BartonellaInfection in Rodents and Their Flea Ectoparasites: An Overview

Abstract

Epidemiological studies worldwide have reported a high prevalence and a great diversity of Bartonella species, both in rodents and their flea parasites. The interaction among Bartonella, wild rodents, and fleas reflects a high degree of adaptation among these organisms. Vertical and horizontal efficient Bartonella transmission pathways within flea communities and from fleas to rodents have been documented in competence studies, suggesting that fleas are key players in the transmission of Bartonella to rodents. Exploration of the ecological traits of rodents and their fleas may shed light on the mechanisms used by bartonellae to become established in these organisms. The present review explores the interrelations within the Bartonella-rodent-flea system. The role of the latter two components is emphasized.

Bartonella infections in three species of Microtus: prevalence and genetic diversity, vertical transmission and the effect of concurrent Babesia microti infection on its success

“…This much higher prevalence (up to four times higher than previously recorded) can be explained primarily by the fact that sampling was undertaken exclusively in late summer, rather than additionally in the spring when prevalence is generally lower, and by the use of a nested PCR technique for the detection of infection. Seasonal variation in prevalence of Bartonella has been reported previously, and prevalence values in late summer and autumn have been found to be at least twice as high as those observed earlier in the year in most studies [7, 23], including in our own earlier work on forest rodents [17, 34]. Nested PCR is a much more sensitive method for the detection of haemoparasites than the single step PCR used earlier, especially in the case of chronic low-level infections [42–44].…”

Association of Bartonella Species with Wild and Synanthropic Rodents in Different Brazilian Biomes

“…have adapted to rodent species. As a probable result, rodents develop a long-lasting subclinical bacteremia and a high diversity of Bartonella genotypes (13,(46)(47)(48). Although the genetic diversity of this group of pathogens infecting rodents has been very well documented (49)(50)(51)(52), this high variability has caused a laborious challenge in the taxonomic constitution of this group when the old criteria, such as DNA-DNA hybridization, comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences, and phenotypical characteristics, are used to describe Bartonella spp.…”

“…that have been reported worldwide. Bartonella infection in rodents usually results in a persistent and subclinical bacteremia lasting for months, characterizing the infected rodents as important sources of infection to other susceptible hosts, including humans (13,14). Some studies have reported a high prevalence of infection in rodent communities, which can reach up to 82% (15).…”

“…Some studies have reported a high prevalence of infection in rodent communities, which can reach up to 82% (15). Additionally, factors such the rodent's habitat, behavior, age, specificity, flea abundance, and seasonality represent crucial variables that may influence the establishment of Bartonella infections (13).…”

Distribution and Diversity ofBartonella washoensisStrains in Ground Squirrels from California and Their Potential Link to Human Cases

“…due, in part, to the high infection prevalence commonly observed in rodent populations and the potential for disease transmission through contact with rodents or rodent-associated ectoparasites (Breitschwerdt 2014, Gutiérrez et al 2015). …”