First report of ectoparasites from black rats (Rattus rattus Linnaeus, 1758) in oasis regions from Algeria

Abstract

Black rats are considered a carrier of arthropods that are vectors of diseases to animals and humans. No studies have ever been reported on ectoparasites of this rodent in Algeria. Where Rattus rattus was introduced recently in the south-eastern oasis and has taken refuge in palm groves. To identify the ectoparasites, richness, and prevalence of this species, we have collected 6237 arthropods from four species of lice, five mites, one tick, and flea’s larvae, were collected from 462 infested rats of 484 (95.5%) total collected rats. The results showed that lice especially Polyplax spinulosa (n = 2888) and P. serrata (n = 1456) were the most trapped ectoparasites followed by Ornithonyssus bacoti (n = 1415). Otherwise, Atricholaelaps sp. (n = 10) was the least population. In addition, adult males of black rat were depicted as the most attacked category compared to females and other classes because of their mobility. Statistics confirm this ascertainment for sex (P = 0.0007) and age groups (P < 0.000). Hence, R. rattus is a favourable host target to parasites when transmission conditions allow it. All inventoried species were significantly greater (P < 0.0000) in summer than winter and decreased rainfall.

Keywords

• Algerian Sahara
• black rat
• external parasite
• human
• infestation
• Polyplax spinulosa