Synanthropic Rodents Research Articles

Detection of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in an Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) in Portugal

Virus monitoring in small mammals is central to the design of epidemiological control strategies for rodent-borne zoonotic viruses. Synanthropic small mammals are versatile and may be potential carriers of several microbial agents. In the present work, a total of 330 fecal samples of small mammals were collected at two sites in the North of Portugal and screened for zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV, species Paslahepevirus balayani). Synanthropic small mammal samples (n = 40) were collected in a city park of Porto and belonged to the species Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) (n = 26) and to the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) (n = 14). Furthermore, additional samples were collected in the Northeast region of Portugal and included Algerian mouse (n = 48), greater white-toothed shrew (n = 47), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) (n = 43), southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus) (n = 52), Cabrera’s vole (Microtus cabrerae) (n = 49) and Lusitanian pine vole (Microtus lusitanicus) (n = 51). A nested RT-PCR targeting a part of open reading frame (ORF) 2 region of the HEV genome was used followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. HEV RNA was detected in one fecal sample (0.3%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.01–1.68) from a synanthropic Algerian mouse that was genotyped as HEV-3, subgenotype 3e. This is the first study reporting the detection of HEV-3 in a synanthropic rodent, the Algerian mouse. The identified HEV isolate is probably the outcome of either a spill-over infection from domestic pigs or wild boars, or the result of passive viral transit through the intestinal tract. This finding reinforces the importance in the surveillance of novel potential hosts for HEV with a particular emphasis on synanthropic animals.

Rodents/Shrews and their Ectoparasites are not Associated with the Enzootic Maintenance and Transmission of Coxiella burnetii to Livestock and Humans in Puducherry, India

Objectives: “Q fever,” which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, is endemic in India. In addition to livestock, rodents have also been reported to be associated with enzootic maintenance, favoring pathogen transmission. Currently, however, no data are available on the role of rodents in “Q fever” transmission in India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 39 Puducherry villages to screen Coxiella burnetii in synanthropic rodents (rats and shrews) and their ectoparasites (ticks, mites, and fleas) by real-time and conventional PCR protocols targeting the pathogen specific IS 1111 and com 1 genes. Results: One hundred forty animals were trapped (107 shrews and 33 rats). The ticks, mites, and fleas infesting the rodents were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Leptotrombidium deliense and Schoengastiella spp., and Xenopsylla cheopis, respectively. PCR screening of the DNA extracted from the rodent/shrew blood samples and their ectoparasites tested negative for C. burnetii. Conclusions: Synanthropic rodents, such as rodents/shrews and their ectoparasites do not have a pivotal part in the enzootic maintenance and spread of Q fever to humans and livestock in Puducherry.

Co-occurrence of ectoparasites on wild rodents in Sipora Island, Mentawai, Indonesia with the zoonotic potential review

Abstract. Mairawita, Mursyid A, Dahelmi, Diniyati F, Lidia D, Putri N, Arifa MM, Jefrial, Maulana RM. 2023. Co-occurrence of ectoparasites on wild rodents in Sipora Island, Mentawai, Indonesia with the zoonotic potential review. Biodiversitas 24: 6369-6376. A complex interaction between human existence and synanthropic rodents can facilitate the spillover of zoonotic diseases. This research provides valuable data regarding Rodentia species distribution, ectoparasites, and the potential for zoonotic transmission. In linked habitats, rodents were collected systematically using 70 live traps over 3 days. A total of 54 Rodentia individuals were assessed, belonging to 7 species: Mus musculus, Rattus tanezumi, R. tiomanicus, R. rattus, R. argentiventer, R. norvegicus, and Leopoldamys siporanus. Additionally, 7 species of ectoparasites (mites, ticks, and fleas) were identified, including Laelaps echidninus, Leptotrombidium delicense, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Culicoides sp., Hoplopleura pasifica, and Polyplax spinulosa. Various ectoparasites infested all the captured rats. Laelaps echidninus showed the highest prevalence and relative abundance in plantation habitats (81.25% and 68.81) and human dwellings (72.73% and 89.73). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between prevalence-abundance of species ectoparasite (?. 0.955; p-value <0.01), while positive correlations between habitat types-prevalence (?. 0.439; p-value <0.01) and habitat types-abundance of species ectoparasite (?. 0.426; p-value <0.01). Negative correlations between ectoparasites species-prevalence (?. -0.273; p-value <0.05) and ectoparasites species-abundance of species ectoparasites (?. -0.309; p-value <0.05). These findings emphasize the need to assess zoonotic risks and take effective control measures in island regions for public health and conservation.

Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina

Identification of Sarcocystis spp. in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina

On the issue of the distribution of synanthropic rodents and measures to combat them

The objectives of this review were to analyze the ways of spreading rodents, what kind of danger and harm they pose, as well as what methods are used to combat them. The article provides brief information about the distribution of mouselike rodents and the influence of factors on the distribution and dynamics of populations. The issue of transmission and storage by rodents of an infection that poses a danger to humans and their pets is considered. The methods of combating mouse-like rodents are also analyzed and the most used active substances that are part of rodenticidal agents are identified. The number of rodents can vary significantly, so the seasonal dynamics in a period unfavorable for the life of the population is at low levels, and with the improvement of habitat conditions and food supply, the number of animals increases significantly. Analyzing the factors influencing the rodent population, it is possible to predict the number of animals and determine the optimal timing of deratization work. Currently, there are a significant number of rodenticidal drugs, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed in practice.

Hemolytic characteristics of Streptococcus isolated from clinical material from synanthropic rodents and birds living in farm animal facilities

Results. In order to study the hemolytic activity of Streptococcus, α-, β- and γ-isolated from samples of clinical material from synanthropic birds and rodents, we studied 324 cultures of Streptococcus. In rats, mice and birds caught in livestock buildings in cultures of Streptococcus, α- and γ-types of hemolysis were mainly manifested, β-hemolysis was observed less frequently.To study the hemolytic properties of Streptococcus, we studied 140 cultures of Streptococcus isolated from the air, washings from walls and floors, as well as from feeders, in livestock buildings of the KabardinoBalkarian Republic. 50 cultures isolated from the air of cowsheds, sheds, stables and pigsties had α-hemolytic activity in 52,0% of cases, complete clarification of blood agar (β-hemolysis) caused 7 cultures and did not cause hemolysis in 17 cultures. 44 cultures of Streptococcus isolated from washings from walls and floors caused α-hemolysis in 40,9% of cases, β-hemolysis in 25,0% of cases and did not cause hemolysis in 34,1% of the studied cultures. 46 cultures isolated from feeder washes caused partial hemolysis in 17 cases, complete hemolysis in 6 cases, and no hemolysis in 23 cases.

An unusual identification of Rickettsia parkeri in synanthropic rodents and domiciliated dogs of a rural community from Yucatán, Mexico.

Rickettsia parkeri belongs to the spotted fever group (SFG) of the Rickettsia genus. This bacterium causes mild rickettsiosis in humans and is mainly transmitted by Amblyomma ticks. Its medical importance is emerging in the Americas, including Mexico. Synanthropic rodents and domiciled dogs participate as accidental hosts in epidemiological cycles of Rickettsia of the SFG. The aim is to report the presence of R. parkeri in synanthropic rodents and domiciled dogs from a rural community of Yucatán, Mexico. Rodents were captured, and plasma samples were taken from dogs in 48 households from Ucú, Yucatán, Mexico. A spleen sample (rodents) and plasma (dogs) were used in the propagation of Rickettsiaon Vero cells. These infected cells were used in the extraction of genomic DNA. Rickettsia DNA was identified using a semi-nested PCR (snPCR); some products were sent for sequencing. The recovered sequences were analysed with bioinformatics programs, and a phylogenetic tree was built to determine the Rickettsia species. One hundred animals were sampled: 36 synanthropic rodents and 64 dogs. The snPCR evidenced the presence of Rickettsia DNA in 10 rodents (10/36, 27.8%) and 18 dogs (18/64, 28.1%), which represents a global frequency of 28% (28/100) in this study. The bioinformatics analysis yielded homology to R. parkeri and was demonstrated in the phylogenetic tree. The first evidence of the presence of R. parkeri in synanthropic rodents (Mus musculus) from Mexico is presented; likewise, the participation of domestic dogs in the transmission cycle of this bacterium with potential importance in public health is confirmed.

