Epidemiological Distribution of Rodents as Potent Reservoirs for Infectious Diseases in the Provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan, Northern Iran.

Behzad Esfandiari,Jamshid Darvish,Ehsan Mostafavi,Mohammad Mehdi Gouya,Mohammad Reza Pourshafie,Hamed Hanifi,Pejvak Khaki,Hossein Nahrevanian

doi:10.4081/idr.2017.6900

Abstract

Rodents are mammals that comprise more than 2000 species and approximately 30 families. There are many morphological and ecological differences among them as variations in their shape, size, weight and habitat. In addition to significant economic losses, rodents have a major role in the dissemination of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or other micro-organisms. Rodents are important reservoirs of diseases which have been observed in many cities of Iran provinces especially along Caspian Sea border to Alborz Mountain. The aim of this study is to assess the geographical distribution of rodents in three provinces of northern part of Iran as reservoir of potential endemic infectious diseases. Rodents in 10 major parts of each of the three provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan, northern Iran were collected and a total of 404 rodents were trapped alive. They were determined by the key characteristics such as gender, genus, species, different locations and topological situation. Statistical analysis was performed to characterize the study sample and to correlate all variables and parameters. The distribution frequencies of three, five and six genera of rodents were identified in Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan provinces respectively. The overall distribution frequency of eight genera of rodents in the three provinces were identified as Rattus (R.) norvegicus (67.3%), R. rattus (13.6%), Apodemus sylvaticus (13.9%), Arvicola (1%), Mus musculus (0.3%), Nesokia indica (2.5%), Cricetulus migrates (0.7%) and Rhombomys opimus (0.7%). The results of this study determined the geographic distribution of the rodents in the three northern provinces of Iran. It is indicated the association of various distribution and diversity of rodents with provincial location. The overall distribution frequency of eight genera of rodents was recognized in the above three provinces geographical locations. This study confirms epidemiological distribution of various rodents as potent reservoirs for infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, tularemia, leishmaniasis, etc. in the three provinces.

Highlights

Rodents are mammals of the order Rodentia
Rodents can do dam- use rodents and humans as hosts e.g. fleas frequencies of three, five and six genera of age to products in a wide range, before and and ticks.[9,10] rodents were identified in Mazandaran, Gilan after harvest
The distribution frequency of three genera of rodents identified in Mazandaran pyctoris (Himalayan rat, Hodgson, 1845)

Summary

Introduction

Rodents are mammals of the order Rodentia. Order of rodents comprises more than 2000 species and approximately 30 families.[1]. Esfandiari et al, 2017 Licensee PAGEPress, Italy Infectious Disease Reports 2017; 9:6900 doi:10.4081/idr.2017.6900 estimated that each year, approximately 20 border to Alborz Mountain The aim of this roots, stems, bark, leaves, fruits and seeds of percent of the world’s food supply is constudy is to assess the geographical distribu- plants, insects and small creatures, and even sumed or damaged by rodents.[5,6] According tion of rodents in three provinces of northern rodent droppings and other animals. They to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results

Mazandaran Gilan

There are several reports indicating the

Natural infection of synathropic rodent