Infected Rodents Research Articles

Lassa fever in Nigeria: epidemiology and risk perception.

Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever have resulted in a public health threat in Nigeria and other endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the Lassa Virus (LASV) is endemic in rodent populations, zoonotic spillover to humans causes annual outbreaks. This study reviewed the burden of Lassa fever (LF) in Nigeria between 2020 and 2023 and conducted a cross-sectional survey of Nigerians to evaluate their risk perceptions of LF. During the period under review, 28,780 suspected and 4,036 confirmed cases of LF were reported from 34 of the 37 states of Nigeria. These cases resulted in 762 deaths (a CFR of 18.9%). The overall case positivity rate was 14% (4,036/28,780), with more positive cases in 2020 (17.5%, n = 1,189/6,791). A total of 2,150 study participants were enrolled in the prospective cross-sectional study, with most of them (87.5%, n = 1,881/2,150) having previously heard of Lassa fever (LF). The numerical scoring system revealed that 35.43% (n = 762/1,881) of those aware of LF have poor knowledge of its preventive measures, route of transmission, and control measures. Approximately 6.84% (n = 147/2,150) of them were at a high risk of contracting LF, with 27.6% (n = 584/2,150) of study participants feeling concerned about contracting LF because of the presence of rodents in their immediate vicinity, occupational exposure to healthcare workers, and the probability of contamination of food by infected rodents without necessary food safety measures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that tertiary education was associated with an increased likelihood of better LF knowledge (OR: 17.32; 95% CI: 10.62, 28.26; p < 0.01) and a lower risk of contracting LF when compared to respondents with no formal education. In addition, study participants who reside in low-burden states have lower LF perception than those residents in high-LF-burden states (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38-0.91; p = 0.049). On the other hand, study participants with poor risk perception (knowledge) of LF had a higher likelihood (RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.53; p < 0.01) of contracting LF when compared to those with good knowledge of LF. Similarly, those residents in low LF burden states were less likely (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05,0.17; p < 0.01) to contract LF when compared to those residents in high burden states. There is a need to improve LF diagnostics capacity, infection prevention and control measures, and implementation of the One Health approach to controlling LASV from animal reservoirs. In addition, public enlightenment campaigns to address fundamental knowledge gaps are crucial to mitigating the ongoing and future impact of LF in Nigeria.

Occurrence of multiple infections of rodents with parasites and bacteria in the Sibang Arboretum, Libreville, Gabon

Background and Aim: Rodents are carriers or reservoirs of various bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and ectoparasites. Given the proximity of various rodent species and humans, there is a potential for the transmission of pathogens. Data on ecto- and endo-parasite prevalence in rodent populations in Gabon are limited. To fill this gap, we conducted a study in Libreville to investigate the occurrence of ecto- and endo-parasites in rodents. Materials and Methods: We captured and euthanized 68 rodents belonging to the genus Praomys and examined their ecto- and endo-parasite fauna, dissected their gastrointestinal tract for helminths, and prepared blood smears to examine blood-borne pathogens. Results: Our analyses identified three pathogen taxa: helminths (Protospirura spp., Trichuris spp., and Taenia spp.), protozoa (Babesia spp.), bacteria (Anaplasma spp.), and arthropods (Laelaps and Haemaphysalis). Overall, 91.2% of the rodents were infected with at least one pathogen and ectoparasite, with helminth and ectoparasite occurrence rate of 63.2% and ectoparasite occurrence at 44.1%. Protozoan infections (Babesia spp.) were found in 10.3% of the rodents, whereas bacteria (Anaplasma spp.) had an occurrence rate of 39.7%. Conclusion: Native rodents in Libreville harbor various infectious agents, ecto- and endo-parasites. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with Praomys rodents for the transmission of various diseases to human population in Gabon and emphasize the need for investigation of rodents for their role as disease carriers. Keywords: Anaplasma, Babesia, Gabon, Haemaphysalis, Helminths, Laelaps, Praomys.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Rodents, Shrews and Cats in Unguja Island, Zanzibar

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Rodents, Shrews and Cats in Unguja Island, Zanzibar

From host individual traits to community structure and composition: Bartonella infection insights

