Molecular Detection and Genotyping of in Edward's Long-Tailed Rats ().

is an important zoonotic parasite infecting humans and various animals with a worldwide distribution. However, limited information is available on infection in wild rats. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and characterize the genotypes of in wild rats in two regions of China. Brain tissues were collected from 111 Edward's long-tailed rats () and 117 Bower's white-toothed rats () between November 2017 and January 2018. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR targeting the B1 gene. B1 gene-positive samples were genotyped at 10 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2 [5', 3'] and [alternative], SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) using multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism. Six (5.41%, 6/111) Edward's long-tailed rats from Chongqing Municipality were positive for B1 gene, whereas no infection was detected in Bower's white-toothed rats ( = 117) from Guangdong province. prevalence in female and male rats was 1.77% (2/113) and 3.48 (4/115), respectively. Four of the six positive DNA samples were completely genotyped at 10 genetic loci and were identified as ToxoDB#20. The present study revealed the occurrence of infection in Edward's long-tailed rats. These findings raised public health concerning about infection in wild rats. These results provide reference data for understanding the distribution of genotypes in wild rats in China.