What can infect a rat? - briefly
Rats are susceptible to numerous pathogens, including bacterial agents such as Salmonella and Leptospira, viral agents like hantavirus and rat coronavirus, protozoan parasites (e.g., Giardia), helminths, fungal infections, and ectoparasites such as fleas and mites.
What can infect a rat? - in detail
Rats serve as hosts for a wide range of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Each category presents distinct clinical manifestations and epidemiological implications.
Bacterial pathogens frequently identified in rodents comprise:
- Salmonella spp., causing gastroenteritis and septicemia; - Leptospira interrogans, responsible for leptospirosis with renal involvement; - Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, transmitted by flea vectors; - Streptobacillus moniliformis, the trigger of rat‑bite fever; - Bartonella spp., associated with endocarditis and febrile illness.
Viral infections affecting rats include:
- Hantavirus, leading to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in humans after rodent exposure; - Arenaviruses such as Lassa‑like viruses, capable of causing hemorrhagic disease; - Rat coronavirus (RCV) and rat rotavirus, producing enteric symptoms; - Sendai virus, a paramyxovirus causing respiratory disease.
Parasitic infestations are common and encompass:
- Protozoa: Giardia duodenalis, causing diarrheal disease; Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted to humans and felids; Coccidia (e.g., Eimeria spp.) affecting the intestinal tract. - Helminths: Nematodes such as Syphacia muris and Trichuris muris; Cestodes including Hymenolepis nana; Trematodes like Schistosoma spp. in endemic areas.
Fungal agents, though less prevalent, are documented:
- Candida albicans, leading to opportunistic mucosal infections; - Aspergillus spp., causing respiratory colonization in immunocompromised hosts.
Co‑infection scenarios are reported, where bacterial and viral agents synergize to exacerbate disease severity. Environmental factors, population density, and stress influence pathogen prevalence and transmission dynamics. Preventive measures focus on biosecurity, sanitation, vector control, and regular health monitoring of rodent colonies.