BackgroundPhylogeny, combined with trait-based measures, offers insights into parasite sharing among hosts. However, the specific traits that mediate transmission and the aspects of host community diversity that most effectively explain parasite infection rates remain unclear, even for the Bartonella genus, a vector-borne bacteria that causes persistent blood infections in vertebrates.MethodsThis study investigated the association between rodent host traits and Bartonella infection, as well as how rodent community diversity affects the odds of infection in the Atlantic Forest, using generalized linear models. Additionally, we assessed how host traits and phylogenetic similarities influence Bartonella infection among mammal species in Brazil. To this end, rodents were sampled from ten municipalities in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Then, we calculated several diversity indices for each community, including Rényi’s diversity profiles, Fisher’s alpha, Rao’s quadratic entropy (RaoQ), Functional Diversity (FDis), Functional Richness (FRic), and Functional Evenness (FEve). Finally, we compiled a network encompassing all known interactions between mammal species and Bartonella lineages recorded in Brazil.ResultsWe found no significant relationship between diversity indices and the odds of Bartonella infection in rodent communities. Furthermore, there was no statistical support for the influence of individual-level traits (e.g., body length, sex, and age) or species-level ecological traits (e.g., locomotor habitat, dietary guild, and activity period) on Bartonella infection in rodents. A country-scale analysis, considering all mammal species, revealed no effect of host traits or phylogeny on Bartonella infection.ConclusionsThis study highlighted wild mammals that share Bartonella lineages with livestock, synanthropic, and domestic animals, underscoring the complexity of their maintenance cycle within the One Health framework. A key question arising from our findings is whether molecular host–cell interactions outweigh host body mass and ecological traits in influencing Bartonella infection, potentially opening new avenues for understanding host–parasite relationships and infection ecology.Graphical

Toxoplasma gondii infection affects the complete blood count and disturbs the markers of oxidative stress from the vital organs of wild rodents

Rodents are the synanthropic mammals that are existing in close proximity to humans and their belongings and have the potential to act as the reservoir for a variety of parasites having zoonotic potential. Present study was designed to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood samples of four wild rodent species [Rattus rattus (N = 122), Mus musculus (N = 64), Rattus norvegicus (N = 57) and Dryomys nitedula (N = 1)] that were trapped during May 2022 till July 2023 from three districts in Punjab (Jampur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan) and three districts (Upper Dir, Mardan and Bunar) in Pakistan. Results revealed that 44/244 (18%) rodents amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii through PCR. Parasite prevalence varied between the rodent species. Highest rate of infection was found in Rattus norvegicus followed by Rattus rattus and Mus musculus. For both rat species, Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly varies between the sampling districts. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodent blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with the isolates that were reported from worldwide countries. Complete blood count analysis revealed that parasite infected rodents had disturbed lymphocyte, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume (and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Markers of oxidative stress analysis revealed that infected rodent had elevated malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney while disturb catalase concentrations in kidney and heart as compared to uninfected animals. In conclusion, we are reporting a relatively high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pakistani rodents. Infection leads to disturbed complete blood count and markers of oxidative stress in the vital organs. We recommend large scale studies in various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the incidence and prevalence of this pathogen among the rodents in order to prevent their infections in local people as well as in livestock.

Epidemiology and genetic diversity of bocavirus in wild rodents in urban areas of Guangzhou, Southern China

Members of the genus Bocaparvovirus have a significant impact on human health and can infect a wide range of hosts, increasing the likelihood of crossing species barriers. Among the various mammalian hosts, rodents are widely recognized as important reservoirs for emerging and zoonotic viruses. However, despite recent reports of bocavirus infections in rodents, our current understanding of rat bocavirus (RBoV) genetic diversity and evolution is limited. In this study, rodent samples were collected from the urban areas of Guangzhou city, Southern China, to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of RBoV. Through PCR-based screening of 296 rodent spleens, 54 samples were determined to be positive for RBoV infection, and 12 nearly complete genome sequences of RBoV were recovered. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct lineages and sub-lineages of RBoV, and six recombination events with strong statistical support were identified, with five of these events involving sequences obtained from this study. These results highlight the genetic diversity of RBoV circulating in rodents in Guangzhou city and emphasize the importance of extensive surveillance to gain a better understanding of RBoV epidemiology, evolutionary characteristics, and potential for cross-species transmission.

Toxoplasma gondii in rodents and shrews in Armenia, Transcaucasia

Toxoplasma gondii infections in small mammals are important because they serve as source of infection for the felids who excrete environmentally resistant oocysts in their feces. Here, the authors sought evidence for T. gondii infection in shrews and rodents in Armenia for the first time. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in tissues of trapped animals using a specific PCR targeting gene with a non-coding fragment length of 529 bp. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 15 out of 137 (10.9%) samples from small mammals from 6 different localities of Armenia for the first time.

