Description
Despite of having rich rodent fauna in Pakistan, they are never investigated for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. and hence their epidemiology and genetic diversity remains unknown from this subtropical part of the world. During present investigation, blood samples of four wild rodent species [Rattus rattus (N = 122), Mus musculus (N = 64), Rattus norvegicus (N = 57) and Dryomys nitedula (N = 1)] were collected during May 2022 till July 2023 from six three districts Pakistan, three in Punjab (Jampur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan) and three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Upper Dir, Mardan and Bunar). Results revealed that 7/244 (2.86%) rodents amplified 18S rDNA of Hepatozoon spp. through PCR. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hepatozoon sp. and Lankesterella spp. in rodent blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with the isolates detected in reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals from worldwide countries. Parasite prevalence varied between the rodent species. Highest rate of infection was found in Rattus rattus followed by Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus. Parasite prevalence was more common in female rats than in males. Hepatozoon spp. infection significantly disturbed the the white, red blood cells and platelet associated parameters of infected Rattus rattus. Markers of oxidative stress analysis revealed that infected rodent had elevated superoxide dismutase levels in kidney, catalase levels in heart and malondialdehyde levels in liver and lungs as compared to uninfected animals.
In conclusion, we are reporting for the very first time that Pakistani rodents are infected by Hepatozoon sp. and Lankesterella spp. Infection leads to disturbed complete blood count and markers of oxidative stress in the vital organs. We recommend large scale studies in various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the incidence and prevalence of this pathogen among the rodents in order to prevent their infections in local people as well as in livestock.
| Full Name (In Capital Letters) | MARYAM IJAZ |
|---|---|
| arzoomalik929@gmail.com | |
| Kurum / University / Affiliated Institution | Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan |
| Akademik Ünvan/ Academic Title | Other |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Telefon / Phone Number | 00923315657685 |
| Katılım Tipi /Participation Types | Çevrimiçi /Online |
| Sunum Dili /What Will Be The Presentation Language? | English |
| Where Do You Want to Publish the Full Text? | I will only send summary text |
