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A survey of helminth infection in rats (Rattus spp) from Chiang Mai Moat
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Abstract:
An investigation of helminths in the Norway (brown) rat, Rattus norvegicus, and roof rat, Rattus rattus, from Chiang Mai Moat during May to August 1995, was done. Thirty-three out of thirty-eight trapped rats were infected (86.84%); 16 R. norvegicus (100%) and 17/22 R. rattus (77.27%). The rat was infected with 10 helminth species: 4 trematodes, Centrocestus sp (2.63%), Echinostoma ilocanum (10.52%), Echinostoma malayanum (10.52%) and Quinqueseralis quinqueseralis (39.47%); 2 cestodes, Raillietina sp (36.64%) and Taenia sp (cysticercus) (7.89%); and 4 nematodes, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (42.10%). Nippostrongylus sp (34.21%), Rictularia sp (52.63%) and egg of Capillaria hepatica (7.89%). The helminths were found in the small intestine (84.21%), large intestine (42.10%), lung (36.64%), stomach (28.94%), heart (23.94%), and liver (15.78%). The female Norway rats were infected with 10 species of helminths and the males with 6 species. In the roof rat, 7 species of helminths were found in females and 6 species in males.
Insights
A study found high helminth infection rates in Norway rats and roof rats in Chiang Mai. Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Rictularia sp. were common nematode infections in these urban rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
Background:
- Rodents, particularly Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat) and Rattus rattus (roof rat), are significant reservoirs for various helminth parasites.
- Urban environments can facilitate the transmission of zoonotic diseases between wildlife and human populations.
- Understanding the helminth fauna in urban rat populations is crucial for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity and prevalence of helminth infections in Norway rats and roof rats.
- To identify specific helminth species and their distribution within infected rats.
- To assess the potential public health implications of helminthiasis in urban rat populations.
Main Methods:
- Rat trapping and sample collection from Chiang Mai Moat between May and August 1995.
- Necropsy and parasitological examination of collected Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus specimens.
- Identification and quantification of helminth species found in various organs.
Main Results:
- An overall infection rate of 86.84% was observed in 38 trapped rats, with 100% of Norway rats and 77.27% of roof rats infected.
- Ten helminth species were identified, including trematodes (Centrocestus sp., Echinostoma ilocanum, Echinostoma malayanum, Quinqueseralis quinqueseralis), cestodes (Raillietina sp., Taenia sp. cysticercus), and nematodes (Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Nippostrongylus sp., Rictularia sp., Capillaria hepatica eggs).
- The most prevalent helminths were Rictularia sp. (52.63%), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (42.10%), and Quinqueseralis quinqueseralis (39.47%). Infections were found in the small intestine, large intestine, lungs, stomach, heart, and liver.
Conclusions:
- Norway rats and roof rats in Chiang Mai harbor a diverse range of helminth infections, indicating significant parasite transmission in this urban ecosystem.
- The high prevalence of helminths, including zoonotic species like Angiostrongylus cantonensis, highlights potential risks to public health.
- Further research and public health interventions are recommended to mitigate the impact of helminthiasis in urban rat populations.