Rodent Ecology and Etiological Investigation in China: Results from Vector Biology Surveillance - Shandong Province, China, 2012-2022.

Rodents are hosts of a wide range of zoonotic disease pathogens which threaten human health. However, comprehensive investigations of rodent ecology and etiology in Shandong are lacking. Thus, we aimed to analyze rodent ecology and infection with relevant pathogens in Shandong Province, China. Rodent survey data collected from 2012 to 2022 in Shandong Province were used in this study. Rodents captured from 2020 to 2022 were identified to species and tested for pathogens. From 2012 to 2022, 4,145 rodents were captured, with an average capture rate of 0.70%. High capture rates were observed in rural residential areas and other habitats, such as farmland and forestland. Rattus norvegicus (R. norvegicus) was the dominant species, followed by Mus musculus (M. musculus). The regions with the highest capture rates of R. norvegicus were Dongying (0.82%) and Heze (0.63%), while M. musculus was more prevalent in Dongying (0.81%) and Weihai (0.56%). Rodent capture rates were highest between March and September. The positive detection rates of Hantavirus (HV), Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans), Rickettsia typhi (R. typhi), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), and Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) in rodents were 2.58%, 1.10%, 0.94%, 0.16%, and 0.19%, respectively. The rodent capture rate in human habitation environments has trended downward in Shandong Province, with R. norvegicus and M. musculus being the dominant species. Rodent infection risk from HV, L. interrogans, and R. typhi showed seasonal variation. Strengthening rodent surveillance and maintaining a low capture rate of host animals could be pivotal for preventing and controlling relevant rodent-borne diseases in high-risk areas.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Outbreak Anticipation by a Rapid Synchronous Increase in Rodent Abundance in the Northwestern Argentina Endemic Region: Towards an Early Warning System for Disease Based on Climate and Rodent Surveillance Data.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an American emerging disease caused by the rodent-borne virus genus Orthohantavirus (Family: Hantaviridae: Order: Elliovirales Class: Bunyaviricetes). In Argentina, almost half of the HPS infections occur in the northwestern endemic region. In this study, we monitored rodent abundance during 2022 and 2023 in three sites with different sampling methods (removal trapping, live trapping and hunted rodents by domestic cats) to evaluate their relationship with human infections. We found a similar pattern of variation in rodent abundance across time, and particularly a synchronous rise of rodent abundance that anticipated an HPS outbreak in 2023. Our dynamic regression models revealed a positive relationship between HPS cases and rodent abundance with a three-month lag, as well as rainfall with an eight-month lag. Our results provide a framework for the planning and implementation of public health prevention campaigns based on climatology and rodent monitoring. Domestic cats bringing rodents into houses can be an overlooked risk factor, particularly if viral shedding of infected rodents is magnified by stress. HPS is a disease of public health concern due to its high mortality rate, the lack of a specific therapeutic treatment and no vaccine. Thus, prevention of infections is of the utmost importance.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Yunnan Semi-fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries) and wild Rodents in Yunnan, China.

Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed zoonotic obligate intracellular parasite, infects a wide array of mammals, including humans, sheep, and birds. As a unique sheep breed in southwestern China, Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep occupies an important position in animal husbandry in Zhaotong due to its strong adaptability, high reproductive rate, and excellent wool quality. Lambs infected with T. gondii are prone to neurological symptoms and growth retardation, while T. gondii infection in ewes can cause abortions, stillbirths, and deformities, thus affecting sheep reproduction and sheep product quality. Meanwhile, mutton and dairy products contaminated with T. gondii can become potential sources of human infection, potentially threatening public health and safety. To understand the T. gondii infection in semi-fine wool sheep in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, 586 blood samples were collected and subjected to indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) for T. gondii antibodies, and the infection-related factors were analyzed through cross-sectional analysis. In the meantime, nested PCR was conducted on a total of 217 samples collected from 31 rodents caught in and around the sheep breeding ground to test the T. gondii B1 gene in rodent tissues. A total of 94 sera tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, with a total positive rate of 16.04% (94/586) (95% CI: 14.77-20.89). Cross-sectional statistical analysis on factors related to semi-fine wool sheep infection rate, including sampling season, sex, age, and weight, suggested that age (< 6 months: 23.81%; 6-12 months: 11.74%; > 12 months: 15.83%) was a significant factor explaining the infection rate differences (P = 0.003 < 0.05, χ2 = 11.62, df = 2). Thus, age was considered a key risk factor for T. gondii infection in this study (odds ratio, OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.42-3.87). Nested PCR analysis on 217 (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, and muscle) tissues from the 31 rodents indicated that 11 tested positive. The total infection rate of rodents in and around the breeding ground was 35.48% (11/31), and 14 samples tested positive, with a positive infection rate of 6.45% (14/217). The T. gondii infection rates of semi-fine wool sheep and rodents from their breeding environment in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, were high, necessitating enhanced prevention, control, and treatment measures to ensure the healthy breeding of semi-fine wool sheep and veterinary public health and safety.

