Résumé
This chapter explores some aspects of parasite ecology of helminth infection in the Rattus rattus-complex from mainland Southeast Asian countries. Diversity and species association patterns of helminths were assessed in relation to human landuse habitats. A substantial helminth diversity remains undiscovered, with at least 32 parasite species being found. We also discuss potential zoonotic species. Human landuse alteration, i.e. peridomestic habitat, appears to be a hotspot for helminth diversity. This trend is also associated with behavioral traits of the host species which commonly represent habitat generalists. We also examine the presence of helminth versus helminth association patterns using a species co-occurrence probabilistic model. Similar to previous findings, positive associations were more prominent than negative, although persistent negative associations occurred between some certain nematode taxa. Understanding the associated factors influencing parasite colonization, diversity and species association patterns is important in parasite ecology research. This knowledge could provide valuable information for the development of predictive models in disease ecology based on host traits and host–parasite or parasite–parasite interactions, as well as geographical and ecological parameters, particularly landuse alteration by human activities in the Anthropocene.