Rats as potential reservoirs for neglected zoonotic Bartonella species in Flanders, Belgium

Abstract Background Bartonella spp. are vector-borne pathogens transmitted to humans via blood-sucking arthropods. Rodents such as the black rat ( Rattus rattus ) and Norway rat ( R. norvegicus ) are thought to be the main reservoirs. An infection with rodent-associated Bartonella spp. may cause severe symptoms in humans such as endocarditis and neuroretinitis. The current knowledge of Bartonella prevalence in rats from western Europe is scarce. Methods Rats and a few other rodent by-catches were trapped in the context of a rodenticide resistance study at different sites in Flanders, Belgium.... Mehr ...