Abstract

Neotoma micropus, the Southern Plains Woodrat, is host to a wide range of parasites, both external and internal. It is well documented that these parasites are potential vectors of zoonotic diseases; however little is known regarding the possibility of the host’s internal physiology influencing parasitic abundance and prevalence. This study focused on determining if there was a connection between the N. micropus sex hormone and lipid levels to the external parasite load (such as ticks, mites, lice, and fleas). A sample size of sixty-four N. micropus were captured with live traps at two locations in Midland County, Texas. In the field, woodrats were anesthetized with isoflurane which allowed for ectoparasite collection via the brushing method and blood collection via cardiocentesis of the left ventricle. Collected ectoparasites were grouped by type, quantified and taxonomically identified to lowest level possible. Blood serum hormone levels were obtained through ELISA testing and the lipid levels (specifically total cholesterol and triglycerides) were evaluated with the use of an IDEXX VetLab analyzer. Data analysis included each host’s ectoparasite density, intensity and prevalence, and various statistical methods were used to evaluate the presence of a link between the blood serum hormone and lipid levels to ectoparasite abundances.

Authors

• Missy Schenkman, Sul Ross State University

• Joseph Schenkman, Midland College

• Clarence Sparks, Midland College

• Diana Garcia Garcia, Midland College

• Chris M Ritzi, Sul Ross State University