Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer

Journal of Ideas in Health

Articles
DOI: 10.47108/jidhealth.Vol8.Iss4.424
Submitted: 2025-07-09
Published: 2025-08-31

Ectoparasites and Hemoparasites of the Silvery Mole Rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) In Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania
2Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania
Silvery Mole Rat, Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini, Ectoparasites, Hemoparasites, Anaplasma, Babesia, Prevalence; Zoonotic Diseases, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: The silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa and exploited as a protein source in some communities. Despite this, limited data exist on ectoparasite and hemoparasite infections in this species in Tanzania. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hemoparasites in silvery mole rats and to identify their potential arthropod vectors in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mvomero and Morogoro districts, Tanzania, between March and June 2023. A total of 137 silvery mole rats were captured through manual excavation. Ectoparasites were collected from animal fur and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys. Blood samples were obtained directly from the heart, and smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa, and microscopically examined for hemoparasites. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between host factors, ectoparasite infestation, and hemoparasite infection.

Results: Of the 137 captured mole rats, 65% (n=89) were females and 86.7% (n=120) were adults. The overall prevalence of ectoparasitism was 71.5% (98/137). A total of 1,503 ectoparasites were recovered, dominated by Androlaelaps spp. (93.15%, n=1400), followed by Echinolaelaps echidinus (6.19%, n=93), and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks (0.67%, n=10). Hemoparasites were detected in 29.2% (40/137) of hosts, including Anaplasma spp. (25.5%) and Babesia spp. (16.8%). Coinfections with both parasites occurred in 13.1% of individuals. Adult mole rats had significantly higher odds of hemoparasite infection (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.15–9.11, p = 0.04). Tick infestation was strongly associated with Babesia spp. (χ² = 11.91, OR = 15.56, p < 0.001) and Anaplasma spp. (χ² = 5.82, OR = 8.3, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites among silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region. The dominance of mite infestations and significant associations between ticks and blood parasites highlight the potential role of mole rats as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Further molecular studies are warranted to characterize these parasites and evaluate their public health implications.



Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

  1. Ngalameno MK, Bastos AD, Mgode GF, Bennett NC. The Pattern of Reproduction in the Mole-Rat Heliophobius from Tanzania: Do Not Refrain during the Long Rains! Can. J. Zool. 2017;95 (2):107–114. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2016-0153.
  2. Faulkes CG, Bennett NC, Cotterill FP, Stanley W, Mgode GF, Verheyen, E. Phylogeography and Cryptic Diversity of the Solitary-Dwelling Silvery Mole-Rat, Genus Heliophobius (Family: Bathyergidae). J. Zool. 2011;285 (4):324–338. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2011.00863.x.
  3. Shabani R, Assey RJ, Kimaro W, Kisinza N. Histomorphology of the stomach of Emini’s mole rat (Heliophobius Emini). Tanz. Vet. J. 2018;33(1):51-61.
  4. Katandukila JV, Ngalameno MK, MgodeGF,BastosADS,Bennett NC (2017), The pattern of ovulation in an ancient, solitary mole rat lineage: Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini from Tanzania. Can. J. of Zool.2017;95(10): 705-712. DOI: 10.1139/CJZ-2016-0292
  5. Lutermann H. Socializing in an Infectious World: The Role of Parasites in Social Evolution of a Unique Rodent Family. Front. Ecol. Evol. 2022;10:1–22. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.879031.
  6. Montoya-Sanhueza G, Bennett NC, Chinsamy A, Šumbera R. Functional anatomy and disparity of the postcranial skeleton of African mole-rats (Bathyergidae). Front. Ecol. Evol. 2022;10:857474. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2022.857474
  7. Dalga S, Asln K, Yildiz B. Morphometric studies on skulls of male mole rats [(Nannospalaxnehringi)] Satunin (1898)(Rodentia: Splacidae) collected from Kars Province. Acta morphologica et anthropologica. 2020;27:84-91
  8. Montoya-Sanhueza G, Bennett NC, Šumbera R Functional and morphological divergence in the forelimb musculoskeletal system of scratch-diggingsubterranean mammals (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). J.Anat. 2024.00:1-31. doi: 10.1111/joa.14058
  9. Hart L, O’Riain MJ, Jarvis JUM, Bennett NC. Is the Cape Dune Mole-Rat, Bathyergus Suillus (Rodentia: Bathyergidae), a Seasonal or Aseasonal Breeder? J. Mammal. 2006;87 (6): 1078–1085. https://doi.org/10.1644/05-MAMM-A-411R2.1.
  10. De Graaff G. The Rodents of Southern Africa : Notes on Their Identification, Distribution, Ecology and Taxonomy". Butterworths;1981.
  11. Skinner J, Chimimba C. The Mammals of the Southern Africa Subregion., 3rd ed.; Cambridge University Press, 2005.
  12. Pollack RJ, Engelman D, Steer AC, Norton SA. Ectoparasite. International Encyclopedia of Public Health. 2017; 2: 417–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-803678-5.00123-5.
  13. Hopla C, Durde L, Keirans J. Ectoparasites and Classification. Rev Sci Tech.1994;13 (4):985–1017. https://doi.org/10.20506/rst.13.4.815.
  14. Mawanda P, Rwego I, Kisakye JJ, Sheil D. Rodents as Potential Hosts and Reservoirs of Parasites along the Edge of a Central African Forest : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park , South Western Uganda. Afri. Heal. Sci. 2020;20 (3):1168–1178. https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i3.20.
  15. Mhamphi G, Katakweba AS, Massawe AW, Makundi RH, Machang’u, RH, Komba EV, Mnyone LL. Prevalence of Bartonella spp. in rodent and shrew species trapped in Kigoma and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania: A public health concern. Afri. J. microb.2023;17(7):156-163. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJMR2023.969
  16. Divari S, Pregel P, Zanet S, Ferroglio E, Giannini F, Eleonora F, Scaglione EF, Grinberg A, Biolatti B, Bollo E. Molecular Evidence of Bartonella spp. in Rodents: A Study in Pianosa Island, Italy. Anim.2020;10(11):2070. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112070
  17. Stuen S. Haemoparasites — Challenging and Wasting Infections in Small Ruminants : A Review. Anim. 2020;10:1–12.
  18. Kilonzo B, Mhina J, Sabuni C, Mgode G. The Role of Rodents and Small Carnivores in Plague endemicity in Tanzania. Belgian J. Zool. 2005;135(SUPPL.1):119–125.
  19. Waya P, Mwega E, Sabuni C, Martin M. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites in Kilwa District, Lindi region, Tanzania. J Ideas Health. 2025 Apr. 30 ;8(2):1273-80. doi: 10.47108/jidhealth.vol8.iss2.407
  20. Laudisoit A. Diversity, Ecology and Status of Potential Hosts and Vectors of the Plague Bacillus, Yersinia Pestis. Contribution to Plague Epidemiology in an Endemic Plague Focus: The Lushoto District (Tanzania). PhD Thesis, Universiteit Antwerpen, 2009.
  21. Wilson DE, Reeder DM. Mammal Species of the World:A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference.; Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, Maryland, 2005.
  22. Jittapalapong S, Sarataphan N. Maruyama S, Hugot JP, Morand S, Herbreteau V. Toxoplasmosis in Rodents: Ecological Survey and First Evidences in Thailand. Vector-Borne Zoon Dis. 2011;11 (3):231–237. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2009.0238.
