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Departamento de Reproducción animal, Flea infestations of wild rabbits were examined monthly in central Spain in a meso-Mediterranean area for 5 yr. A total of 1,180 wild rabbits were trapped and 7,022 fleas were collected from them. Overall, the prevalence was 74.1% with a mean flea index of 5.95 fleas per rabbit. Four flea species were identified: Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale, 1878) was the most abundant species (accounting for 74.3% of fleas collected) followed by Xenopsylla cunicularis (Smit, 1957), Odontopsyllus quirosi (Gil Collado, 1934), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, 1800) (18.9, 6.7, and 0.1%, respectively). The highest prevalence was observed in S. cuniculi (48.6%) followed by X. cunicularis, O. quirosi, and N. fasciatus (34.3, 20.0, and 0.6%, respectively). Odontopsyllus quirosi and S. cuniculi were mainly collected from autumn to spring with the peak of infestation in winter, while X. cunicularis was mainly found from spring to autumn with maximum levels of infestation during the summer months. The relevance of these findings is discussed.

Fleas are the common name of the order Siphonaptera, obligate provisional nidiculous parasites of mammals and, to a lesser extent, birds, which can also feed on humans. Fleas can cause ctenocephalidosis of dogs and are carriers of many dangerous infectious and invasive diseases. Their ability to use humans as an alternative host determines the importance of these parasites in health care. Therefore, the aim of the work was to establish morphological and metric characters of adult male and female fleas of the species Ctenocephalides felis Bouche, 1835 and C. canis Curtis, 1826, isolated from domestic dogs for species identification. Morphological studies of fleas have shown that the differential features of C. felis and C. canis include the shape of the head and anterior-dorsal cuticular notch on the head. Notably, male fleas of both species have a more rounded forehead than female fleas. The metric parameters of adult fleas can be used as additional identification features, which will increase the efficiency of differential diagnosis of parasitic insects. We found differences in male fleas by 23 parameters, of which the value of 17 parameters were smaller in C. canis specimens. Males of C. felis were 9.1–21.1% larger in total body length, lengths of head and thorax, as well as lengths of mesothorax and metathorax. Differential features included size of the teeth of the main ctenidium and pronotal ctenidium: in C. felis males all eight teeth of the main ctenidium, located on the left side, were longer by 12.7–41.7%, and the first, seventh, eighth teeth were wider by 25.4–43.0% than in C. canis. In female fleas, differences were found for 24 metric parameters, of which the values of 20 parameters were also smaller in C. canis specimens. Females of C. felis were 12.1–22.2% larger in terms of total body length, head, breast, prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax. All their teeth of the main ctenidium were longer by 5.6–40.6%, and the first, second, third, and eighth teeth were 18.1–48.9% wider than in females of C. canis. The obtained results add to the already existing data on morphometric features of adult fleas of C. felis and C. canis species, and will allow timely and accurate diagnosis of ctenocephalidosis in dogs caused by parasites of these species.

The ectoparasites have dual adverse action against their hosts as infesting agents and as vectors of various disease entities. These ectoparasites invade domesticated and wild animals and birds either in natural habitat or in captivity. The present study is an effort to identify and confirm fleas and lice recovered from jungle cat (Felis chaus) and pigeon (Columba livia), which were delineated as Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) and Afrimenopon waar (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), respectively, based on gross morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy. The present study thus projected the first report of morphological identification and confirmation of ectoparasites invading the captive wild animals and birds of a zoological garden in India. Also, the present study puts forward new host species for the ectoparasites i.e. jungle cat for Ctenocephlides felis felis and pigeon for Afrimenopon waar from India.

The paper presents the results of the study of some morphological and genotypic features of fleas of the genus Xenopsylla: X. gerbilli minax, X. skrjabini, X. hirtipes - the main vectors in the Central Asian natural desert plague focus. In order to identify population characteristics, for the first time we attempted both morphological analysis using the ImageJ computer program and subsequent data processing in a free statistical environment R version 4.0.0 with R Studio graphic shell, as well as genetic analysis of a fragment of a nucleotide sequence of the COII gene of fleas sampled in Pre-Ustyurt, Betpakdala and Pre-Pre-Balkhash autonomous plague foci. As a result of the study of morphometric indices of the main plague vectors in Kazakhstan, independent populations of three species of fleas of the genus Xenopsylla have been identified: the Betpakdala and Pre-Pre-Balkhash populations of X. gerbilli minax and X. hirtipes, as well as the Pre-Pre-Balkhash, Betpakdala and Pre-Usturt populations of X. skrjabini fleas.

