Population trends of ectoparasites associated with Rattus rattus alexandrinus (L.) at Sohag and Assiut regions, Upper Egypt

Survey of ectoparasites infesting the grey bellied rat, Rattus rattus alexandrinus (L.) at Sohag and Assiut districts was conducted during the period from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020. In the two areas, survey exhibited presence of three species of mites viz., Dermanyssus sp., Glycyphogus sp. and Ornithonyssius sp., one species of hart tick, Hyalomma sp., two species of fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and Pulex irritans (L.) and one species of lice Poolyplax spinulosa (Brumeister). Results of population fluctuation showed that the ectoparasites (lice, fleas and mites) were recorded with variable densities in the two areas. The highest density was recorded during spring and summer months, whereas the lowest one was recorded in winter. Lice showed the highest density followed by mites, then fleas. In Sohag area, lice showed the highest percentage of ectoparasites captured (50%) followed by mites (40%), fleas showed the lowest percentage (10%). In Assiut area, also lice showed the highest percentage (40%) followed by fleas (35%) then mites (25%). Ectoparasites recorded in this study may play a role in transmitting dangerous diseases to man and domestic animals, so these results may be considered in rodent control.