Intestinal Parasitic Helminths of Rattus spp. in Caspian Sea Littoral, Iran

Abstract

Some rodent species, referred to as commensal rats, thrive near humans. This proximity makes quick access to their vital needs, such as food and habitat [1, 2]. Many rodents are known as the primary reservoir of some lifethreatening pathogens, and along with the arthropods that infest the animals, e.g., fleas, lice, play a critical role in spreading pathogenic agents [2]. Some species of rodents harbor parasite of public health importance such as leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, babesiosis, and hymenolepiasis [3, 4], among which some zoonoses such as leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are regarded as the most harmful parasites to humans especially in immunocompromised individuals [5]. Human infection with some parasites like Hymenolepis nana occurs through accidental ingestion of foods and drinking water contaminated with rodent droppings containing the parasite eggs [6-8]. The diversity of parasite fauna in rodents species and infection rates depend on the environmental and geographical conditions [9-12]. In commensal species like Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, human behaviors and their leftovers are critical factors. Caspian Sea littoral in the north of Iran with temperate weather and dense vegetations has provided suitable habitats for commensal rodents such as rats [13,14]. This area is also endemic for leptospirosis [15]. An investigation of rodent reservoir host of leptospirosis in Caspian Sea littoral provided us the opportunity to investigate the helminthic infections among these animals in this area.