A preliminary survey of macroparasite communities of rodents of Kahawa, central Kenya

A preliminary survey of macroparasite communities of Mastomys natalensis, Lemniscomys striatus, Arvicanthis niloticus, Tatera robusta and Mus minutoides trapped alive in three microhabitat types within a dry sub-humid grassland showed a high diversity in both ecto-and endoparasites. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma variegatum, Boophilus sp., Orchopeas sp., Leptopsylla sp. and Xenopsylla cheopis were collected from the skin and hair. Fasciola sp., Taenia sp., Hymenolepis sp., Ascaris sp., Trichostrongyus sp., Clonorchis sp. and Heterophyes sp. were retrieved from the alimentary canal or their eggs isolated from faeces. The distribution of rodent macroparasites was dependent on host species and microhabitat. Mean ectoparasite intensity also varied with host microhabitat and species. Arvicanthis niloticus had heavier intestinal macroparasite infestation compared with Mastomys natalensis and Lemniscomys striatus. Generally, bigger hosts exhibited a heavier parasitic load. It is inferred that rodents may be important in the transmission and sustenance of livestock diseases in this grassland.