Одними з найпоширеніших ектопаразитів на домашніх хижих тваринах є блохи з роду Ctenocephalides. Ця група комах, що смокчуть кров, є однією з найважливіших у медичному та ветеринарному плані, оскільки вони можуть служити носіями небезпечних інфекцій та можуть спричинити інші інвазивні захворювання. Дослідження встановили різноманіття бліх та інших паразитів, що паразитують на домашніх собаках у Полтаві, Україна. Нещодавно були визначені деякі особливості цих ектопаразитарних досліджень у складі змішаної інвазії собак. Результати досліджень показали, що видовий склад бліх був представлений двома основними видами. Домінуючим видом був Ct. felis та їх поширеність становила 36,05%. Інший вид (Ct. Canis) діагностували рідше і він мав поширеність 27,94%. Було встановлено, що у 31,18% собак кровосисні комахи в основному паразитують у формі асоціацій з: нематодою (Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala), цестодою (Dipylidium caninum), найпростішими (Cystoisospora canis) та іншими ектопаразитами (Trichodectes canis). Загалом було виявлено 33 типи змішаних інвазій. Більше того, кількість різних паразитичних видів у кожної собаки коливалася від одного до семи. Найчастіше реєстрували бліх роду Ctenocephalides (у складі двох видів паразитів) (14,60%). Зараженість собак іншими формами змішаних інвазій становила 0,69—8,01%. Найчастіші співмешканцями Ct. felis були Cestoda [D. caninum (13,47%)], для Ct. canis — Cestoda [D. caninum (11,23%)] та Nematoda [Т. vulpis (8,29%)]. Одним из наиболее распространенных эктопаразитов домашних плотоядных животных являются блохи из рода Ctenocephalides. Эта группа кровососущих насекомых является одной из самых важных в медицинском и ветеринарном отношении, так как они могут служить переносчиками опасных инфекционных заболеваний и могут вызывать другие инвазивные заболевания. В результате научных исследований было установлено, что домашних собак в Полтаве, Украина, поражает множество блох и других инвазионных заболеваний. Определенные особенности этих эктопаразитарных исследований в составе смешанных инвазий собак установлены недавно. Результаты исследований показали, что видовой состав блох представлен двумя основными видами. Доминирующим видом был Ct. felis и их распространенность составила 36,05%. Другой вид (Ct. Canis) диагностировался реже и имел распространенность 27,94%. Установлено, что у 31,18% собак кровососущие насекомые в основном паразитируют в виде ассоциаций с нематодами (Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala), цестодами (Dipylidium caninum), простейшими (Cystoisospora canis), и другими эктопаразитами (Trichodectes canis). Всего выявлено 33 вида смешанных инвазий. Причем количество разных видов паразитов у каждой собаки колебалось от одного до семи. Чаще всего регистрировались блохи рода Ctenocephalides (в составе двух видов паразитов) (14,60%). Зараженность собак другими формами смешанных инвазий составила 0,69—8,01%. Наиболее частые участники Ct. felis были Cestoda [D. caninum (13,47%)], для Ct. canis — Cestoda [D. caninum (11,23%)] и нематоды [T. vulpis (8,29%)].

The spatial pattern of flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) infestation risk in cats and dogs across Great Britain is quantified, using data collected from a national survey undertaken in 2018, with particular attention given to the association between insecticidal treatment and infestation risk. Flea infestation risk declined significantly from south to north. None of the factors: pet breed, sex, neutered status, or whether the pet had been abroad, showed any relationship with the underlying geographic distribution, which is most likely to be associated with climatic factors. However, overall, only 23.6% of the cats and 35% of the dogs inspected had been treated with identifiable flea products that were still ‘in date’ at the point of inspection. The percentage of owners treating their pet broadly followed infestation risk. The insecticide fipronil is a common active in a wide range of flea treatments and was the most frequently applied insecticide class, particularly in cats. However, 62% of cats and 45% of dogs that had been treated with a fipronil-based product that was ‘in date’ at the point of inspection still had fleas. Persistent flea infestation is likely to be due to a range of factors, including compliance and application failure, but the data provide strong inferential evidence for a lack of efficacy of fipronil-based products. Given the ubiquity of flea infestation, this finding and the relatively low-level of treatment compliance, highlight a clear need for greater owner education about the importance of flea management and a better understanding of the efficacy of different products.

