# Arthropod ectoparasites of synanthropic rodents in northern‐central Italy

## TL;DR

This study examined ectoparasites in synanthropic rodents from northern-central Italy to assess public health risks and provide baseline data.

## Contribution

The study provides the first detailed overview of arthropod ectoparasites in synanthropic rodents in northern-central Italy.

## Key findings

- Polyplax spinulosa lice were found in 31.4% of the examined rodents.
- Myobiidae mites were detected in 9.3% of the samples.
- Laelaps echidninus and Notoedres muris were each found in 5% of the samples.

## Abstract

Synanthropic rodents, due to their close contact with humans, have always been a concern because of their substantial impact on both the economy and public health. This study aims to investigate the presence of ectoparasites in rodents captured during pest control campaigns in various Italian provinces (Bologna, Forlì‐Cesena, Rimini, Ravenna, Arezzo) in northern‐central Italy. We examined a total of 140 carcasses of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus – 81 samples), black rats (Rattus rattus – 49 samples) and house mice (Mus musculus – 10 samples). Skin samples were collected, digested in sodium hydroxide and microscopically examined after the enrichment method. The results revealed the presence of Polyplax spinulosa lice in 44 subjects (31.4%), Myobiidae mites in 13 subjects (9.3%), Laelaps echidninus and Notoedres muris in 7 subjects respectively (5%) and mesostigmata mites in 3 (2.1%). A specimen of Rattus norvegicus was positive for the flea Nosopsyllus fasciatus. The conducted research has provided an overview of the arthropods present on the fur and skin of synanthropic mice and rats in the surveyed provinces. This study represents a baseline investigation, particularly considering the lack of nationwide and scarce European data.

The presence of ectoparasites in synanthropic rodents in various Italian provinces was investigated.Eighty‐one Rattus norvegicus, 49 Rattus rattus and 10 Mus musculus were examined
Polyplax spinulosa lice, Myobiidae mites, Laelaps echidninus and Notoedres muris were mainly recovered.

The presence of ectoparasites in synanthropic rodents in various Italian provinces was investigated.

Eighty‐one Rattus norvegicus, 49 Rattus rattus and 10 Mus musculus were examined

Polyplax spinulosa lice, Myobiidae mites, Laelaps echidninus and Notoedres muris were mainly recovered.