  23. Oguge NO, Durden LA, Keirans JE, Balami HD, Schwan TG. Ectoparasites (Sucking Lice, Fleas and Ticks) of Small Mammals in Southeastern Kenya. Med. Vet. Entomol.2009;23 (4):387–392. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2915.2009.00820.x.
  24. Archer AEK, Bennett NC, Junker K, Faulkes CG, Lutermann H. The Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Two Populations of Common Mole-Rats.J. Parasitol. 2017;103 (6):786–790. https://doi.org/10.1645/17-62.
  25. Mawanda P, Rwego I, Kisakye JJ, Sheil D. Rodents as Potential Hosts and Reservoirs of Parasites along the Edge of a Central African Forest: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda. 2020;20 (3):1168–1178.
  26. Abdullahi AM, Mamman SG. Prevalence of Endo and Ecto Parasitic Infection of African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus ) in North Eastern Nigeria. Int. J. Res. Rev. 2021;8 (7):25–29.
  27. Gebrezgiher GB, Makundi RH, Katakweba AAS, Belmain SR, Lyimo CM, Meheretu Y. Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain. Biol. (Basel). 2023;12(3):https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12030394.
  28. Samiji AM, Katakweba AS, Phiri EC. Trypanosomes Infection in Rodents and Their Zoonotic Potential from Ruaha Ward in Kilosa District, Tanzania. In Proceedings of the 2nd SUA Sci Conf. 2021;126–133.
  29. Shija D, Nzalawahe J, Ngalameno M, Mafie E. Cestodes fauna of silvery mole rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. J Ideas Health. 2024 Oct. 31;7(5):1167-73. doi: 10.47108/jidhealth.vol7.iss5.372
  30. Katakweba AS. The Prevalence of Haemoparasites in Rodents and Shrews Trapped from Domestic and Peridomestic Houses in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A Hidden Public Health. Tanz Vet. Assoc. Proc. 2018;36: 75–82.
  31. Katakweba AS, Kipanyula MJ, Durnez L, Mhamphi G, Luziga C, Mgode GF, Machang’u, RH. Rodents and Shrews as Vectors of Zoonotic Spirochetes and Trypanosomes in Tanzania. Tanz Vet. J. 2013;28 (1):14–19.
  32. MRP. Morogoro Region Social-Economic Profile.2020; 2022.
  33. Katandukila JV, Chimimba CT, Bennett NC, Makundi RH, Le Comber SC, Faulkes CG. Sweeping the House Clean: Burrow Architecture and Seasonal Digging Activity in the East African Root Rat from Tanzania. J. Zool. 2014;293 (4):271–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12143.
  34. Animal Care and Use Committe. Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, and Care of Mammals as Approved by the American Society of Mammalogists. J. Mammal. 1998;79 (4):1416–1431. https://doi.org/10.2307/1383033.
  35. Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). Pictorial Keys to Arthropods, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of Public Health Significance. Dep. Heal. Educ. Welf. 2003;196.
  36. Jacobs D, Fox M, Gibbons L Hermosilla C. Principles of Veterinary Parasitology by December 2015; 2015.
  37. Zajac AM, Conboy GA, GreinerEC, Smith SA, Snowden KF. Vet. Clinic Parasitol. 8th ed.; USA: Wiley Blackwell, 2012.
  38. Dada EO. Study on the Ectoparasites and Haemoparasites of Domestic Rats in Parts of Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. Int. J. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016;2 (1):1–5. https://doi.org/10.20431/2455-7153.0201001.
  39. Katakweba AS, Mulungu LS, Eiseb S, Mahlaba TA, Makundi R, Massawe A, Belmain SR. Prevalence of Haemoparasite, Leptospires and Cocobacilli with Potential for Human Infection in the Blood of Rodents and Shrews from Selected Localities in Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland. Afri. Zool. 2012;47 (1):119–27.
  40. Zajac AM, Conboy GA, Greiner EC, Smith SA, Snowden KF. Vet. Clinical Parasitol.2012.
  41. WHO. Giemsa Staining of Malaria Blood Films. Malaria Microscopy Standard Operating Procedure—MM-SOP-07A. World Heal. Organ. Geneva, Switz. 2016;1–6.
  42. Thanee N, Kupittayanant S, Pinmongkholgul S. Prevalence of Ectoparasites and Blood Parasites in Small Mammals at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station, Thailand. Thail. J. Agric. Sci.2009;42 (3):149–158.
  43. WHO. Basic Laboratory Methods in Medical Parasitology; Geneva, 1991.
  44. Amin OM. Intestinal and Ectoparasites of Black Rats ( RattusRattus ) in Garmian , Kurdistan Region of Iraq. J. Univ. Garmian. 2019;6 (1).
  45. Yesica R, Bagus I, Rama G, Hermanto J, Nurholizah Y, Trinastuti MW. Preliminary Study: Detection of Ecto and Endoparasites Among Wild Rats from Urban Area in Blimbing, Malang, East Java. 2021, No. May, 95–101.
  46. Lutermann H, Carpenter-Kling T, Ueckermann EA, Gutjahr G, Bennett NC. Ectoparasites Burdens of the Damaraland Mole-Rat (Fukomys Damarensis) from Southern Africa. J. Parasitol. 2015;101(6):666-70. doi:10.1645/15-775
