Study on Ectoparasites of Rhombomys opimus (Rodentia: Gerbillinae); the Main Reservoir Host of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Hyperendemic Foci in Segzi Area, Esfahan Province, Iran

Abstract Background and purpose: This study was done from October 2016 to October 2017 to determine funa and distribution of ectoparasites of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoirs to prevent and control of zoonotic diseases in the hyperendemic area (Segzi area), in Esfahan Province in the future. Materials and methods: Rodents were collected by Sherman's Living Traps during different seasons and were identified by the standard morphological keys and comparison of morphometric characteristics with standard specimens. The collected rodents were anesthetized and ectoparasites were removed and conserved in 96% Alcohol. Then the ectoparasites were identified by the standard keys. Results: Ninety-two Rhombomys opimus and 1 Nesokia indica were captured. 50 out of 93 rodents (53.88%) were infested by the ectoparasites and a total of 527 ectoparasites were collected from them. The 9 species of identified ectoparasites were included 1 tick (0.19% Rhipicephalus sanguineus), 1 sucking lice (0.19% Polyplax spp.), 5 fleas (75.71% Xenopsylla nuttalli, 8.73% Echidnophaga oschanini, 0.95% Nosopsyllus ziarus, 0.95% Coptopsylla mesghalii and 0.19% Nosopsyllus turkmenicus turkmenicus) and 2 mites (7.78% Dermanyssus sanguineus and 5.31% Hirstionyssus sp.). Conclusion: The current study showed that R. opimus rats are found in large numbers in Segzi area and the X. nuttalli fleas were the most frequency. It is suggested to prevent the prevalence of vector- and rodent-borne diseases, the population of rodents and their ectoparasites should be controlled at the same time.