Leptospira infection of rodents captured at the slaughterhouses and their risk to public health in Unguja island, Tanzania

Background: Leptospira infection is an invasion of animal or human body with the pathogenic spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira resulting to a disease called leptospirosis. This study aimed to investigate Leptospira infection and the carrier status of rodents caught near slaughterhouses at Unguja Island, Tanzania. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022 at Unguja Island to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in rodents captured in and around the slaughterhouse’s compounds. A total of 302 sera samples from four slaughterhouses were tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 5 Leptospira serovars: Pomona, Lora, Hebdomadis, Grippotyphosa and Sokoine; and were considered positive at MAT titer ≥1:20. Chi-square test and the Fisher exact test were used to assess the statistical association between variables at a p value of &lt; 0.05. Results: The overall seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in rodents was 10.6% (32/302). Individual rodent species had seroprevalence of 8.5% for Mus musculus, 0.0% for Mastomys natalensis, 20.8% for Rattus norvegicus, 9.3% for Rattus rattus and Cricetomys gambianus at 12.5%. However, the apparent seroprevalence in the individual slaughter facilities was 15.0% (15/100) Kinyasini, 10.4% (5/48) Mfenesini, 9.3% (5/54) Kisakasaka, and 7.0% (7/100) Muwanda. Conclusion: With over ten percent of rodents testing positive for Leptospira infection, it is crucial to implement rodent control measures to prevent the spread of the disease to those working in or around the slaughterhouses in Unguja Island.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in synanthropic rats from Guayaquil city (Ecuador) during COVID-19 pandemic: A proxy to prevent wild reservoirs in the tropics

Human-to-animal reverse transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is a risk for new reservoirs' emergence and new variants' evolution. SARS-CoV-2 infection of synanthropic rodents in urban settings has been reported during COVID-19 in New York and Mexico cities. In this study, we addressed the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to synanthropic rats in the city of Guayaquil (Ecuador) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total number of 234 rats were collected and analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-qPCR. A positivity rate of 6 % (14 rats) was found, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the viral genome. Our results confirm the potential risk of synanthropic rats as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is worrisome for low and middle income countries like Ecuador, where pest and waste control in urban settings is challenging. Moreover, the risk of spillover to wild fauna is a concern in Guayaquil, where synanthropic fauna includes raccoons or coatis and forest patches with a wild population of felids or primates existing within the city limits. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 sentinel surveillance of synanthropic rodents could serve as a proxy for a One Health approach to prevent the emergence of new wild reservoirs.

Evaluation of Rat Density and the Associated Factors in Leptospirosis Endemic Areas: The First Report on the Use of BI-Index

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a health problem in tropical countries where rats serve as the reservoir of Leptospira contamination. Previous investigations implementing the Bi-index to assess rat density in Leptospirosis endemic areas are highly limited. This study aimed to use the Bi-index in monitoring rat density and the associated factors in urban Leptospirosis endemic areas. Methods: Four endemic areas in Semarang City were selected as the study sites based on Leptospirosis data in Puskesmas Gayamsari. Live traps were positioned in one case house and 39-49 neighboring houses in a 100m radius, on three consecutive days. Trapped rats were collected for species identification, morphometrics evaluation, and calculation of Bi-index and rat indices, while environmental parameters were obtained through observation. Results and Discussion: 67.1% of participants were women, private employees, and aged 17-55, while trap success ranged from 2.5-26.5% with the Bi, diversity, dominance, and evenness indices of 0.02-0.32, 0.94-1.09, 0.36-0.44, and 0.79-0.96, respectively. Trapped species included Rattus norvegicus, Rattus tanezumi, and Mus musculus with proportions of 61.3%, 34.1%, and 4.7%, respectively. The presence of rats was associated with closeness to the river containing stagnant water, frequent flooding, water entering houses during floods, open trash bins, and rubbish bins around the houses. The high rat density, dominant species, and correlated environmental conditions are strategic targets in controlling Leptospirosis in Semarang City. Conclusion: The rat density (dominated by R. norvegicus) in Semarang City was correlated with water drainage and garbage management, hence further investigation was recommended to determine Leptospira bacterial infection in rodents.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of rodent-associated Bartonella in Hulunbuir border regions, China