Spatial Owner-Dog Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. Antibodies in Oceanic Islands and Costal Mainland of Southern Brazil.

Leptospirosis has been described as a disease neglected worldwide. Affecting humans and animals, the disease is often related to poor environmental conditions such as lack of sanitation and presence of synanthropic rodents. Despite being considered as a One Health issue, no study has focused on comparing owner-dog seroprevalence between islands and seashore mainland. Accordingly, the present study assessed anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies by applying microscopic agglutination test (MAT) methods to Leptospira and assessing associated risk factors via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of owners and their dogs in islands and seashore mainland of southern Brazil. No anti-Leptospira spp. Seropositivity was found in 330 owner serum samples, while dogs presented an overall seroprevalence of 5.9%. All seropositive dogs reacted to serogroups of Leptospira interrogans, including 66.7% of Pyrogenes, 44.4% Canicola, 22.2% Icterohaemorrhagiae, 16.7% Australis; six reacted to more than one serogroup. No association was found among seropositivity and epidemiological variables, except that neighborhood dogs were less likely to be seropositive. Although no seropositivity was observed in owners, seropositivity in dogs had the potential to indicate such species as being sentinels for environmental exposure and potential human risk of infection.

Presencia de Leptospira spp, en roedores sinantrópicos en la urbanización La Arborada El Tambor Huancayo, 2021

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world. Patients generally present with a nonspecific self-limited febrile state; however, a variable proportion of cases develop so-called Weil's disease, characterized by jaundice, acute renal failure, bleeding diathesis, and severe pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome. Synanthropic rodents: Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus and Mus musculus are considered important sources of infection, among which Rattus norvegicus is the main host of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, which is one of the most pathogenic Leptospira species for human infections. Given the importance of rodents as a source of infection of pathogenic Leptospira for humans, and due to the lack of pathological information in naturally infected rodents, the objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of infection of this disease in rodents located in the Urbanization La Arborada, Huancayo, Peru. A total of 750 traps were placed inside houses that presented rodent infestation (presence of traits) in 75 points, with 10 traps each per house. From the installation they remained 7 continuous days, with periodic revisions every 24 hours. The results show that three quadrants of the zoning presented a high level of risk with more than 20% trapping. The most common rodents were R. rattus and R. norvegicus. Six areas presented a medium risk level (more than 13%) with a greater presence of M. musculus, and 8 quadrants had a low risk (more than 5%) with a greater presence of M. musculus.

High levels of infectiousness of asymptomatic Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infections in wild rodents highlights their importance in the epidemiology of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil

The epidemiological significance of wildlife infections with aetiological agents causing human infectious diseases is largely determined by their infection status, contact potential with humans (via vectors for vector-borne diseases), and their infectiousness to maintain onward transmission. This study quantified these parameters in wild and synanthropic naturally infected rodent populations in an endemic region of tegumentary leishmaniasis in northeast Brazil. Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) of rodents was conducted over 27 months in domestic/peri domestic environs, household plantations and nearby Atlantic Forest (9,920 single trap nights). Rodent clinical samples (blood and ear tissue) were tested for infection by conventional PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, and xenodiagnosis to measure infectiousness to the local sand fly vector. A total 603 individuals of 8 rodent species were (re)captured on 1,051 occasions. The most abundant species were Nectomys squamipes (245 individuals, 41% of the total catch), Rattus rattus (148, 25%), and Necromys lasiurus (83, 14%). All species were captured in greater relative frequencies in plantations; R. rattus was the only species captured in all three habitats including in and around houses. Four species, comprising 22.6% of individuals captured at least twice, were geolocated in more than one habitat type; 78.6% were infected with L. (V.) braziliensis, facilitating inter-species and inter-habitat transmission. Species specific period prevalence ranged between 0%-62% being significantly higher in N. squamipes (54-62%) and Hollochillus sciureus (43-47%). Xenodiagnosis was performed on 41 occasions exposing 1,879 Nyssomyia whitmani sand flies to five rodent species (37 individuals). Similar mean levels of infectiousness amongst the more common rodent species were observed. Longitudinal xenodiagnosis of the N. squamipes population revealed a persistent level of infectiousness over 13 months follow-up, infecting a median 48% (IQR: 30.1%-64.2%) of exposed blood-fed vectors. The proportion of exposed flies infected was greater in the low compared to in the high seasonal period of vector abundance. L. (V.) braziliensis parasite loads in rodent blood quantified by qPCR were similar across rodent species but did not represent a reliable quantitative marker of infectiousness to sand flies. The standardised risk of rodent infection in plantations was 70.3% relative to 11.3% and 18.4% in peri domestic and forest habitats respectively. R. rattus was the only exception to this trend indicating greatest risk in the peri domestic environment. The results support the view that a collective assemblage of wild and synanthropic rodent species is an important wild reservoir of L. (V.) braziliensis in this region, with N. squamipes and R. rattus probably playing a key role in transmission within and between habitat types and rodent species. Rodents, and by implication humans, are at risk of infection in all sampled habitats, but more so in homestead plantations. These conclusions are based on one of the longest CMR study of small rodents in an American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) foci.

Prevalence of the pathatus Cryptosporidium parvum in syananthropic biocenoses

The purpose of the research is to determine the relationship between the infestation of Cryptosporidium parvum in calves that have regular contact with synanthropic reservoirs (rodents and birds) in the climatic zones of Udmurtia. The study of the distribution and relationship of manifestations of cryptosporidiosis was carried out among calves that have regular contact with synanthropic rodents (gray rat (Rattus norvegicus), house mouse (Mus musculus), common vole (Microtus arvalis), bank vole (Myodes glareolus)) and birds (rock dove). (Columba livia), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)). In total, 255 calves, 160 rodents and 80 birds were subjected to the study.The assessment of infestation of calves, rodents and birds was carried out by generally accepted coprological flotation methods, as well as by making native smears with further Ziehl-Neelsen staining. The results obtained were evaluated using statistical methods: analysis of variance, taking into account the Fisher criterion and the Pearson correlation coefficient.The results of the research showed that in all natural and climatic zones of the Udmurt Republic a high percentage of infection with cryptosporidiosis of calves is recorded.On the territory of the southern zone, the infection rate of calves with cryptosporidiosis was 62.35%, while in captured mouselike rodents the prevalence of invasion was at the level of 37.25%, and in birds - 20.0%.In the farms located on the territory of the northern natural and climatic zone of the republic, the degree of infestation of calves reached 41.18%, the infection of rodents was 23.91%. The minimum percentage of detection of cryptosporidium oocysts among synanthropic birds was observed in the north of Udmurtia - 11.77%.The fact of the dependence of the invasion by the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis of calves on the presence of parasite carriers in farms has been established. According to the results of calculating the correlation coefficient and analysis of variance, a direct close relationship was revealed between the infection of calves and representatives of the synanthropic reservoir - rodents, birds, regularly in contact with agricultural crops. animals.

