Investigation of the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents in chigger mites (Acari: Trombidiformes) parasites of small mammals in Brazil

• Grant number: 24/21487-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius
• Grantee: Maria Vitória Almeida Bechara
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The mite fauna associated with small mammals in Brazil is poorly studied in terms of taxonomy, systematics and host-parasite association. The Trombiculidae family stands out in terms of parasitism in these animals and their possible importance as potential vectors of pathogens. Trombiculid mites have approximately 70 species recorded in Brazil, and just over half have been detected in rodents and marsupials. Despite the known importance of this family, the role of these mites in the epidemiology of pathogens has not yet been confirmed in the Neotropical region. Therefore, this study proposes a molecular study targeting chigger mites associated with small mammals for the possible detection of pathogens, especially for the Anaplasmataceae family.