Palearctic flea beetle and pest of hops and Cannabis, Psylliodesattenuata (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae), new to North America.

Background: The univoltine leaf beetle Psylliodesattenuata (Koch, 1803) is a pest of Cannabis and Humulus (Cannabaceae) and native to the Palaearctic Region, known from eastern Asia to western Europe. New information: First North American records are presented for P.attenuata from Canada: Ontario and Québec. Adult beetle feeding damage to hops Humuluslupulus L. (Cannabacaea) plants is recorded from Québec. Diagnostic information is presented to distinguish P.attenuata from other North American Chrysomelidae and a preliminary assessment of its potential to spread in North America is presented. While our climate analysis is limited by a lack of data, it appears P.attenuata is physiologically capable of persisting throughout the range of Humulus in North America.The United States of America and Canada are now known to be home to 71 or more species of adventive Chrysomelidae.

Flea-Borne Rickettsioses and Scrub Typhus in Patients with Suspected Arbovirus Infection in Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: In urban Thailand, arboviral infections dominate diagnoses of acute undifferentiated fevers (AUFs) owing to their well-defined epidemiology and characteristic clinical presentations. However, rickettsial diseases, also endemic in this setting, remain under-recognized owing to challenges in early detection. Objective: This study aimed to identify potential rickettsial infections among patients with AUF in Bangkok and vicinity utilizing leftover nucleic acid extracted from serum samples from patients initially suspected of but negative for arbovirus infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 609 nucleic acid samples were screened for rickettsial bacteria using real-time PCR, targeting the 17-kDa common antigen gene of Rickettsia spp. and the 47-kDa gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Results: Nine samples were positive for Rickettsia spp. and two were positive for O. tsutsugamushi. DNA sequence and phylogenetic analyses based on partial 17-kDa antigen and citrate synthase (gltA) genes identified the Rickettsia-positive samples as R. typhi in eight cases and R. felis in one case. Analysis of the 56-kDa type-specific antigen gene identified the two O. tsutsugamushi isolates as Gilliam-related genotypes. Although rickettsial diseases typically present with mild symptoms, two patients with R. typhi infection (murine typhus) developed respiratory distress syndrome, highlighting the potential for rare but serious complications. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical importance of differential diagnosis and prompt, effective intervention to prevent complications in suspected cases.

Argopistes Motschulsky from Madagascar with descriptions of six new species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini).

The revision of the flea beetle genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 in Madagascar is provided. Six new species are described: Argopistesjanakmoravecorumsp. nov., A.laterosinuatussp. nov., and A.vadoni from the northern area; A.jenisisp. nov., A.keiserisp. nov., and A.seyrigisp. nov. from the central area. A new synonym of Argopistesbrunneus Weise, 1895 is established: A.sexguttatus Weise, 1895, syn. nov., since A.sexguttatus is shown to be a chromatic form of A.brunneus. A diagnostic key of the seven Malagasy Argopistes species is provided, with photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Finally, based on known occurrences, the current suitable areas for this flea beetle genus in Madagascar are estimated using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) techniques.

Transcriptome analysis of Kunming mice responses to the bite of Xenopsylla cheopis.

BACKGROUND: Flea bites could trigger a series of complex molecular responses in the host. However, our understanding of the responses at the molecular level is still relatively limited. This study quantifies the changes in gene expression in mice after flea bites by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) from their spleens, revealing the potential biological effects of host response to flea bites. METHODS: RNA-seq was used for transcriptome analysis to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control mice group and the flea bite mice group. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed on DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on DEGs related to immune processes was performed. Finally, we randomly selected several genes from the screened DEGs to validate the results from the transcriptome data by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: A total of 521 DEGs were identified, including 277 upregulated and 244 downregulated. There were 258 GO terms significantly enriched by upregulated DEGs and 419 GO terms significantly enriched by downregulated DEGs. Among the upregulated DEGs, 22 GO terms were associated with immune cells (e.g., B cells and T cells) and immune regulatory processes, while among the downregulated DEGs, 58 GO terms were associated with immune cells and immune regulatory processes. Through PPI analysis, we found that CD40 molecules with significantly downregulated expression levels after flea bites may play an important role in host immune regulation. Through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, a total of 26 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified. The RT-qPCR analysis results indicated that the transcriptome sequencing results were reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Through in-depth analysis of transcriptome changes in mice caused by flea bites, we revealed that flea bites could stimulate a series of biological and immunological responses in mice. These findings not only provided a deeper understanding of the impact of flea bites on the host but also provided a basis for further research on the interaction between ectoparasites and the host. We believe that digging deeper into the significance of these transcriptome changes will help reveal more about the adaptive response of the host to ectoparasites.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the rodent flea Nosopsyllus laeviceps: genome description, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic implications.

