Arthropod Ectoparasites of Rattus norvegicus in Four Governorates in Egypt and the Effect of Host Location, Sex and Age on Their Prevalence

Abstract

A total of 83 Norway rat hosts were captured from four governorates using live traps and examined for their arthropod ectoparasites. 77.2% of Rattus norvegicus were infested with at least one ectoparasite. Results revealed that 938 ectoparasites, comprising:140 (14.93%) fleas, 234 (24.95%) lice and 564 (60.1%) mites, are belong to 4 orders, 7 families, 9 genera and 9 species. The 9 species of ectoparasites recorded included three fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis, Echidnophaga gallinacean and Ctenocephalides felis), two sucking lice (Hoplopleura oenomydis and Polyplax spinulosa) and four mites (Ornithonussus bacoti, Lealaps nuttalli, Liponyssoides sanguineus and Radfordia ensifera). Location is a key factor affects the Infection prevalence and general indices of ectoparasite since location alteration involves many criteria like geographical situation, ecological condition, rodent predators, seasonal activities, human practices and sources of infection that influence the ectoparasite prevalence and indices. No host sex-associated differences in the prevalence of infection were found for ectoparasites but host age may affect the foraging choices for them.