Plague, caused by the flea-transmitted bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, is primarily a disease of wild rodents distributed in temperate and tropical zones worldwide. The ability of Y. pestis to develop a biofilm blockage that obstructs the flea foregut proventriculus facilitates its efficient transmission through regurgitation into the host bite site during flea blood sucking. While it is known that temperature influences transmission, it is not well-known if blockage dynamics are similarly in accord with temperature. Here, we determine the influence of the biologically relevant temperatures, 10 and 21°C, on blockage development in flea species, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild) and Oropsylla montana (Baker), respectively, characterized by geographical distribution as cosmopolitan, tropical or endemic, temperate. We find that both species exhibit delayed development of blockage at 10°C. In Y. pestis infected X. cheopis, this is accompanied by significantly lower survival rates and slightly decreased blockage rates, even though these fleas maintain similar rates of persistent infection as at 21°C. Conversely, irrespective of infection status, O. montana withstand 21 and 10°C similarly well and show significant infection rate increases and slightly greater blocking rates at 10 versus 21°C, emphasizing that cooler temperatures are favorable for Y. pestis transmission from this species. These findings assert that temperature is a relevant parameter to consider in assessing flea transmission efficiency in distinct flea species residing in diverse geographical regions that host endemic plague foci. This is important to predict behavioral dynamics of plague regarding epizootic outbreaks and enzootic maintenance and improve timeous implementation of flea control programs.

The Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild 1903), is a cosmopolitan flea usually found infesting domestic rats. This flea is a well-known major human plague vector in Madagascar. As part of field sampling, fleas and small mammals were collected in the village of South Andranofeno and the natural reserve of Sohisika, two sites of the district of Ankazobe, located in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Rats inside houses and forest small mammals were trapped using Besancon Technical Services and pitfall traps, respectively. Their fleas were collected and preserved for laboratory works. Collected fleas from the village and forest belonged to five species, which were X. cheopis, Synopsyllus fonquerniei (Wagner and Roubaud 1932) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood 1875) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Ctenocephalides felisstrongylus (Jordan 1925) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Pulex irritans (Linnaeus 1758) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). After sampling in the forest zone, one specimen of X. cheopis was unexpectedly collected while infesting an endemic tenrec Setifer setosus (Schreber 1777) (Afrosoricida: Tenrecidae). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnosis on all collected fleas allowed detecting plague bacterium Yersinia pestis (Lehmann and Neumann 1896) (Enterobacterales: Yersiniaceae) on nine specimens of the endemic flea S. fonquerniei collected inside forest. The presence of the oriental rat flea in forest highlights the connection between human and wild environments due to animal movements and the fact that the rat flea can infest various hosts. As only one specimen of X. cheopis was collected on S. setosus, we hypothesize that flea was carried from the village to forest. Yersinia pestis infection of forest fleas outlines plague circulation in this sylvatic area.

This is an FC submission; below I have pasted the Introduction. The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild, 1903), is a member of the family Pulicidae in the order Siphonaptera. Fleas are highly specialized insects that are demonstrably successful as ectoparasites of birds and mammals (Marquardt, et al. 2000). Of the nearly 2,500 species of fleas known from around the world (Triplehorn & Johnson 2005), few are as infamous as the oriental rat flea. This species is best known as the carrier of the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) that was responsible for decimating large populations of people, including nearly a third of the human population of Europe, and influenced the trajectory of human history (Fasulo 2004). In addition to its role as a vector of the plague bacterium, this species can vector other pathogens and at least two tapeworm parasites of humans (Marquardt, et al. 2000; Gage 2005).

Mosquitoes (Culicidae), Sand flies (Psychodidae), Black flies (Simuliidae), Biting Midges (Ceratopogonidae), Tabanids (Tabanidae), Stable fly (Muscidae), Tsetse fly (Glossinidae), Kissing bug (Reduviidae), Bedbug (Cimicidae), Flea (Pulicidae), Head and body louse (Pediculicidae), Crab (Phthiridae), Mite (Trombiculidae), Hard Ticks (Ixodidae), Soft ticks (Argasidae)...

Members of the flea family Pulicidae have been the focus of many studies due to their significance as diseases vectors of medical and veterinary importance and their cosmopolitan distribution. They often exhibit variation in morphological features that can make correct species identification and management challenging. This may also apply to Xenopsylla brasiliensis (Baker, 1904), an important plague vector. In the current study, we aimed to provide genetic tools for reliable species identification using a DNA barcoding approach. A total of 73 flea specimens was collected from a native host (Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis) in South Africa and identified morphologically. In addition, we took measurements of 7 morphological characteristics. Subsequently, we successfully generated barcodes of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for X. brasiliensis. We validated this approach by comparing our data to COI sequences from Rwandan X. brasiliensis. While sequences from both regions suggested a close relationship between the 2 X. brasiliensis populations, both haplotype and nucleotide diversity were substantially larger for the South African specimens. This may be attributed to human-assisted spread, differences in habitat, and/or host species sampled and merits further study in the future.

Fleas are insects with a worldwide distribution that have been implicated in the transmission of several pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and Bartonella spp. (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) in fleas from free-ranging crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Canidae) from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Fleas were collected manually from animals and used for the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. Twenty-nine C. thous were sampled in six municipalities. Four foxes were parasitized by 10 fleas, all of which were identified as Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1935) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). DNA from Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al., 2001 and Rickettsia asembonensis Maina et al., 2016 were found in three and eight fleas, respectively. In four fleas, DNA of Bartonella sp. was identified. Phylogenetic analysis grouped Bartonella sp. together with other genotypes previously reported in C. felis worldwide. The scenario described in the present study highlights a Neotropical canid parasitized by the invasive cosmopolitan cat flea, which in turn, is carrying potentially invasive vector-borne microorganisms. These findings suggest that C. felis is adapted to wild hosts in wilderness areas in southern Brazil, hypothetically exposing the Neotropical fauna to unknown ecological and health disturbances.

The use of topical and oral therapies on pets has revolutionized the control of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché). Herein, we tested the biological activity of two adulticides, fipronil and imidacloprid, and the insect growth regulators (IGRs), methoprene and pyriproxyfen. The LC50's of fipronil, imidacloprid, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen in larval rearing medium for second and third instars were 1.13, 0.73, 0.35, and 0.23 ppm, respectively. Combinations of imidacloprid and methoprene and pyriproxyfen were synergistic. The combination indices (CIs) at an effective dose (ED95) of imidacloprid:methoprene (Im:Meth) were 0.54, 0.44, 0.66, 0.73, and 0.62 for Im1:Meth1, Im5:Meth1, Im10:Meth1, Im20:Meth1, and Im40:Meth1, respectively. Similarly, the CIs of imidacloprid:pyriproxyfen (Im:Pyri) at an ED95 were 0.73 and 0.50 for Im1:Pyri1 and Im5:Pyri1, respectively. Combinations of fipronil:methoprene (Fip:Meth) provided variable results with Fip1:Meth1 being antagonistic (CI = 1.61). Combinations at 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1 at an ED95 were moderately synergistic. Combinations of Fip:Pyri at 1:1 were antagonistic at an ED95 with a CI of 2.87. When the combinations were reversed, neither the imidacloprid nor fipronil synergized either IGR. The dose response indices (DRI) for both Im:Meth and Im:Pyri indicate that the concentrations of the combinations could be significantly reduced and still be as effective as imidacloprid alone. Certain combinations of adulticides and IGRs were synergistic against immature fleas.

Objective Many pet owners are taking precautions to protect their cats and dogs from ectoparasites only during the spring and summer months. However, some studies have shown that fleas can also be found as parasites on pets during winter. In this research, we investigated the species composition of fleas infesting cats and dogs that were brought to a veterinary clinic in Muratpasa, Antalya during the 3-months survey period. Methods In total, 50 domestic animals were examined between December 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018. Species of fleas were identified after being collected from pets. Results Total 152 fleas, belonging to 2 different species, were recovered from pets. Of the domestic animals, 46% were cats (23) and 54% were dogs (27). Twenty two cats were infested with only Ctenocephalides felis. Nineteen dogs were infested with only Ct. felis, 5 dogs infested with only Ct. canis, and 3 dogs infested with both Ct. felis and Ct. canis. Conclusion This research showed that infestation with fleas should be monitored and controlled in both cats and dogs during winter months as well.

