Abstract
Simple SummaryLand-use changes are one of the most important drivers of zoonotic disease risk in humans, including helminths of wildlife origin. In this paper, we investigated the presence and prevalence of intestinal helminths in wild rodents, comparing this parasitism between a native forest and exotic Monterey pine plantations (adult and young plantations) in central Chile. By analyzing 1091 fecal samples of a variety of rodent species sampled over two years, we recorded several helminth families and genera, some of them potentially zoonotic. We did not find differences in the prevalence of helminths between habitat types, but other factors (rodent species and season of the year) were relevant to explain changes in helminth prevalence. Given that Monterey pine plantations are one of the most important forestry plantations worldwide, and due to the detection of potentially zoonotic helminths, more research should be conducted in this study area and elsewhere in order to better understand the effect of pine plantations on parasites and pathogens in rodents and other wildlife hosts.Native forests have been replaced by forestry plantations worldwide, impacting biodiversity. However, the effect of this anthropogenic land-use change on parasitism is poorly understood. One of the most important land-use change in Chile is the replacement of native forests by Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) plantations. In this study, we analyzed the parasitism (presence and prevalence) of intestinal helminths from fecal samples of wild rodents in three habitat types: native forests and adult and young pine plantations in central Chile. Small mammals were sampled seasonally for two years, and a total of 1091 fecal samples from seven small mammal species were analyzed using coprological analysis. We found several helminth families and genera, some of them potentially zoonotic. In addition, new rodent–parasite associations were reported for the first time. The overall helminth prevalence was 16.95%, and an effect of habitat type on prevalence was not observed. Other factors were more relevant for prevalence such rodent species for Hymenolepis sp. and season for Physaloptera sp. Our findings indicate that pine plantations do not increase helminth prevalence in rodents compared to native forests.
Highlights
IntroductionLand-use change can modify abiotic conditions, which, in turn, may influence the transmission and life cycle of parasites such as helminths, which have several life stages with close contact with the environment [3]
The following host–parasite associations are registered for the first time: P. darwini–Physaloptera sp., A. longipilis–Moniliformis sp., A. longipilis–Physaloptera sp., A. longipilis–Capillaria sp. and O. longicaudatus–Capillaria sp
Further studies are needed to identify the helminth species present in the study area which should focus on identification of adult helminths [30] and/or species identification through molecular tools, which has been scarcely used for helminth egg identification from fecal samples of rodents [39]
Summary
Land-use change can modify abiotic conditions, which, in turn, may influence the transmission and life cycle of parasites such as helminths, which have several life stages with close contact with the environment [3]. Rodents are one of the most important reservoir hosts of zoonotic pathogens [4], and reservoir species are commonly found in high abundance in anthropogenic-modified habitats (e.g., agricultural lands, pasture lands) [5]. The study of the effect of anthropogenic land-use change on gastrointestinal helminths in rodents is needed to better understand host–parasite interactions in wildlife with public health implications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
