Occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of rodents and the risk of human infection in different biomes of Brazil

• Published in: Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
• Main Authors: Lima, Victor Fernando Santana, Ramos, Rafael Antonio Nascimento, Giannelli, Alessio, Andrade, Wagner Wesley Araújo, López, Irma Yaneth Torres, Ramos, Ingrid Carla do Nascimento, Rinaldi, Laura, Cringoli, Giuseppe, Alves, Leucio Câmara
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade de Medicina Veterinária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro 2021
• Subjects: Scientific Article; Rattus rattus
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9179205/; https://doi.org/10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm113820

Rodents are synanthropic mammals adapted to several ecosystems, where they can contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to study the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites from rodents and discuss the risk of transmission to humans. Fecal samples (n = 110) from different rodent species, namely, Cerradomys subflavus (n = 4), Mus musculus (n = 14), Rattus norvegicus (n = 80), Rattus rattus (n = 8) and Thrichomys apereoides (n = 4), were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique. Of the samples examined, 73.6% (81/110) tested positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite. The most commonly identified parasites were Aspiculuris sp., Hymenolepis nana, Moniliformis sp., Syphacia sp., Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp., and Trichuris spp. eggs, Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae and Entamoeba spp. cysts. The findings of this study demonstrate that rodents living in different Brazilian biomes are parasitized by a wide range of parasites, including some of public health concern. Therefore, the proximity of rodents to human settlements may represent a tangible risk of infection for people living in these areas.