Total cholesterol and triglyceride influence on Siphonaptera abundance in Neotoma micropus (the Southern Plains Woodrat)

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Terrestrial Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

The Southern Plains Woodrat (Neotoma micropus) is host to a wide range of parasites, both external and internal. It is well known that many of these parasites, particularly Siphonapterans, are vectors of zoonotic diseases. There is little to no data available addressing the possibility of physiological factors, specifically lipid levels within the Neotoma micropus host, affecting the parasitic abundance and prevalence. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between this specific mammalian host’s lipid levels and the Siphonapteran load that it carries. A sample size of sixty-four N. micropus were captured using a live trapping technique at two distinct locations in Midland County, Texas. Captured woodrats were anesthetized in the field with the use of isoflurane, allowing for ectoparasite collection via the brushing method and blood collection via intracardiac puncture of the left ventricle. All Siphonaptera collected were identified to lowest level possible and quantified. Blood serum lipid levels (specifically total cholesterol and triglycerides) were evaluated with the use of an IDEXX VetLab analyzer. Data were analyzed to show any correlation between the blood serum lipid levels and the flea load on each host using various statistical methods.

Authors

• Clarence Sparks, Midland College

• Diana Garcia Garcia, Midland College

• Missy Schenkman, Sul Ross State University

• Joseph Schenkman, Midland College

• Chris M Ritzi, Sul Ross State University