M. musculus (0.45/mouse). The overall flea index was 0.59. The role of fleas in disease transmission was included. No doubt, to carry out feasible control measures against rodents and their ectoparasites complete understanding of their bionomics must be well studied.