What diseases do rats have? - briefly
Rats can carry bacterial infections such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and plague, viral diseases including hantavirus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and parasites like tapeworms, fleas, and mites. They also serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens that can affect humans and other animals.
What diseases do rats have? - in detail
Rats are susceptible to a wide range of bacterial infections. Common agents include Salmonella spp., which cause enteritis and septicemia; Leptospira interrogans, responsible for leptospirosis with renal involvement; Streptobacillus moniliformis, the cause of rat‑bite fever characterized by fever, rash, and arthritis; Yersinia pestis, the plague bacterium that can be transmitted by fleas; and Clostridium piliforme, the agent of Tyzzer’s disease producing hepatic necrosis. Respiratory disease frequently involves Mycoplasma pulmonis, leading to chronic bronchitis, while Pasteurella multocida may cause pneumonia and septicemia.
Viral pathogens affect rats extensively. Hantavirus infections can result in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) produces meningoencephalitis and is a notable zoonotic risk. Rat coronavirus (RCV) induces sialodacryoadenitis, presenting with swollen salivary glands and conjunctivitis. Rat parvovirus leads to severe enteritis and immunosuppression in young animals.
Parasitic infestations are common. Intestinal helminths such as Syphacia muris (pinworm) and Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm) cause gastrointestinal irritation and weight loss. Protozoan parasites include Giardia duodenalis, producing malabsorption and diarrhea, and Coccidia (e.g., Eimeria spp.) causing enteric inflammation. Toxoplasma gondii can be carried asymptomatically but may cause systemic disease under immunosuppression.
Fungal infections, though less frequent, occur in immunocompromised rats. Dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton spp.) affect the skin and hair, while Candida albicans may cause systemic candidiasis with organ involvement.
Neoplastic conditions arise spontaneously or under experimental manipulation. Mammary adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and fibrosarcomas are documented, often presenting as palpable masses with potential metastasis.
Metabolic and nutritional disorders also affect rat health. Vitamin E deficiency leads to steatitis, an inflammatory fat necrosis; hypocalcemia can cause tetany; and obesity predisposes to cardiovascular strain and hepatic lipidosis.
Zoonotic considerations are critical. Bacterial agents such as Leptospira, Salmonella, and Streptobacillus can be transmitted to humans via bites, scratches, or contaminated environments. LCMV may cause febrile illness and meningitis in people handling infected rodents. Proper biosafety measures, including protective equipment and sanitation, reduce transmission risk.
Overall, rat disease spectrum encompasses bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, neoplastic, and metabolic disorders, each with distinct clinical signs, pathological mechanisms, and implications for both animal welfare and public health.