Host-ectoparasite associations; the role of host traits, season and habitat on parasitism interactions of the rodents of northeastern Iran

Rodents play a significant role as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases. Nevertheless, in general their ectoparasite assemblage and host-ectoparasite associations are poorly known. This study intended to provide new insights into the relationships between ectoparasites rodents northeastern Iran. were captured using live traps during years 2016–2020, collected. Parasitological indices such infestation rate, prevalence mean intensity analyzed. A total 284 rodents, belonging 17 species, trapped found be infested by 178 from five orders Siphonaptera, Phthiraptera, Ixodida, Mesostigmata Trombidiformes. The overall rate was 50.3%. flea Nosopsyllus fasciatus louse Polyplax asiatica dominated among all fleas lice, respectively. Haemaphysalis punctata Haemolaelaps sp. recorded most abundant tick mite, exhibited low moderate host specificity. Approximately 64.2% shared more than one host, others singletons. Seasonal fluctuations occurrence ectoparasite; lice spring winter, Ticks demonstrated high abundance summer mites common autumn. on male greater that females (56.4% vs. 44.4%), while similar intensities detected for both sexes. extends knowledge distribution, seasonality choice four main groups association with rodents. Further studies needed deep insight how interactions formed, they can applied epidemiology.