Bartonella spp. are globally distributed gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of hosts. Rodents are natural reservoirs of many Bartonella species, some of which are also pathogenic to humans. The rapid development of transportation and tourism has highlighted the risk of Bartonella transmission to humans. Thus, it is essential to maintain surveillance of Bartonella spp. infections in rodents. In China, Bartonella spp. infections have been monitored in various areas; however, these have not included the Hulunbuir border regions. In the present study, we monitored the prevalence and genetics of rodent-associated Bartonella spp. in the Hulunbuir border regions. Eleven rodent species were captured at five ports. Eight species were confirmed as Bartonella-positive using quantitative PCR assay, with an overall positivity rate of 20.05 %. Lasiopodomys brandtii was the predominant rodent species captured for Bartonella detection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis (using the maximum likelihood method) revealed the presence of three Bartonella species in these rodents, including two pathogenic to humans, namely, Bartonella alsatica and Bartonella grahamii. B. grahamii was the predominant Bartonella species identified in the rodents. Taken together, these results highlight the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in rodents in the Hulunbuir border regions, indicating the need for risk assessment of human spillover.

Prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in wild rodents from three provinces in China.

Blastocystis is one of the most critical intestinal protozoans in various hosts, including humans and mice. To determine the status of Blastocystis infection in wild rodents in China. A total of 344 faecal samples were collected from seven wild rodent species from three provinces, and the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes of Blastocystis were amplified to determine their prevalence and subtypes. Of the 344 samples, 54 (15.70%) were detected as Blastocystis-positive. The prevalence of Blastocystis was 26.14% (40/153), 7.95% (7/88), and 6.80% (7/103) in wild rodents from Hunan Province, Yunnan Province, and Guangxi Province, respectively. The prevalence of Blastocystis in different wild rodent species varied from 0.00% (0/13) in Mus musculus to 40.00% (2/5) in Rattus rattus sladeni. The prevalence of Blastocystis in samples from the lake beach area (27.40%, 40/146) was significantly higher than in those from the mountain (6.80%, 7/103) and field regions (7.37%, 7/95). The prevalence in different seasons was 26.14% in summer (40/153), 7.95% in autumn (7/88), and 6.80% in winter (7/103). Moreover, a total of two Blastocystis subtypes were identified in the investigated wild rodents, including ST4 and ST5. The present study discovered the existence of Blastocystis infection in Rattus favipectus, Microtus fortis, Apodemus agrarius, Bandicota indica, Rattus rattus sladeni, and Rattus losea, expanding the host range of this parasite. The findings also demonstrate that wild rodents may be an important potential infection source for Blastocystis infection in humans and other animals.

Molecular surveillance of zoonotic pathogens from wild rodents in the Republic of Korea.

Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce. We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in rodents and chickens in Franceville, Gabon.

Cryptosporidium spp. members of the phylum Apicomplexa are obligate protozoan parasites capable of infecting various vertebrate hosts, including rodents and chickens. Infection caused by these parasites may lead to zoonotic diseases in humans. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in rodents and domestic chickens sampled in Franceville, Gabon. Two hundred and eighty-five samples were collected, of which 185 samples were from rodents and 100 from domestic chickens. Microscopy after modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene were used to examine Cryptosporidium spp. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 55.8%, with a prevalence of 72.4% in rodents and 25.0% in domestic chickens. Molecular analysis showed that Cryptosporidium spp. were present in 4.0% of the samples. No significant correlation was observed between Cryptosporidium spp. carriage and sex or location in this study. These results indicate that Cryptosporidium spp. persist and circulate in the studied animal species in Franceville, Gabon. Infection with Cryptosporidium is very common in rodents and chickens in Franceville. The potential risk of human contamination cannot be ruled out. More research should be conducted to characterize Cryptosporidium species circulating in rodents and chickens in Gabon. Such studies are essential to better understand the epidemiology of this protozoan and its potential impact on public health.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthic infections in rodents of Iran: An emphasis on zoonotic aspects

