Host distribution and pathogen infection of fleas (Siphonaptera) recovered from small mammals in Pennsylvania

Abstract

The number of recognized flea‐borne pathogens has increased over the past decade. However, the true number of infections related to all flea‐borne pathogens remains unknown. To better understand the enzootic cycle of flea‐borne pathogens, fleas were sampled from small mammals trapped in central Pennsylvania. A total of 541 small mammals were trapped, with white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and southern red‐backed voles (Myodes gapperi) accounting for over 94% of the captures. Only P. leucopus were positive for examined blood‐borne pathogens, with 47 (18.1%) and ten (4.8%) positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, respectively. In addition, 61 fleas were collected from small mammals and tested for pathogens. Orchopeas leucopus was the most common flea and Bartonella vinsonii subspecies arupensis, B. microti, and a Rickettsia felis‐like bacterium were detected in various flea samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. microti DNA detected from a flea and the first report of a R. felis‐like bacterium from rodent fleas in eastern North America. This study provides evidence of emerging pathogens found in fleas, but further investigation is required to resolve the ecology of flea‐borne disease transmission cycles.

Atelerix algirus, the North African Hedgehog: Suitable Wild Host for Infected Ticks and Fleas and Reservoir of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Tunisia

“…To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. massiliae DNA in a flea, since it is known to be primarily transmitted by ticks. In the same context, microorganisms that are considered tick-borne pathogens have been reported in fleas, such as Babesia microti in Orchopeas leucopus fleas collected from Peromyscus leucopus [ 71 ]. Similarly, Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was identified in fleas collected from red foxes [ 72 ] and Borrelia burgdorferi has been identified in fleas feeding on small mammals [ 73 , 74 ].…”

Animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2: calculable COVID-19 risk for older adults from animal to human transmission

“…[ 95 ] Furthermore, peromyscines were identified as hosts for zoonotic diseases serving as reservoirs of the Sin Nombre strain of Hantavirus, [ 96 ] Babesia microti , and Borrelia burgdorferi and rickettsias of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. ewingii . [ 97 , 98 ] The white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus , is no stranger to scientists studying aging in a laboratory environment, as these animals can live up to 8 years in captivity. [ 99 – 103 ] Based on the above unique features of peromyscine rodents, their possible role in reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 has been the focus of research.…”

Coronavirus in cat flea: findings and questions regarding COVID-19

“…of Murcia, Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain. 4 Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.…”

“…Fleas are also competent intermediate hosts of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum (pulicosis) and the filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema reconditum (subcutaneous infection in animals and ocular disease in humans) [1]. Bartonella vinsonii arupensis, Babesia microti, and a Rickettsia felis-like bacterium have also been identified in flea samples (Orchopeas leucopus) collected from small mammals in Pennsylvania [4].…”