Fleas (Siphonaptera) are ubiquitous blood-sucking parasites that transmit a range of vector-borne pathogens. The present study examined rodents (n = 29) and domestic dogs (n = 7) living in the vicinity of the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, for fleas, identified flea species from these hosts, and detected Bartonella (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) and Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) DNA. The most frequently encountered flea on rodents was Xenopsylla brasiliensis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). In addition, Ctenophthalmus (Ethioctenophthalmus) calceatus cabirus (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) and Ctenocephalides felis strongylus (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were determined using morphology and sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II genes (cox1 and cox2, respectively). Bartonella tribocorum DNA was detected in X. brasiliensis and Rickettsia asembonensis DNA (a Rickettsia felis-like organism) was detected in C. felis strongylus. The present work complements studies that clarify the distributions of flea-borne pathogens and potential role of fleas in disease transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. In the context of high-density housing in central sub-Saharan Africa, the detection of B. tribocorum and R. asembonensis highlights the need for surveillance in both rural and urban areas to identify likely reservoirs.

Wild and domestic carnivores share ectoparasites, although molecular evidence is lacking. The goals of this study were to describe tick and flea infestation in sympatric free-ranging dogs Canis lupus familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora: Canidae) and Andean foxes Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) (Carnivora: Canidae) and to determine whether interspecific transmission occurs. Fleas and ticks retrieved from 79 foxes and 111 dogs in the human-dominated landscapes of central Chile were identified and a subset of specimens characterized by PCR and amplicon sequencing. Each ectoparasite species was clearly associated with a host: abundance and occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Ctenocephalides spp. (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were significantly higher in dogs than in foxes, whereas the opposite was true for Amblyomma tigrinum (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) and Pulex irritans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). Genetic analyses of a subset of ectoparasites revealed that dogs and foxes shared a limited number of nucleotide sequence types, suggesting that the interspecific transmission of these ectoparasites happens infrequently. Data also indicated that the ecological association and biological cycles of ticks and fleas determine the ectoparasite fauna of sympatric carnivores. In conclusion, our study shows that cross-species transmission should be assessed at a molecular level.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different substrates for larval development of Ctenocephalides felis felis during its biological cycle. Eight hundred eggs of C. felis felis from a flea maintenance colony were used. Different diets were formulated, in which the main substrates were meat flour, powdered milk, sugar, lyophilized bovine blood, tick metabolites and lyophilized egg. The flea eggs were placed in test tubes (10 per tube) and approximately 2 g of the diet to be tested was added to each tube. There were 10 replicates for each substrate. After 28 days, each tube was evaluated individually for the presence of pupae and emerged adults. The following percentages of the larvae completed the cycle to the adult stage: 67% in diets containing tick metabolites; 55%, meat flour; 39%, dehydrated bovine blood; 14%, powdered milk; and less than 1% in diets containing sugar, lyophilized bovine blood, lyophilized egg or wheat bran. It was concluded that among the diets tested, the one constituted by tick metabolites as the substrate was shown to be the most satisfactory for maintaining a laboratory colony of C. felis felis, followed by the one containing meat flour. Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de diferentes substratos no desenvolvimento larval de Ctenocephalides felis felis durante seu ciclo biológico. Foram utilizados 800 ovos de C. felis felis, oriundos de colônia de manutenção de pulgas. Diferentes dietas foram formuladas, contendo como substratos principais a farinha de carne, leite em pó, açúcar, sangue bovino liofilizado, metabólitos de carrapato e ovo liofilizado. Foram distribuídos 10 ovos por tubo de ensaio, aos quais foram acrescidos as dietas a serem testadas, realizando-se10 repetições para cada substrato. Após 28 dias, cada tubo foi avaliado individualmente pela presença de pupas e adultos emergidos. Nas dietas que continham metabólitos de carrapato, 67% das larvas completaram o ciclo até a fase adulta; 55% nas que continham farinha de carne; 39% contendo sangue bovino desidratado; 14% com leite em pó, e menos de 1% em dietas contendo açúcar, sangue bovino liofilizado, ovo liofilizado e farelo de trigo. Conclui-se que, entre as dietas testadas, a constituída por metabólitos de carrapato como substrato, mostrou-se a mais satisfatória para a manutenção de colônia laboratorial de C.felis felis, seguida da que continha farinha de carne.

