Work

Effect of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Haematological Parameters on Flea Abundance in Small Mammals in Tanzania

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Fleas are important vectors of numerous pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, helminths and protozoa, and their abundance on small mammals may be influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. This study investigated the associations between gastrointestinal helminth infections, selected haematological parameters and flea abundance in small mammals from three selected districts of Tanzania. Two wards and two villages within each district were purposively selected for sampling in Mbulu, Lushoto and Morogoro District Council. Small mammals were captured from households, fallow lands, crop fields, plantation forests and bush habitats and identified to species or genus level using morphological keys. Fleas, blood samples and gastrointestinal tracts were collected to determine flea infestation, gastrointestinal helminth infections, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb). Associations between gastrointestinal helminths, haematological parameters and flea abundance were assessed using generalised linear mixed models. A total of 302 rodents and shrews were captured, with Mastomys natalensis (54.4%, n = 163), Rattus rattus (13.6%, n = 41) and Crocidura spp. (10.3%, n = 31) being the most abundant hosts. Overall gastrointestinal helminth prevalence was 71.2% (95% CI: 65.7–76.2), with Trichuris spp. (33.3%, n = 100), Hymenolepis diminuta (29.1%, n = 88), Angiostrongylus spp. (19.9%, n = 60) and Hymenolepis nana (15.2%, n = 46) being the most prevalent helminths. A total of 271 fleas were collected, predominantly Ctenophthalmus spp. (31.0%, n = 84), Pulex irritans (30.3%, n = 82), Dinopsyllus lypusus (28.8%, n = 78) and Nosopsyllus incisus (4.1%, n = 11). Overall gastrointestinal helminth prevalence was significantly associated with total flea abundance ( p < 0.05), whereas PCV and Hb showed no significant associations ( p > 0.05). These findings suggest that coinfections involving gastrointestinal helminths and fleas are common in small mammals and that helminth infections may influence flea abundance. Understanding these host–parasite interactions may improve our understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics and inform surveillance strategies for zoonotic diseases in Tanzania.

Source: Journal of Parasitology Research

DOI: 10.1155/japr/3143283

Authors: Adrian E. Materu, Eliakunda M. Mafie, Jahashi S. Nzalawahe, Ladslaus L. Mnyone

Institution: Sokoine University of Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000