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Fleas are known vectors of zoonotic agents. Thirty-five fleas, including 28 Ctenocephalides felis(Bouché), four Pulex irritans(L.), and three Echidnophaga gallinacea(Westwood) from 19 rural dogs from southwestern Uganda were analyzed for the presence of Rickettsiaspp. (ompB, gltA, and 17 kDa fragment genes) and Bartonellaspp. (rpoBand ITS genes) by PCR. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 27 out of 28 of Ct. felisand in two out of four P. irritans.None of the E. gallinaceaspecimens harbored RickettsiaDNA. Rickettsia feliswas confirmed in 12 Ct. felisand in the two P. irritansspecimens with positive PCR-results. In addition, the presence of CandidatusRickettsia asemboensis was evidenced in 15 Ct. felis. Bartonellaspp. was not amplified in any sample. Our survey indicates that R. felis, the agent of the flea-borne spotted fever, is present in the study area. Besides, this is the first description of Ca.R. asemboensis in Uganda.

Background:The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis in under debate, and determining whether infection with Leishmania infantumcauses illness in wild carnivores is important to determine its potential role as a reservoir.Objectives:To provide for the first time serum biochemistry reference values for the common genet (Genetta genetta), and to determine variations associated with L. infantuminfection.Methods:Twenty-five serum biochemistry parameters were determined in 22 wild-caught genets. Blood samples were analyzed for L. infantumDNA by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:Two female genets were positive for L. infantumDNA but did not show any external clinical sign upon physical examination. Among other variations in the biochemistry values of these genets, one presented a higher concentration of gamma-globulins and cholesterol, whereas the other genet presented increased creatinine, bilirubin, and chloride levels when compared to uninfected females. Sex-related differences in some parameters were also reported.Conclusion:Infection with L. infantummay sometimes be accompanied by abnormal serum biochemistry in wild carnivores.Clinical importance:Clinical disease may occur in L. infantum-infected wild carnivores. This has implications in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis. In addition, the data provided here would also be useful as reference values for researchers or rehabilitators working with the common genet.