Variation in Small Mammal Species Composition and the Occurrence of Parasitic Mites in Two Landscapes in a Scrub Typhus Endemic Region of Western Yunnan Province, China

TL;DR

This study examines how different landscapes and host species affect parasitic mite infestations in small mammals in a scrub typhus endemic region of China.

Contribution

The study identifies landscape-specific and host-specific factors influencing mite infestation prevalence and intensity in small mammals.

Findings

Infestation prevalence was higher in farmland compared to forest edge landscapes.

Adult mammals and larger body dimensions were associated with higher infestation prevalence.

Mite intensity was highest in Neotetracus sinensis and not related to host characteristics.

Abstract

Western Yunnan Province is a scrub typhus endemic region, providing optimal environments for small mammal hosts and mite vectors. This study explored the association between mite occurrence on small mammals and landscape and host characteristics in this region. Two landscapes, farmland and forest edge, in four locations in Tengchong City were sampled for capturing small mammals and collecting mites. Associations among host, vector, and landscape were analyzed using hurdle negative binomial mixed models. Among 279 small mammals captured, ninety‐five individuals were infested with a total of 8308 mites. Infestation prevalence was higher in farmland than in the forest edge. Mean mite intensity was 87.5/infested mammal. The highest mite intensity was seen in
Neotetracus sinensis
.
Rattus tanezumi
,
Suncus murinus
,
Rattus rattus
, and
Mus pahari
were dominant species. Differences in infestation prevalence and mite intensity were inconsistent across species and landscape. In farmland,
Rattus tanezumi
and
Rattus rattus
had a significantly higher infestation prevalence than non‐dominant species. Adult mammals had significantly higher infestation prevalence independent of species and landscape. Larger body size, longer tail, hind leg, and ear were each related to significantly higher infestation prevalence, but the effects were reduced by half after adjusting for species and landscape. Mite intensity was not related to hosts. In conclusion, infestation prevalence and mite intensity varied across species. Infestation prevalence was higher in farmland than in forest edge and was positively related to adult mammals and larger body dimensions.

Yunnan Province, the most serious scrub typhus endemic areas in China, provides abundant ecological resources that sustain parasite and host populations. The distribution of vector‐borne diseases is driven by interactions between hosts, vectors and the environment, revealing critical ecological dynamics. Variations in parasite abundance across small mammal species highlight the significant role of host‐specific and habitat‐driven factors. Host characteristics and environmental influences emerge as pivotal factors governing the occurrence and severity of parasitic mite infestations, offering insights for disease control strategies.

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