Rodents as Key Hosts of Zoonotic Pathogens and Parasites in the Neotropics

Rodents thrive across various terrestrial ecosystems due to their adaptability and diverse traits. They also serve as hosts for numerous pathogens, some with significant public health implications like Hanta Virus, Machupo, Leptospira, Lyme Disease, and plague. However, our knowledge of their role in disease transmission remains geographically limited, particularly in the global south. This chapter delves into their role in transmitting pathogens and parasites in Neotropical regions, categorizing transmission as direct (involving human contact) or indirect (via vectors). Species-specific responses to human-induced habitat changes can amplify these roles, elevating human exposure to parasites, pathogens, and vectors that rely on rodents as blood sources. Our investigation uncovered 245 reports of zoonotic pathogens in 130 rodent species, with uneven geographical distribution. Brazil and Mexico have more reports, while Central America and the Caribbean Islands have fewer. We also explore two scenarios of anthropogenic land-use change: landscape fragmentation and agriculture, where rodents play a pivotal role in disease transmission. Changes in land use often lead to increased generalist rodent populations, intensifying zoonotic disease transmission to humans, domestic animals, and livestock. Given the profound impact of human activities on natural ecosystems, further research into the ecology and health implications of Neotropical rodents is indispensable.