Diversity and Parasitism Rates of Fleas on Meriones shawi from Hodna Region (M’Sila, Algeria)

A Cherief; M.  Biche; N.  Boutera; K.  Cherif; F.  Mimeche

doi:10.56093/aaz.v65i1.172954

Authors

A Cherief National Superior School of Agronomy (ENSA), 16200 El Harrach Algiers, Algeria
M. Biche National Superior School of Agronomy (ENSA), 16200 El Harrach Algiers, Algeria
N. Boutera Faculty of Sciences, University of M’Sila, PO Box166 Ichebilia, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria
K. Cherif Faculty of Sciences, University of M’Sila, PO Box166 Ichebilia, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria
F. Mimeche Faculty of Sciences, University of M’Sila, PO Box166 Ichebilia, 28000 M’Sila, Algeria

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v65i1.172954

Keywords:

Fleas, diversity Ectoparasites, Mammals, Rodents, arid region.

Abstract

Fleas (Siphonaptera) are a group of ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance, known to infest a wide range of host species. Rodents are the principal reservoirs for these pathogens. The Hodna region has significant diversity of rodent fleas. This is the first study to record the diversity, abundance, and prevalence of flea species infesting Meriones shawi in arid region in an Algeria. An inventory of fleas in the Hodna region was carried out over a one-year period, from March 2022 to June 2023. 97 Meriones shawi were examined; of these rodents, 55 (56.70%) were infested with fleas. Overall, 206 fleas belonging to 3 families, 3 genera, and 3 species (Xenopsylla ramesis, Synosternus cleopatrae, and Nosopsyllus oranus) were identified. The X. aramesis dominated the flea community, with a high percentage of parasitism on M. shawi. It is important to note that this is the first time Synosternus cleopatraehas been found in M. shawi.

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