Leptospirosis in Vietnam

Leptospirosis poses a serious public health problem in many countries because about 1 million people suffer annually from this severe, often fatal, infection. At present, its importance has been increasing due to development of integration processes, globalization and intensification of economic activities, inevitable anthropogenic transformation of landscapes as well as rise in number of people with occupational risk of pathogen exposure. The burden of human leptospirosis is expected to rise with demographic shifts and climate change that result in heavy rainfall and flooding. Regarding leptospirosis, Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, is among the most vulnerable global regions. The objective of the review was to analyze available published data on the spread of leptospirosis in Vietnam. More than 100 research articles were analyzed allowing to state that in Vietnam synanthropic rodents (rats), agricultural (buffaloes, cattle, pigs) and domestic animals (cats, dogs) are the main sources of leptospirosis infection in humans. It is essential that rats (cats and dogs also) in Vietnam are used for food. Among all farm animals, pigs are of maximal importance as a source of infection in humans. In Vietnam, Leptospira prevalence in pigs varies widely, up to 73%. It depends significantly on the location, farm size, age and gender of animals, etc. A large variety of Leptospira serovars have been identified in pigs in Vietnam: Tarassovi, Bratislava, Australis, Javanica, Autumnalis, Grippotyphosa, and some others. Official Vietnam reporting of leptospirosis cases based on clinical data does not reflect the real-life incidence rate in humans. However, the available seroprevalence studies reveal that, on average, about 10% of the Vietnamese population are infected with Leptospira. Work in agriculture is the dominant risk factor for acquiring this infection. The highest Leptospira seroprevalence rates were detected in farmers, 63.2%. Serovar diversity is typical for pathogenic Leptospira circulating in Vietnam. In humans, the most frequent are antibodies to Hebdomadis, Wolffi and Icterohaemorrhagiae, but the frequency varied markedly across the country depending on the site, possibly with relation to the environment, as well as with economic activity of the local population. In Vietnam, geographic, climatic and social differences between northern, central and southern regions contribute to the specificity of local leptospirosis epidemiology. This emphasizes the advisability of developing special measures for leptospirosis prevention taking into account regional peculiarities.

Infestation of mice with ixodid ticks in forests of Belgorod region

Rodents are one of the largest groups of existing mammals and number more than 2,270 known species, which is almost 42 % of the total biodiversity of worldwide-distributed mammals (except Antarctica and some islands). They are well adapted to various habitats and are known to live alongside people and livestock complexes. The purpose of the study was to study infestation of mice with ixodid ticks in forests of the Belgorod region adjacent to livestock and poultry farms. The study was carried out in 2019-2022. The extensiveness of mice infestation was observed in Sylvaemus sylvaticus species, which was 13.26 % higher (P 0.05) than in Sylvimus flavicollis , and 24.33 % higher (P 0.01) than in Apodemus agrarius . The intensity of infestation with preimaginal (larvae and nymphs) stages of Ixodes ricinus ticks had wide fluctuations depending on the type of synanthropic rodent. Thus, the highest intensity was noted in Sylvaemus sylvaticus mice, which was 8.73 and 13.56 % higher (P 0.001) compared to Sylvimus flavicollis and Apodemus agrarius mice, respectively. The maximum infestation of male synanthropic mouse species was 31 ticks in Sylvaemus sylvaticus , 19 ticks in Sylvimus flavicollis , and 9 ticks in Apodemus agrarius . The intensity of infestation in synanthropic mice was the highest in the summer months (from July to August) and decreased slightly in autumn. In autumn, 41.2 % of the examined rodents were infested with ticks, the predominant species was Ixodes ricinus (larvae). Larvae and nymphs of Ixodes ricinus ticks were more often attached to rodents in the head area (mainly on the ears) - 82 %, less often on other parts of the body - 1 8 %. A smaller number of ticks were present on neck, body, legs, sometimes parasites were found on tail.

<i>Yersinia pestis</i> Strains of the 1.ORI Line as Etiological Agent of the Plague Pandemic III

