A Study on Parasite Fauna of Rats and Shrews Caught at Three Wet Markets in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Rats and shrews are intermediate host for several pathogenic microbial species and live close to human. This study aims to determine ecto- and endo-parasites in these pests at different wet markets in Kuala Terengganu. A total of 14 rats and shrews were trapped from Pasar Batu Enam, Pasar Chabang Tiga and Pasar Besar Kedai Payang from November 2015 to February 2016 by wire traps measuring 15 x 15 x 42 cm and baited with shrimp paste and dried fish. The hosts examined were Rattus muelleri, R. norvegicus, R. exulans and Suncus murinus. The fur and skin combing was performed to collect and identify the prevalence of mites and lice. Meanwhile, the floatation technique was conducted on faecal specimen to identify the presence of helminth eggs. The post-mortem on these rats and shrews were conducted to identify the endoparasites from its internal organs. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between frequency of parasite from these study sites. The mites found on skin were Laelaps nuttali and lice were Polyplax spinulosa. It indicate that Cysticercus (larva of Taenia taeniaformis), adult T. taeniaformis, Hymenolepis diminuta, Capillaria hepatica and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis are the common endoparasite species found in the liver, lung, stomach, small and large intestine of rats in these three wet markets of Kuala Terengganu. Besides, Strongyloides spp. egg was noted. Therefore, the rats and shrews found in these wet markets are hosts to several zoonotic parasites and it could pose a health risk to humans.

Keywords

• Ectoparasite,Endoparasite,Public health,Rats,Shrews,Wet market

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