Molecular prevalence of haempathogens infecting synanthropic rodents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ab Aziz, Siti Nurliyana (2022) Molecular prevalence of haempathogens infecting synanthropic rodents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Synanthropic rodents live in proximity with humans and have high adaptability to their surroundings. These small mammals are important vectors of various zoonotic pathogens of public health concern. These pathogens may be transmitted via various routes including carriage by arthropod vectors. Rodents are known to harbour various haemotrophic pathogens that may potentially be of zoonotic concern. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of selected haemopathogens namely Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Trypanosoma lewisi, in various localities in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 29 rodent blood samples were collected from various habitats including residential areas, commercial areas (wet markets, and shop lots) as well as parks, and forest fringes. Trapped rodents were sedated with diethyl ether and anesthetized with tiletamine/zolazepam. The rodents were identified, and blood was collected for genomic DNA extraction. A partial fragment of the Bartonella ITS gene, Hepatozoon 18SrRNA gene and Trypanosoma lewisi ITS were amplified using genus-specific primers. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the association between the species, gender and environmental habitat to the presence of the haemopathogens. A high prevalence of 34.5% was observed for Bartonella spp. which is a potentially zoonotic pathogen. Hepatozoon spp. was observed with the prevalence of 27.6%. However, a lower prevalence of 3.4% is observed for Trypanosoma lewisi. There was no significant (p>0.05) association for infection with this haemopathogen among the rodents with regards to gender and habitat type. Thus, current study provides significant knowledge on the diversity of parasites in synanthropic rodents, which will have implications on the health of the rodents, as well as the presence of potentially zoonotic pathogens of public health concern.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Nurhaznita Mahmood
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2024 08:15
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2024 08:15
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1964

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