Yersinia pestis strains of the 1.ORI lineage originate from China as a result of evolution of the 1.ANT phylogenetic branch. Strains of the biovar orientalis are divided into three major lines of evolution: 1.ORI1, 1.ORI2, 1.ORI3. Lines 1.ORI1 and 1.ORI2 originated in China and then spread across the east and west coasts of India, respectively. Strains of the biovar orientalis have widely spread throughout the world, mainly as a result of introduction by sea. This way, the 1.ORI1 line was imported onto the territory of North America. 1.ORI2 line has spread to Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. In addition, the strains of the biovar orientalis were brought to the territory of Australia, however, the formation of natural foci did not occur. The spread of strains to new territories during the third plague pandemic, as a rule, took place with the participation of one strain, which caused epizootics among synanthropic rodents. After that, outbreaks were recorded among the population of port cities, followed by drifting into the countryside and the formation of natural foci under suitable natural conditions. In the absence of such, the plague pathogen was eliminated from natural biotopes, and the formation of a natural focus did not occur. In recent decades, most cases of human plague in the world have been caused by strains of the biovar orientalis (1.ORI). However, the emergence and spread of the evolutionary line “1” is insufficiently studied. Currently, there is a lack of both historical data and strains that are ancestors of modern strains in many countries to clarify the details of the irradiation of strains of the biovar orientalis. As a result, the concepts of dissemination of many evolution branches of the strains, biovar orientalis are in the form of hypotheses to date. In this work, the collection and analysis of literature data on the history and epidemiology of plague over the third pandemic, a search for a connection between epidemic manifestations and the appurtenance of the strains that caused them to certain phylogenetic lineages was carried out.

Clinical manifestations of diseases caused by Y.pseudotuberculosis and Y.enterocolitica (Yersinioses)

Yersinioses are typical representatives of zoonotic infectious diseases. Yersinioses are wide spread without clearly delimited endemic territories. Yersinias (except Y.pestis) have neither specific hosts nor specific vectors, they can survive and reproduce in an abiotic environment – soil, rotting plant remains, etc. (which allows some authors to attribute them to sapronoses). Yersinia, under certain conditions, can survive, persist and even multiply in the environment (soil, water, feed), which, therefore, can act as a reservoir of infection through which pathogens can be transmitted from a sick host to a healthy one, maintaining stable circulation in both natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. Yersinia were isolated from almost all possible animals – mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, from blood-sucking vectors (fleas, ticks) in different climatic and geographical zones. However, they are more “tied” to a humid and cool climate, or give rise to morbidity among hosts and humans in the cold and wet season – winter-spring, and are more often found at this time in rodents and farm animals. The source of Yersinioses for humans are -farm animals – indirectly (through animal products), less often – with direct contact; -synanthropic rodents, more often indirectly (through contaminated vegetables and fruits, salads, other foods consumed without thermal processing), rarely – with direct contact; -abiotic environmental factors (contaminated storage of meat and vegetables, water, soil); -but also a sick person (more often with close contact, for example, mother–child, children in closed institutions, nosocomial infections, etc., as well as sexually). According to the mechanism of infection, one or another clinical form of Yersinioses develops [1-4].

Parasitism in Rattus rattus and sympatric Achatina fulica by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in an urban park in southeast Brazil.

In this study, rodents (Rattus rattus) and mollusks (Achatina fulica) were captured in a small forest located in a large metropolitan city in Brazil, and they were examined to investigate possible parasitism by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The parasites were recovered as helminths from the pulmonary arteries of the synanthropic rodents and as third-stage larvae (with Metastrongylidae family characteristics) from the mollusks. To confirm the species, these larvae were used to experimentally infect Rattus norvegicus for the posterior recovery of adult helminths. To identify the adult helminths, morphological, morphometric, molecular, and phylogenetic techniques were employed. Furthermore, we also characterized the histological lesions associated with parasitism in naturally infected definitive hosts. Our results demonstrated the occurrence of a natural life cycle of A. cantonensis (with the presence of adult helminths) in definitive hosts, Rattus rattus, and third-stage larvae in an intermediate host, A. fulica. In free-living rodents, lesions of granulomatous pneumonia in the lungs and meningitis in the brain were also found. These results warn of the risk of accidental transmission of A. cantonensis to human residents around the park because of the extensive interaction among the fauna of the park, domestic animals, and the surrounding human population.

Detection of human Mastadenovirus C in wild guinea pigs (Cavia aperea aperea) feces.

