Socio-environmental factors associated with small mammal assemblage and Leptospira prevalence in Suburban Areas of Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: To examine the socio-environmental factors associated with the assemblage of small mammals and the prevalence of Leptospira pathogen in poor suburban communities of Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods: We trapped small mammals from 119 trapping points scattered around three suburban communities of Terengganu using sausage-baited live traps. On the average, we set up five traps for three nights at each sampling point during the trapping period. Kidneys of captured animals were harvested and processed for Leptospira investigation. Additionally, environmental survey was conducted at each trapping point to obtain information about possible variables supporting small mammal assemblage. We used a generalized linear model to evaluate the effect of different socio-environmental variables on small mammals’ assemblage. Results: A total of 89 small mammals, specifically, Rattus norvegicus (n=39), Rattus rattus (n=27), Rattus exulans (n=10), Suncus murinus (n=11), and Tupaia glis (n=2) were captured from 1 385 trap nights. Fourteen individuals (15.7%) of the captured animals tested positive for Leptospira bacteria using PCR detection. Results of our generalized linear model showed only residences bordering vacant lots as the variable positively associated with small mammal occurrence in the three study sites. Conclusions: Small mammal community, especially the often neglected species, could harbour and potentially contribute towards pathogenic Leptospira maintenance in the study sites. To adequately control small mammals’ population and subsequent human zoonoses transmission, it is critical to advocate and promote appropriate infrastructure and suburban services, together with good hygiene practices that can reduce the animals’ access to food and harborage.