Kepadatan Tikus dan Ektoparasitnya di Pemukiman Padat Penduduk di Kelurahan Mesjid, Kecamatan Medan Kota, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the types of rats and their ectoparasites, the relative density (trap success) of rats, the specific flea index (SFI), the prevalence, and the intensity of ectoparasite infestation in the densely populated residential area of Mesjid Village, Medan Kota District, Medan City, North Sumatra. The study was conducted in August 2025 at three locations with different environmental characteristics, namely flood-prone areas, non-flood-prone areas with accumulated waste, and shopping areas. The method used was a cross-sectional approach by installing traps in 10 houses per location. A total of 20 single live traps were set up, one trap outside the house and one trap outside the house, for 4 consecutive days. The captured rats were identified by species and ectoparasites at the Medan Community Laboratory Center (BLKM). The results showed that the rat species caught were Rattus novergicus, Rattus tanezumi, and Suncus murinus (Insectivora). The highest relative density (trap success) was found in environments 2 and 3, with values of 11.25% each. Three types of ectoparasites were found on the captured rats, namely Laelaps sp. mites, Xenopsylla cheopis fleas, and Dermacentor sp. ticks. The highest prevalence was found in Laelaps sp. in environments 2 and 4 on R. tanezumi, each with a value of 100%. The highest intensity was found in environment 3, as well as. The relationship between the specific flea index (IPK) of X. cheopis and the prevalence and intensity of X. cheopis is inversely proportional.