The Adenoviridae family is composed by a high diversity of viruses that are extremely resistant in environment and are frequently excreted in animal reservoir feces for long periods. The knowledge of adenovirus (AdV) diversity among wild species may be important for the understanding of the epidemiology of putative emerging diseases. Cavia aperea aperea, commonly known as wild guinea pigs, wild cavies, or preas, are small herbivorous rodents widely distributed throughout South America and classified in Caviidae family, as well as domestic guinea pigs and capybaras. In order to investigate their potential role as reservoir of zoonotic agents, the present study aimed to verify the presence of AdV in fecal samples of 14 preas from Northeast Brazil. When submitted to nested PCR, two out of 14 samples (14.28%) were positive for AdV and classified as human Mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Wild guinea pigs are synanthropic rodents that live in close contact with humans. The investigation of viral agents in rodents is important due to their potential role as reservoirs of human and animal pathogens. Moreover, the present work presents the first known evidence of HAdV in wild guinea pig stool samples, which may represent both the impact of anthropogenic pollution to wild animals and an important knowledge in terms of human health.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in rodents in a peri-urban area of Central Mexico

Rodents are one of the most relevant groups of mammals involved in the process of zoonotic disease transmission. Their ability to adapt to anthropized environments allows them to come into contact with humans with often negative consequences for the latter. The present study designed to detect the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in rodents living in the peri-urban area of Queretaro in central Mexico.This research was carried out during two seasons of collection of wild and domestic rodents, in three localities within the peri-urban area of the state of Queretaro. These collections were carried out during the dry season of February–May 2017 and in the rainy season of August–November 2017. Samples were obtained from the tail tip, from which DNA was purified using the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit. End-point PCR was used for the identification of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp.A total of 82 rodents were caught, represented in three families, six genera and seven species, of which 29 (35.3%) were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi; 13 (15.8%) for Leishmania spp.; and 12 individuals presented co-infection with both parasites (14.6%).This study confirmed the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in synanthropic rodents in the peri-urban area of Queretaro, where Chagas and Leishmaniosis diseases are not considered endemic. It is necessary to continue researching for the presence of vectors, as well as for the detection of diseases caused by parasites in humans and thus be able to confirm the transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in this central Mexican city.

Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems: A study using barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets

Microplastics (MPs) are recognised as an emerging environmental problem that needs to be carefully monitored. So far, MPs have been widely recorded in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Still, few studies have focused on MP occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems, although soils are suspected to be one of the main MP reservoirs. To test a non-invasive method for assessing MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, we analysed the pellets of a top terrestrial predator, the barn owl (Tyto alba). Sixty pellets were collected from three agricultural areas (20 pellets each) and analysed to assess both barn owl diet and MP content. Thirty-four MPs were confirmed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analysis in 33% of the pellets (min-max 1–5 MPs per pellet). Most of the detected items were microfibres (88.2%). Polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile and polyamide were the most abundant polymers. One of the three sites was significantly less contaminated. In the two sites with the highest MP occurrences, barn owl diet was characterised by predation on synanthropic rodents, particularly brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which may indicate habitat degradation and increased exposure to MPs. Analyses also suggest that Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is the prey least at risk of MP contamination, probably due to its strictly herbivorous diet. We argue that the analysis of barn owl pellets may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.

Análise da casuística da leptospirose canina no Hospital Veterinário Universitário - UFPI no período 2018-2019

This study aimed to analyze the case series of canine leptospirosis at the University Veterinary Hospital - UFPI. A total of 82 dogs were treated between 2018 and 2019, with suspected leptospirosis. For confirmation, the Microscopic Seroagglutination Test (MAT) was performed. The sera classified with 50%, 75% and 100% of agglutination were submitted to a second test of the MAT for titration with the reactive serovars, considered infective the one with the highest titer, with 35 (43%) reagents and 47 (57%) non-reactive. It is concluded that leptospirosis is widespread among dogs from Teresina - PI and has its main hosts in synanthropic rodents, as well as the dog itself.