A faunal study is presented to determine the species of ectoparasites found in the opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Marsupialia: Didelphidae). For this, Tomahawk traps were placed in the peridomiciles of a rural town in Yucatán, to capture individuals of this marsupial and proceed to the collection of their ectoparasites. A total of 3,023 arthropods were collected from 145 opossums. The most frequent ectoparasites were the acarines Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) nr. talaje (64.8%) (Argasidae); Ornithonyssus wernecki Fonseca (53.8%) (Macronyssidae) and Didelphilicus serrifer Fain (25.5%) (Atopomelidae); the ticks Amblyomma parvum Aragão (8.3%) and A. mixtum Koch (10.3%) (Ixodidae); and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (20.7%) and Pulex simulans Baker (8.3%) (Pulicidae). It is concluded that the ectoparasite fauna of this marsupial is mainly composed of euryxenous organisms, which have been documented as vectors of diseases caused by rickettsial bacteria. Since D. virginiana is widely adapted to the peridomiciliary environment in the region, this study allows recognizing those that represent a potential risk for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases.

Fleas are ectoparasites of various animals, including Homo sapiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Primates: Hominidae). Among the species relevant to the human health field, either due to their dermatopathological potential or because of their role as vectors of microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases, such as plague or murine typhus, are the human flea, oriental rat flea, closely related cat and dog fleas, and chigoe flea. However, other species can accidentally infest humans. We have herein reported two unusual cases of humans infested and bitten by Archaeopsylla erinacei, the hedgehog flea. This species has been identified using stereomicroscopy, on the base of key characteristics. Furthermore, a brief literature review has revealed that hedgehog fleas could carry human-infectious agents, such as Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al. 2001 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) or Bartonella henselae Regnery et al.1992 (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae). Using molecular biology, we thus tested nine A. erinacei specimens taken from these patients, for several bacteria species commonly associated with hematophagous arthropods, implicated in human pathology. However, all our samples were proven negative. The role of A. erinacei in human epidemiology has never been evaluated to date. This report sought to remind us that these fleas can be accidental parasites in humans. In addition, recent findings pertaining to bacteria of medical interest that are present in these insects should be brought to the fore, given that the question of their role as vectors in human infections remains unanswered and deserves further investigation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (SAEO) and its main constituent eugenol (EG) against adult fleas and their action in the maturation of eggs into adults of Ctenocephalides felis felis. In order to evaluate the pulicidal activity, 10 adult fleas were exposed to a filter paper impregnated with SAEO and EG at increasing concentrations of 0.047; 0.094; 0.188; 0.375; 0.750; 1.50; 3.00; 6.00; 12.00 and 24.00 μg cm−2. Flea mortality was evaluated 24 and 48 h after exposure. In order to evaluate the inhibition of the maturation of eggs into adults, 10 eggs were exposed to filter paper impregnated with SAEO and EG at the same concentrations used in the pulicidal test, and the evaluation was performed 30 days after incubation. Untreated repetitions were maintained in both studies (control group). The lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of pulicidal activity to SAEO was 5.70 μg cm−2 in 24 h and 3.91 μg cm−2 in 48 h. The LC90 was 16.10 μg cm−2 and 15.80 μg cm−2 in 24 and 48 h, respectively. The LC50 of inhibition of the maturation of eggs into adults was 0.30 μg cm−2 and the LC90 3.44 μg cm−2. The LC50 of pulicidal activity to EG was 2.40 μg cm−2 in 24 h and 1.40 μg cm−2 in 48 h; the LC90 was 8.10 μg cm−2 and 3.70 μg cm−2 in 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The LC50 of inhibition of the maturation of eggs into adults was 0.10 μg cm−2 and the LC90 0.68 μg cm−2. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the both SAEO and EG have in vitro pulicidal activity as well as acting as inhibitors of the maturation of eggs into adults of the flea C. felis felis.