BACKGROUND: Fleas are one of the most common and pervasive ectoparasites worldwide, comprising at least 2500 valid species. They are vectors of several disease-causing agents, such as Yersinia pestis. Despite their significance, however, the molecular genetics, biology, and phylogenetics of fleas remain poorly understood. METHODS: We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the rodent flea Nosopsyllus laeviceps using next-generation sequencing technology. Then we combined the new mitogenome generated here with mt genomic data available for 23 other flea species to perform comparative mitogenomics, nucleotide diversity, and evolutionary rate analysis. Subsequently, the phylogenetic relationship within the order Siphonaptera was explored using the Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on concentrated data for 13 mt protein-coding genes. RESULTS: The complete mt genome of the rodent flea N. laeviceps was 16,533 base pairs (bp) in a circular DNA molecule, containing 37 typical genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA [tRNA] genes, and two ribosomal RNA [rRNA] genes) with one large non-coding region (NCR). Comparative analysis among the order Siphonaptera showed a stable gene order with no gene arrangement, and high AT content (76.71-83.21%) with an apparent negative AT and GC skew except in three fleas Aviostivalius klossi bispiniformis, Leptopsylla segnis, and Neopsylla specialis. Moreover, we found robust evidence that the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was the most conserved protein-coding gene (Pi = 0.15, non-synonymous/synonymous [Ka/Ks] ratio = 0.13) of fleas. Phylogenomic analysis conducted using two methods revealed different topologies, but both results strongly indicated that (i) the families Ceratophyllidae and Leptopsyllidae were paraphyletic and were the closest to each other, and (ii) the family Ctenophthalmidae was paraphyletic. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we obtained a high-quality mt genome of the rodent flea N. laeviceps and performed comparative mitogenomics and phylogeny of the order Siphonaptera using the mt database. The results will enrich the mt genome data for fleas, lay a foundation for the phylogenetic analysis of fleas, and promote the evolutionary analysis of Siphonaptera.

Unique microbial communities of parasitic fleas on wild animals from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Fleas, one of the most significant ectoparasites, play a crucial role as vectors in spreading zoonotic diseases globally. The Qinghai Province, as part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the provinces in China with the largest number of flea species. In this study, we characterized the microbial communities of eighty-five adult fleas, belonging to nineteen species within four families (Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Leptopsyllidae, and Pulicidae). We identified a total of 1162 unique operational taxonomic units at the genus level, with flea-borne pathogens such as Wolbachia, Bartonella, Rickettsia being the members of top abundant taxa. Except for comparison between Ctenophthalmidae and Leptopsyllidae families, the analyses of both alpha- and beta- diversity indicators suggested that bacterial diversity varied among flea families. This could be attributed to flea phylogeny, which also influenced by their geographical sites and animal hosts. Results of Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) indicated that 29 genera in Ceratophylloidea, 11 genera in Ctenophthalmidae, 15 genera in Leptopsyllidae, and 22 genera in Pulicidae were significantly responsible for explaining the differences among the four flea families (linear discriminant analysis score > 2, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2) analyses showed that the functional pathways varied significantly across flea families, which was supported by the significant correlation between the functional pathways and the microbial communities.

Oclacitinib (APOQUEL®) is a selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor with efficacy in a canine model of flea allergic dermatitis.

Oclacitinib is a novel Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that potently inhibits JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in allergy, inflammation, and pruritus (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-31). Oclacitinib (Apoquel®, Zoetis Inc, Parsippany, NJ) is approved for the treatment/control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and treatment/control of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. To evaluate the effectiveness of oclacitinib in dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, the JAK1 selective inhibitor was tested in a placebo-controlled, masked, single-dose (0.4 mg/kg) or repeat-dose (0.4 mg/kg, twice daily for 2 weeks) study. Pruritic behaviors were quantitated by video recording, and erythema and skin lesions were assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Results showed that oclacitinib reduced pruritus by 61% as early as 1.5 h after a single oral dose compared to placebo, with an average reduction (compared to placebo) of 85% 1-5 h after dosing (0.4 mg/kg; p < .0001). Oclacitinib also significantly reduced erythema (p < .0001) and skin lesion (p < .0005) VAS scores on Day 14 compared to placebo in a repeat dose study. No adverse events were noted during the conduct of these studies. IL-31 concentrations were elevated in the majority of dogs after flea infestation, suggesting JAK1-dependent cytokines may drive clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis. These findings show that oclacitinib, an inhibitor of JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in allergy and inflammation can rapidly reduce clinical signs associated with flea allergic dermatitis in dogs.