Rodents are the largest group of mammals that adapt to different ecosystems and may act as the potential reservoirs of significant pathogens including gastrointestinal (GI) helminths. Rodent-borne parasitic pathogens have been and remain a great concern for animal and human health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is thus to clarify and better understand the pooled prevalence of GI helminthic infections and the associated risk factors in rodents in Iran. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran and Irandoc) were searched for relevant literature published up to March 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95 % confidence interval. Moreover, heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test and the I2-statistic. Out of the 5438 publications searched, 28 articles (30 datasets) were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the study. Thus, 3649 captured rodents belonging to 6 families, 20 genera, and 35 species were examined for GI helminths in Iran. Then, 54 helminth species were identified in the present research, including 33 nematodes, 16 cestodes, 4 trematods, and 1 acanthocephalan. The prevalence rate of GI parasitic infections was 56 % (95 % CI: 50–63 %). Hymenolepis diminuta, Syphacia obvelata and Rodentolepis nana were the most common helminthic infections (13 %, 9 %, and 8 %, respectively). Moreover, 11 potential zoonotic helminths were found. There was no significant difference in pooled prevalence between male and female rodents (P = 0.40). Considering geographical areas, northern and eastern provinces had the highest prevalence of GI helminthic infections among rodents. The prevalence of GI worms in Iranian rodents was as high as 56 % with 11 zoonotic helminths. Therefore, it is suggested to observe the health of the environment, destroy the biological nests of rodents, avoid half-finished constructions, repair and improve streams and sidewalks, organize and collect garbage, and carry out biological and chemical control to handle the population of rodents. Increasing the awareness of local people about the harmful effects of rodents and the ways of transmission and prevention of rodent-borne intestinal worms transmitted to humans should be prioritized in health decisions.

Great genetic diversity of vector-borne bacteria and protozoan in wild rodents from Guangxi, China.

Rodents are recognized as the hosts of many vector-borne bacteria and protozoan parasites and play an important role in their transmission and maintenance. Intensive studies have focused on their infections in vectors, especially in ticks, however, vector-borne bacterial and protozoan infections in rodents are poorly understood although human cases presenting with fever may due to their infection have been found. From May to October 2019, 192 wild rodents were trapped in wild environment of Guangxi Province, and the spleen samples were collected to reveal the presence of vector-borne bacterial and protozoan infections in them. The microorganisms in rodents were identified by detecting their DNA using (semi-)nested PCR. All the PCR products of the expected size were subjected to sequencing, and then analyzed by BLASTn. Furthermore, all the recovered sequences were subjected to nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analyses. As a result, 192 rodents representing seven species were captured, and Bandicota indica were the dominant species, followed by Rattus andamanensis. Based on the (semi-)nested PCR, our results suggested that Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis", "Candidatus E. hainanensis", "Candidatus E. zunyiensis", three uncultured Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella coopersplainsensis, Bartonella tribocorum, Bartonella rattimassiliensis, Bartonella silvatica, two uncultured Bartonella spp., Babesia microti and diverse Hepatozoon were identified in six rodent species. More importantly, six species (including two Anaplasma, two Bartonella, "Ca. N. mikurensis" and Bab. microti) are zoonotic pathogens except Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma ovis with zoonotic potential. Furthermore, dual infection was observed between different microorganisms, and the most common type of co-infection is between "Ca. N. mikurensis" and other microorganisms. Additionally, potential novel Bartonella species and Hepatozoon species demonstrated the presence of more diverse rodent-associated Bartonella and Hepatozoon. The results in this work indicated great genetic diversity of vector-borne infections in wild rodents, and highlighted the potential risk of human pathogens transmitted from rodents to humans through vectors.

A panel of recombinant Leishmania donovani cell surface and secreted proteins identifies LdBPK_323600.1 as a serological marker of symptomatic infection.

Visceral leishmaniasis is fatal if left untreated with patients often displaying mild and non-specific symptoms during the early stages of infection making accurate diagnosis important. Current methods for diagnosis require highly trained medical staff to perform highly invasive biopsies of the liver or bone marrow which pose risks to the patient. Less invasive molecular tests are available but can suffer from regional variations in their ability to accurately diagnose an infection. To identify new diagnostic markers of visceral leishmaniasis, we produced and tested a panel of 93 proteins identified from the genome of the parasite responsible for this disease. We found that the pattern of host antibody reactivity to these proteins was broadly consistent across naturally acquired infections in both human patients and dogs, as well as experimental rodent infections. We identified a new protein called LdBPK_323600.1 that could accurately diagnose visceral leishmaniasis infections in humans.