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| Open Access | Ecological Insights into Pentatrichomonas hominis Infection Rates in Wild Rodents
Dr . Ben P. Harris , Department of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, AustraliaAbstract
Pentatrichomonas hominis is a protozoan parasite commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, including wild rodents. While the parasite is typically asymptomatic, it can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and may serve as a potential zoonotic threat due to its presence in wild rodent populations that interact with human habitats. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of P. hominis in wild rodents from a mixed forest habitat located in [Location Name], assessing various factors that influence infection rates. A total of 300 wild rodents, including species such as Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Mus musculus, were trapped and tested for P. hominis using fecal smears, culture methods, and molecular PCR analysis. The overall prevalence of infection was 20.7%, with significant differences observed between species, age groups, and habitat types. Rattus norvegicus exhibited the highest infection rate (27.5%), while juvenile rodents had a significantly higher prevalence compared to adults. Rodents from urban-adjacent habitats showed higher infection rates than those from more remote forest areas. This study provides valuable insights into the ecological and environmental factors influencing P. hominis prevalence in wild rodent populations, highlighting the potential for zoonotic transmission. Further research is needed to assess the broader implications of P. hominis in wildlife health and its risk to human populations.
Keywords
Pentatrichomonas hominis, Wild rodents, Prevalence
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