Use of a modified SCORFAD scale to define localised reaction patterns associated with a flea burden in cats.

BACKGROUND: The SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis scale (SCORFAD) is a validated dermatological scale assessing reaction patterns associated with allergic dermatitis in cats. While no pathognomonic reaction pattern is recognised with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), miliary dermatitis is more common. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to document regional cutaneous reaction patterns of cats with fleas using a modified SCORFAD (mSCORFAD). ANIMALS: In total, 142 owned cats from West Central Florida enrolled over three study periods. To be included, each cat and household environment had five or more fleas on Day (D)0. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cats were examined on D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, D44, D56 and D80. On D0 they were treated with an isoxazoline and treatment continued through the study. Ten body regions were assessed using mSCORFAD to give a regional score for each of four reaction patterns. These were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: At D80 there was an 80% reduction in total mSCORFAD representing clinical response to ectoparasite control only. The most commonly affected region was the ventral abdomen with a mean mSCORFAD score of 1.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.5-2.1) compared with other body regions (p < 0.01). The most common reaction patterns were self-induced alopecia on the ventral abdomen and miliary dermatitis in the cervical region (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The mSCORFAD suggests that self-induced alopecia on the ventral abdomen and miliary dermatitis in the cervical region is more strongly associated with a flea burden in cats.

Curiosities take the stage - role-play in parasitology teaching.

Careful observation of parasites, masters of camouflage, reveals an ingenious and fascinating world. However, students often perceive parasitology as impenetrable. What if a flamboyant flea circus director passionately introduced the multidimensional contexts of this discipline? Will role-play capture the imagination of students and guide them in their future learning?

Declining aqueous calcium and fish predation risk interactively modify the phenotypic plasticity in Daphnia pulex.

Aqueous calcium (Ca) decline is threatening freshwater ecosystems worldwide. There are great concerns about the possible ecological consequences of Ca limitation combined with biological pressures like predation. Here we investigated the interactions between Ca restriction and fish predation risk on the phenotypic plasticity in the keystone herbivore Daphnia, together with physiological responses underlying the plastic trait changes. Fish predation risk induced D. pulex to mature earlier and produce more but smaller offspring at adequate Ca. Declining Ca inhibited the expression of defensive traits, with the inhibitive degree showing a linear or threshold-limited dynamic. The presence of predation risk mitigated the negative effect of declining Ca on reducing body size but exacerbated the delay in maturity, indicating a life history trade-off for larger body size rather than the current reproduction in multi-stressed Daphnia. Actin 3-mediated cytoskeleton and AMPK ß-mediated energy metabolism were highly correlated with these plastic trait changes. Altered phenotypic plasticity in planktonic animals is expected to trigger many ecological impacts from individual fitness to community structure, thus providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying decreased Ca affecting lake ecosystems.

A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea).

BACKGROUND: Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS: A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS: Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.

Molecular Identification, Multigenic Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Ctenocephalides Canis Fleas from Humans and Domestic Animals in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Fleas belonging to the Pulicidae are prevalent ectoparasites infesting mammals and birds in Iran. This study focused on genetically identifying and characterizing Ctenocephalides canis collected both off-host and infesting humans and various domestic animals in the country. METHODS: A total of 918 adult flea samples were collected from 10 sites in western and northwestern Iran between April 2018 and May 2019. Out of these, 71 specimens were found off-host, while the remaining fleas were collected from humans (121), sheep (126), goats (184), and dogs (416). Morphological identification at the genus level was performed on all fleas, and ten selected specimens selected based on the sampling sites and hosts were subjected to molecular detection at the species level by using partial amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2, as well as the cytochrome oxidase I (COXI) markers. RESULTS: The morphological identification confirmed all fleas as Ctenocephalides spp. Alignment and phylogenetic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial partial sequences confirmed the presence of C. canis. However, molecular divergence was observed among the ten isolates based on the ITS1 and ITS2 with diversity rates estimated at 0.15% and 3.36%, respectively. Notably, the analysis of the COXI marker revealed no molecular divergence among the partial sequences representing the ten studied isolates from C. canis. CONCLUSIONS: This study explores the diversity of C. canis in the western and northwestern regions of Iran, providing insights into their molecular taxonomy and potential role as disease vectors in these areas.

Salivary glands of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis: Dissection and microscopy guide.

