Cryptosporidium spp. infection in introduced wild black rats (Rattus rattus) in suburban and rural habitats in Patagonia, Argentina (Southern Neuquén Province, 2021–2024)

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the presence and identity of Cryptosporidium spp. infecting wild black rats (Rattus rattus) captured in rural and natural habitats of North-West Argentinean Patagonia and to explore the association of Cryptosporidium infection with host characteristics and environmental variables. Small intestine samples from 78 black rats were collected in seven sites during 2021–2024. Smears homogenates stained with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique were analyzed using light microscopy (parasitological technique) and by nested PCR for the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, followed by sequencing of positive samples and phylogenetic analysis (molecular technique).