Microparasite prevalence in Southern giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) in Morogoro, Tanzania

Rodents play a critical role in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens, with environmental changes and increasing human-wildlife interactions further amplifying disease spillover risks. Cricetomys spp., commonly found in both human dwellings and agricultural fields, are frequently hunted for consumption, potentially facilitating pathogen transmission. However, their roles in pathogen transmission and disease ecology remain poorly understood. This study investigated the prevalence of three microparasite genera, i.e., Bartonella, Hepatozoon, and Anaplasma, in Cricetomys ansorgei from Morogoro, Tanzania. We observed a prevalence of 71.9 % for Bartonella, 17.5 % for Hepatozoon, and 1.8 % for Anaplasma. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate Bartonella, Hepatozoon, and Anaplasma in Cricetomys spp. in Tanzania. Furthermore, preliminary results indicate that Bartonella infection prevalence is influenced by habitat type, with a significantly higher prevalence observed in rural areas compared to urban areas. This study underscores the potential role of Cricetomys spp. as important reservoirs of infectious diseases.