Fleas are morphologically unique ectoparasites that are hardly mistaken for any other insect. Most flea species that feed on humans and their companion animals, including the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), have medical and veterinary importance. Besides facilitating blood acquisition, salivary biomolecules can modulate pathogen transmission. Thus, dissection of salivary glands is essential for comprehensive studies on disease vectors like the cat flea. Herein, we present the pictorial dissection protocol assisting future research targeting individual flea organs, for revealing their roles in vector competence and physiology. We provide a comprehensive guide, allowing researchers, even with limited practical experience, to successfully perform microdissection for collecting cat flea salivary glands. Furthermore, the protocol does not require expensive, sophisticated equipment and can be accomplished with routinely available tools. We illustrated expected results with morphological changes of salivary glands upon blood feeding as well as fluorescently stained these organs.

Severe flea-borne typhus complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report and review of literature.

Flea-borne typhus (FBT), also known as murine typhus, is a zoonotic infection caused by R. typhi with world-wide distribution. In the United States, the infection is uncommon but remains endemic in some areas, including Los Angeles County. It typically manifests as a benign acute febrile illness but can be complicated in a minority of cases. Associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been described in a limited number of cases. Here, we present a case of a patient with FBT complicated by HLH treated empirically with doxycycline with subsequent resolution of HLH. Also included is a review of the literature of other published cases.

First record of a structural infestation by the bird flea Dasypsyllus gallinulae perpinnatus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.

Herein we present the first-known case report of a structural infestation by the bird flea (Dasypsyllus gallinulae perpinnatus) (Dale 1878) in the United States. In March of 2023, the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District was contacted by a resident in South San Francisco, CA who reported the presence of fleas inside their condominium. The resident had 2 dogs who were on oral flea medication and only 1 inhabitant out of 4 reported receiving flea bites. The front walkway, backyard, and garage were flagged and a small passerine nest was removed from a fire alarm bell in the front walkway. A total of 31 fleas (13 males, 18 females) were collected by flagging from the front entryway underneath the nest. One female flea was collected from the backyard, and 20 (9 males, 11 females) were collected by the resident from inside the house. A total of 387 fleas (163 males, 224 females) were collected from the nest of a small passerine. All life stages (egg, larvae, pupae, and adult) were observed within the nest. Additional parasites in the nest included bird lice and larval western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus, Cooley and Kohls 1943). Research should be conducted into whether bird fleas are capable of transmitting avian pathogens to humans and this information should be communicated to healthcare providers as part of a One Health approach. Additionally, resources to aid in species-level flea identification should be made accessible to pest control operators as this will aid the development of targeted treatments as part of an integrated pest management plan.

Vector biology of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis.

Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is among the most prevalent and widely dispersed vectors worldwide. Unfortunately, research on C. felis and associated pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.) lags behind that of other vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to review fundamental aspects of C. felis as a vector (behavior, epidemiology, phylogenetics, immunology, and microbiome composition) with an emphasis on key techniques and research avenues employed in other vector species. Future laboratory C. felis experimental infections with Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia species/strains should examine the vector-pathogen interface utilizing contemporary visualization, transcriptomic, and gene-editing techniques. Further environmental sampling will inform the range and prevalence of C. felis and associated pathogens, improving the accuracy of vector and pathogen modeling to improve infection/infestation risk assessment and diagnostic recommendations.

Modelling the impact of cabbage stem flea beetle larval feeding on oilseed rape lodging risk.

