Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of different parasites in synanthropic rodents captured in the urban and peri-urban area in the city of Umuarama, Paraná (PR). The rodents were euthanized for measurement and collection of feces and ectoparasites. Specific identification keys were used for the ectoparasitological analysis and the technique by Hoffman et al. (1934) was used for the coproparasitological analysis. From the 162 rodents captured, 24.70% were found in the urban area and 75.30% in the periurban area in the city. The rodents belonged to the species Rattus rattus (96.91%) and Rattus norvegicus (3.09%), being 52.47% male and 47.53% female. 62.96% analyzed feces samples contained at least one parasite species. Identified parasites species were Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris sp., Strongyloides sp., Hymenolepis diminuta and Entamoeba sp. and protozoa eggs. Upon visual inspection, a total of three (1.85%) ectoparasites identified as Xenopsylla cheopis were collected. The importance of synanthropic rodents on the maintenance and possible transmission of different parasitic etiological agents with zoonotic potential was demonstrated, making both man and pets susceptible to possible parasitic infections.

Key words: Diagnosis, ectoparasites, enteroparasites, feces, rats.