Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infectious disease agents pose significant threats to humans, wildlife, and livestock, with rodents carrying a third of these agents, many linked to human diseases. However, the range of pathogens in rodents and the hotspots for disease remain poorly understood. AIM: This study evaluated the prevalence of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens in Mastomys natalensis rodents in riverine and non-riverine areas in selected districts in Zambia. METHODS: The study applied metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Tissues analysed included semen, foetal tissues, and blood-rich organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs). A multivariate logistic regression model explored the relationship between pathogen presence and host or ecological factors. RESULTS: A total of 182 rodents were captured, and 14 pathogens were detected in 10.4% of the samples (19/182). Detected organisms included zoonoses (Klebsiella michiganensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and Bartonella elizabethae); Emerging zoonoses (Elizabethkingia miricola, Klebsiella variicola, Bartonella tribocorum, and Cardiovirus B); among others (Eimeria papillata etc). Riverine areas showed higher odds of pathogen presence (OR = 8.45; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 3.07-23.26). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that M. natalensis harbours multiple infectious agents with zoonotic potential, and riverine regions may be key hotspots for rodent-borne pathogens in Zambia.