Host-parasite interactions of rodent hosts and ectoparasite communities from different habitats in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small mammals are important maintenance hosts of ectoparasites as well as reservoir hosts for many arthropod-borne pathogens. In Germany, only a few studies have investigated ectoparasite communities on small mammals in their natural habitats. The aim of this study was to assess the species diversity and parameters influencing the mean intensity and prevalence of macroscopically visible ectoparasites, such as fleas, predatory mites and ticks.

Methods

A total of 779 small mammals and 3383 ticks were available from earlier investigations for the data analysis of the current study from three differently structured study sites. In addition, fleas and predatory mites were collected from the captured rodents and taxonomically identified. Regression analyses were conduct

SUBMITTER: Obiegala A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7890891 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature