Analysis of vector chigger mites and their host of tsutsugamushi diseace in Hebi

HU Xiaoxue; ZHU Fengyun

doi:10.19821/j.1671-2781.2026.01.023

Abstract：Objective To investigate the density,distribution,seasonal fluctuation of chigger mites in Hebi,so as to provide scientific evidence for the tsutsugamushi disease.Methods From 2020 to 2024,night trap method was used to capture rodents and to collect ectoparasites from the body surface of rodents in different sites and habitats in Hebi(at least three habitats were selected every year).Chigger mite specimens were prepared proportionally.The rodent species was identified,and the density,chigger infestation rate,and chigger index were calculated.Results From 2020 to 2024,13 424 rodent traps were placed,a total of 42 rodents were captured with a capture rate of 0.31％.Apodemus agrarius and Mus musculus were the dominant rodent species,accounting for 69.05％.The capture rates were higher in rural residential areas(1.90％),farmland(0.53％),key industry(0.35％)and wasteland(0.29％).A total of 647 chigger mites were collected from rodents.The chigger infestation rate was 13.33％and the chigger index was 15.4.Chigger mites were found on the surface of rodents in farmland,wasteland and orchard.All the chigger mites obtained were Leptotrombidium scutellare which was mainly parasitic on the body surface of Apodemus agrarius.Conclusion There are some natural epidemic foci of tsutsugamushi disease among rodents in Hebi.The main host of tsutsugamushi disease was A.agrarius,and the vectors was L.minuta.