Dogs and cats are often kept as pets, thus they stay close to humans. Parasitic/zoonotic diseases in humans were often caused by ectoparasite in cats and dogs. This study aimed to determine the morphological differences between cat fleas and dog fleas and the prevalence of cats and dogs infested by fleas around the home environment in Ilir Barat 1 District, Palembang City. The method used was descriptive exploratory method with field observation techniques and specimen collection. The study was conducted in November - December 2018 in five Sub-districts, (Bukit Lama, Bukit Baru, Lorok Pakjo, Demang Lebar Daun, and 26 Ilir 1). The results showed that cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) had different color and some morphological differences, such as the shape of the head, the number of spines in the genal comb, the number of notches in the tibia, and the number of seta in the metapisternum. The highest prevalence of fleas infestation in cats was in Bukit Lama and 26 Ilir 1 (33.3%), while the highest prevalence of infestation in dogs was in Demang Lebar Daun Village (36.6%). Only in Lorok Pakjo Sub-district that no dog fleas infesting dogs are found. __________________________________________________________

The presence of vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest have received little attention in Chile. In Easter Island, in particular, a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, no information is available. To fill this gap, 153 rural dogs were inspected for ectoparasites during a sterilization campaign carried out in 2016. Fleas were observed in 46% of the dogs, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) was the only species present. Morphological identification of fleas was genetically confirmed using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting the cox2 gene. No tick was observed in any dog. The presence of DNA of Rickettsia sp. (gltA and ompA fragment genes), Anaplasmataceae (16S rRNA), and Bartonella sp. (16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer) was investigated in blood samples of 70 of the dogs and in 126 fleas analyzed in 68 pools that included 1-5 fleas. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 97% (n = 66) of the flea pools. Of these, 57 showed between 99 and 100% identity for both genes with published sequences of Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis (CRa), six with Rickettsia felis, and one with Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. For two pools, gltA amplicons were identical to CRa but ompB amplicions showed 99-100% identity with R. felis. Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 16% (n = 11) pools. Sequenced amplicons showed highest identity with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Bartonella DNA, showing 99% identity to Bartonella clarridgeiae, was detected in one pool (1.4%). No positive reaction was observed for any dog. This is the first detection of members of the 'R. felis-like' group other than R. felis in Chile.

Fleas transmit a variety of pathogens to humans but are relatively understudied in comparison to mosquitoes and ticks, including in Taiwan, where fleas in rural lowlands have never been systematically surveyed. In total, 700 fleas of four species were collected from 1,260 shrews and rodents at nine counties across lowland Taiwan. Nosopsyllus nicanus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) and Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were the most abundant flea species (79.0 and 14.6% of total fleas, respectively); the former was largely limited to the islets, while the latter was restricted to the Taiwan main island. Rattus losea Swinhoe (Rodentia: Muridae) was the most common small mammal species (49.3% of total) and hosted the majority of fleas (88.3% of total). Five Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia conorii Brumpt (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al. Rickettsia japonica Uchida, Rickettsia raoultii Mediannikov, and Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt or closely related species, were identified from 67 individually assayed fleas based on ompB and gltA genes. Rickettsia felis, mainly transmitted by fleas, was detected in one X. cheopis in southern Taiwan where a confirmed human case of infection with R. felis has been reported. The presence of R. felis, along with the other four tick-borne Rickettsia spp., demonstrates that a variety of rickettsiae circulate in rural lowland Taiwan and could pose risks to human health.

Background The oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is the most efficient vector of the plague. Pyrethroid insecticides such as cypermethrin, cyhalothrin and deltamethrin have been often used to limit plague transmission via controlling the vector during outbreaks. However, this strategy is threatened by the development of insecticide resistance. Understanding the mechanisms underlying pyrethroid resistance is the prerequisite for successful flea control. Methods Partial DNA sequences of X. cheopis voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene were amplified from a total of 111 individuals, collected from a natural plague epidemic foci in Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. These DNA fragments were sequenced. The frequency and distribution of kdr mutations were assessed in four X. cheopis populations. The origin of kdr mutations was investigated by phylogenetic and network analysis. Results The classical knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation (L1014F) was detected in four field populations at frequencies ranging between 0.021–0.241. The mutant homozygote was observed only in one of the four populations. Seven haplotypes were identified, with two of them carrying the resistance L1014F mutation. Phylogenetic tree and network analysis indicated that the L1014F allele was not singly originated. Based on polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) profiling, an easy-to-use and accurate molecular assay for screening individual fleas for the L1014F mutation was developed. Conclusions To our knowledge, this work represents the first report of the L1014F mutation in the plague vector X. cheopis. The incidence of the L1014F allele highlights the need of further studies on the phenotypic effect of this mutation in this plague vector. Early detection and monitoring of insecticide resistance is suggested in order to make effective control strategies in case of plague outbreaks in this region.

Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) are flea-transmitted pathogens. They are important causes of acute febrile illness throughout the world. We, therefore, sought to identify the rickettsial species present in the fleas of dogs and cats in the department of Cauca, Colombia. In this study, we collected 1,242 fleas from 132 dogs and 43 fleas from 11 cats. All fleas were morphologically identified as Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) adults and organized in pools for DNA extraction (234 pools from dogs and 11 from cats). The gltA gene from rickettsiae was targeted for screening amplification using conventional PCR. In total, 144 of the 245 pools (58.7%) were positive. The positive samples were then processed for the amplification of the 17kDa antigen gene (144/144; 100% positive) and sca5 gene (140/144; 97.2% positive). In addition, restriction enzyme length polymorphism analysis using NlaIV on the amplified product of the sca5 gene demonstrated several organisms: 21/140 (15%) were R. felis, 118/140 (84.3%) were Rickettsia asemboensis, and 1/140 (0.7%) were Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. Subsequent sequencing confirmed Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in C. felis collected from dogs the first reported from Colombia.

Fleas are important vectors of diseases such as murine typhus, tularaemia, hymenolepiasis and plague. The presence of active foci and history of human- and flea-transmitted plague in northwest Iran prompted the present group to collect and identify fleas from human and livestock dwellings across West Azerbaijan Province. Adult fleas were collected and identified using routine taxonomic keys. Species designation was confirmed by sequencing the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Of the collected specimens (n = 989), 104 were collected off-host (30 from human dwellings and 74 in light traps) and the rest were found on hosts (107 on animals and 778 by human bait). Of these fleas, 394 (40%) were male and 595 (60%) were female. The collected specimens belonged to the species Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides orientis and Pulex irritans (all: Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). The amplified COI fragment, in addition to confirming the morphological identification of species, showed good efficacy in separating the different species in the phylogenetic analysis. In addition to the identification of fleas from human and livestock dwellings using morphological and molecular characteristics, the current paper represents the first report of the presence of C. orientis in northwest Iran. This finding suggests that changing climate conditions may have expanded the distribution of this species.

The human flea, Pulex irritans, is the most important ectoparasite of humans. Intensive use of pyrethroids for its control has led to insecticide resistance. Monitoring pyrethroid resistance and its underlying mechanisms is essential for flea control. The aims of this study were to identify the susceptibility status of human flea to permethrin and to detect the presence of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation and its frequency in populations of P. irritans. Adults of P. irritans were collected from Zanjan Province, northwest of Iran, during 2013–2017. Different populations of this flea were exposed to permethrin 0.75% for one and 8 h and then the mortality rate, as well as KD50 and KD95 times were calculated. Total RNA and gDNA of samples were extracted, and the fragments of cDNA encoding the partial voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) peptides were amplified using degenerated primers. Specific PCR and TaqMan real-time assays were conducted to characterize the vgsc gene and to detect the presence of mutation and genotyping of the populations. Mortality rates were in the range from 32% to 67% for one-hour and 73% to 90% for eight-hour exposure to permethrin 0.75%. KD50 and KD95 times varied in a range from 46 to 241 and 177 to 899 min, respectively. Sequencing of 70 amplified fragments of gDNA resulted in a 578-bp product. These fragments contained two introns (92 and 63 bp) and three exons (141, 189, and 92 bp) encoding 138 amino acids that encompassed IIS4-IIS6 and the partial linker between domains II and III of VGSC. All the studied populations showed L1014F mutation, substitution of CTT for TTT at the 1014 allele. The result of TaqMan assay for 624 samples showed 96.6% homogenous and 3.36% heterozygous mutant. The development of permethrin resistance and the presence of the L1014F mutation at high frequency in flea populations indicate that pyrethroids are likely ineffective in controlling human flea. Therefore, novel alternative control methods are needed to combat this human ectoparasite.