  47. Archer EK, Bennett NC, Faulkes CG, Luterman H. Digging for Answers: Contributions of Density- and Frequency-Dependent Factors on Ectoparasite Burden in a Social Mammal. Oecologia.2016;180 (2):429–438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-015-3494-0.
  48. Archer EK, Bennett NC, Ueckermann EA, Lutermann H. Ectoparasites Burdens of the Common Mole-Rat (Cryptomys Hottentotus Hottentotus ) from the Cape Provinces of South Afri. J. Parasitol. 2014;100 (1):79–84. https://doi.org/10.1645/13-270.1.
  49. Fagir DM, Bennett NC, Ueckermann EA, Howard A, Hart DW. Ectoparasitic Community of the Mahali Mole-Rat, Cryptomys Hottentotus Mahali: Potential Host for Vectors of Medical Importance in South Africa. Parasites and Vectors. 2021;14 (24).
  50. Changbunjong T, Jirapattharasate C, Buddhirongawatr R, Chewajon K, Charoenyongyoo P, Suwanapakdee S, et al. Ectoparasitic Fauna of Birds, and Volant and Non-Volant Small Mammals Captured at Srinakarin Dam, Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. 2010;41 (3):526–535.
  51. De Graaff G. A Systematic Revision of the Bathyergidae (Rodentia) of Southern Africa. Un- Publ. Ph.D. Dissert., Univ. Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa, 1964, 340.
  52. Hoogstraal H, Kammah K, Camicas JL. Notes on African Haemaphysalis Ticks: XI. H. (Rhipistoma) Paraleachi (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae) Distribution and Hosts of Adults. Int. J. Acarol. 1992;18 (3):205–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/01647959208683953.
  53. Walker A, Bouattour A, Camicas JL, Estrada-Peña A, Horak I, Latif A, Pegram RG, Preston PM. Ticks of Domestic Animals in Africa: A Guide to Identification of Species.; 2003.
  54. Scharff A, Burda H, Tenora F, Kawalika M, Barus V. Parasites in Social Subterranean Zambian Mole-Rats (Cryptomys Spp., Bathyergidae, Rodentia). J. Zool. 1997;241 (3):571–577. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1997.tb04848.x.
  55. Lutermann H, Butler KB, Bennett NC. Parasite-Mediated Mate Preferences in a Cooperatively Breeding Rodent. Front. Ecol. Evol. 2022;10:1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.838076.
  56. Ben-Batalla I, Vargas-Delgado ME, von AmsbergG, Janning M, Loges S. Influence of Androgens on Immunity to Self and Foreign: Effects on Immunity and Cancer. Front. Immunol. 2020; 11:1–20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01184.
  57. Greives TJ, McGlothlin JW, Jawor JM, Demas GE, Ketterson ED. Testosterone and Innate Immune Function Inversely Covary in a Wild Population of Breeding Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco Hyemalis). Funct. Ecol. 2006;20 (5):812–818. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01167.x.
  58. Klein SL. The Effects of Hormones on Sex Differences in Infection: From Genes to Behavior. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 2000;24 (6):627–638. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7634(00)00027-0.
  59. Karbowiak G, Demiaszkiewicz AW, Pyziel AM, Wita I, Moskwa B, Werszko J, Bień J, Goździk K, Lachowicz J, Cabaj W. The Parasitic Fauna of the European Bison (Bison Bonasus) (Linnaeus, 1758) and Their Impact on the Conservation. Part 2 The Structure and Changes over Time. Acta Parasitol. 2014;59 (3):372–379. https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-014-0253-z.
  60. Ezenwa VO, Stefan-Ekernas L, Creel S. Unravelling Complex Associations between Testosterone and Parasite Infection in the Wild. Funct. Ecol. 2012;26 (1):123–133. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2011.01919.x.
  61. Usluca S, Celebi B, Karasartova D, Gureser AS, Matur F, Oktem MA, Sozen M, Karatas, A, Babur C, Mumcuoglu KY, Ozkan AT. Molecular Biology / Genomics Molecular Survey of Babesia Microti ( Aconoidasida : Piroplasmida ) in Wild Rodents in Turkey. 2019;56:1605–1609. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjz084.
  62. Mardosaitė‐busaitienė D, Radzijevskaja J, Balčiauskas L, Paulauskas A. Babesia Microti in Rodents from Different Habitats of Lithuania. Anim. 2021;11 (6):1707.https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061707.
  63. Beard CB, Occi J, Bonilla DL, Egizi AM, Fonseca DM, Mertins JW, et al. Multistate Infestation with the Exotic Disease–Vector Tick Haemaphysalis Longicornis — United States.2018;67(47):1310-1313.https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6747a3.


How to Cite

1.
Shija D, Ngalameno M, Nzalawahe J. Ectoparasites and Hemoparasites of the Silvery Mole Rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) In Morogoro Region, Tanzania . J Ideas Health [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 31 [cited 2025 Sep. 11];8(4):1322-9. Available from: https://www.jidhealth.com/index.php/jidhealth/article/view/424

issn

Journal of Ideas in Health

Four Issues Annually

www.jidhealth.com

eISSN: 2645-9248

Founded: 2017

call

Make a Submission

Make a Submission

ToBeRev

road

google

pkpindex

oai

base

tools



cc

doaj

mendeley

doi

jisc

Keywords