Distribution pattern of chigger mites in south Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Chiggers, the larval Trombiculid mites are the vectors for scrub typhus. Rodents and shrews are the preferred host. Study made at different habitats of chiggers collected in rodents and shrews, revealed more number to Rattus rattus 95(63%) and Suncus murinus 33(22%). Rattus rattus 31(54%) and Suncus murinus 17(30%) alone contributed more in chigger positivity. Chigger mites belonged to eight species under five genera. Leptotrombidium deliense (66%), Schoengatiella ligula (15%), and other chiggers (9%) were collected from 57 positive rodents. Seasonally, there was a significant difference in rodent positivity, and there was no significant difference in the number of chiggers collected. The study indicated the prevalence of chiggers in the various hosts and their variation in rodent/shrew hosts. R. rattus 31(54%) and S. murinus 17(30%) contributed more in chiggers infestation and seasonally wet-cool months favored more chiggers and host positivity from different habitats.