Survey of Ectoparasites Infesting the Gray-Bellied Rat, Rattus rattus alexandrinus Captured from the Houses at Sohag Region, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify harmful external parasites on humans and animals infesting the gray-bellied rat, Rattus rattus alexandrinus captured from the houses at Sohag region, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that found one ticks, Amblyomma spp., seven species of mites Ornithonyssus bacoti and Hypoaspis smithii and Rhizoglyphus echinopus and Amerosieus spp. and Myocoptes spp. and Glycyphagus spp., and Tarsonemus spp., infested the gray-bellied rat which captured from the study area. Furthermore, the study of ectoparasites from insects shows that three species of fleas were Xenopsylla cheopis and Leptopsylla segnis and Pulex irritans and one of lice was Polyplax spinulosa infested the captured rats. These parasites may transmit some common diseases to humans or animals. From these results, an integrated control program for the gray-bellied rat must be established inside the houses.