Bartonella and Rickettsial Infections in Human Flea)Pulex Irritans)

Background and Objective: Human flea (Pulex irritans) is one of the most important human ectoparasites that transmits various pathogens and causes skin irritation by biting humans and animals. Planning control measures against this vector in various regions requires the knowledge of the pathogens within the vector. Thus, this study was carried out to identify Bartonella and Rickettsia infection of P. irritans in Zanjan province. Materials and Methods: Flea samples were collected via human baits from animal farms in Khodabande and Mahneshan districts from September ۲۰۱۳ to October ۲۰۱۴. DNA was extracted from human fleas, and a part of gltA gene for identification of Rickettsia, and ITS region for identification of Bartonella were amplified by specific primers. A number of PCR products were sequenced after purification. Results: Out of ۱۱۳۶ collected flea samples ۱۰۷۹ (۹۴.۹۸%) were P. irritas, ۳۶ (۳.۱۶%) C. canis and ۲۱ (۱.۸۴%) were C. felis. ۴.۹ % of human flea samples had Reckettsia infection, while no Bartonella infection was observed. Conclusion: High frequency and rickettsial infection of P. irritans in the studied areas need more attention of administrators and taking into account control measures against this vector. Although Bartonella infection was not observed in our samples, more comprehensive studies are required to verify this viewpoint.

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Key words: Pulex irritans , Rickettsia , Bartonella , gltA gene