BACKGROUND: Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala L.) is a major pest of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in the UK and low availability of effective chemical control has increased the need for integrated pest management approaches. The risk of OSR to lodging is strongly related to stem strength, however, the impact of CSFB larval tunnelling on stem strength and subsequent risk to stem lodging is unknown. The study investigated this by applying the Generalised Crop Lodging Model to conventionally grown OSR crops scored for varying levels of CSFB larval tunnelling. Lodging risk mitigation strategies including plant growth regulators (PGR) and varying nitrogen regimes were tested under high CSFB larval pressure. RESULTS: Stems of OSR plants were categorised by the proportion of visual damage (< 5%; 5-25%; 26-50%; 51-75%; 75-100%). Stems of 26-50% damage had significantly lower breaking strengths and diameters compared to plants that scored < 5%, with the associated reduction in stem failure windspeed equivalent to an order of magnitude increase in the risk of a lodging event occurring in the UK. PGR use reduced plant height and subsequently lodging risk variably across the sites. CONCLUSION: Estimating the proportion of stem tunnelling alongside larval pressure may be a useful tool in considering the contribution of CSFB pressure to lodging risk. The research demonstrates that the use of canopy management principles to optimise canopy size through nitrogen management and PGR use may help offset increased lodging risk caused by CSFB tunnelling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Survey of ectoparasites affecting dog and cat populations living in sympatry in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Ectoparasites of dogs and cats are implicated to be responsible for life-threatening anaemia, allergic dermatitis and pruritic and non-pruritic skin disorders. In Ethiopia, few studies have been conducted on the arthropods of dogs and cats. OBJECTIVES: In order to shed light on some of these aspects, a survey was conducted to investigate the presence of ectoparasites in dogs and cats living in sympatry in the urban and rural areas of Gamo Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 297 dogs and 110 cats were examined for ectoparasites, and questionnaires were employed to obtain information concerning owner's knowledge about arthropods and vector-borne diseases (VBDs). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of ticks, fleas and lice in dogs was 36.7%, 69.7% and 4.7%, respectively. Similarly, on cats, an overall prevalence of 2.7% ticks and 21.8% fleas was recorded. On dogs, fleas (Ctenocephalides felis 69.4%, Echidnophaga gallinacea 1.3%, Ctenocephalides canis 1.0% and Pulex irritans 0.3%), ticks (Amblyomma variegatum 22.9%, Rhipicephalus sanguineus 14.1%, Haemaphysalis leachi 8.8%, Rhipicephalus praetextatus 4.0% and Rhipicephalus pulchellus 3.4%) and lice (Heterodoxus spiniger 4.0% and Trichodectes canis 0.7%) were identified. Likewise, on cats, fleas (C. felis [15.5%] and E. gallinacea [7.3%]) and ticks (H. leachi [2.7%]) were identified. The abundance of C. felis was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on dogs, whereas in cats, the abundance of E. gallinacea was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than the other ectoparasites. On dogs, a significantly higher prevalence of Rh. sanguineus was recorded in urban areas (<0.001) and on dogs which live in indoor environments (p = 0.003) than on dogs which live in other environments. On the other hand, the prevalence of A. variegatum in rural areas and midland agroecology was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The prevalence of H. leachi was significantly higher in midland (p < 0.001) and on adult dogs (p = 0.001). Overall, fleas were more prevalent in rural (p = 0.029) than in urban areas, and female dogs were with higher infestation than the male (p = 0.047) dogs; C. felis was prevalent in female (p = 0.038) dogs than males. Overall, 88.3% owners in the study area had no knowledge about ectoparasites and VBDs of dogs and cats. Majority of the owners (64.8%) attest that they had never visited veterinary clinics. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the data presented in the present study provide additional knowledge on the importance of ectoparasites of dogs and cats and are believed to contribute in awareness creation and strengthening of veterinary services of dogs and cats of the study area.

Flea infestation of rodent and their community structure in frequent and non-frequent plague outbreak areas in Mbulu district, northern Tanzania.

Understanding rodent-ectoparasite interactions and the factors driving them is important in understanding the epidemiology of diseases involving an arthropod vector. Fleas are the primary vector for Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes plague and monitoring of flea population is essential for planning the potential mitigation measures to prevent the disease outbreak. In this study, we investigated flea abundance, community structure and the potential factors driving flea infestation in areas with frequent (persistent) and non-frequent plague (non-persistent) outbreaks. We collected fleas from captured rodents in two villages with both forest and farm habitats. We found 352 fleas belonging to 5 species with Dinopsyllus lypusus the most abundant overall (57.10%) and Ctenophthalmus spp. the lowest (1.70%). There were no significant differences of flea abundance between study localities, habitats and seasons (p > 0.05) but, flea infestation was significantly positively associated with the persistent locality and with the short rain season (p < 0.05). Further, flea abundance increased significantly with rodent body weight (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found fleas broadly structured into two communities varying between the dry, long rain and short rain seasons. These findings have important implications for public health, as they may be used to assess and control the risks of plague transmission and other flea borne diseases in the foci.

Knowledge and practices related to louse- and flea-borne diseases among staff providing services to people experiencing homelessness in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Louse-borne Bartonella quintana infection and flea-borne murine typhus are two potentially serious vector-borne diseases that have led to periodic outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness in the United States. Little is known about louse- and flea-borne disease awareness and prevention among staff who provide services to the population. We surveyed staff in seven US states to identify gaps in knowledge and prevention practices for these diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Surveys were administered to 333 staff at 89 homeless shelters and outreach teams in California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Washington from August 2022 to April 2023. Most participants (>68%) agreed that body lice and fleas are a problem for people experiencing homelessness. About half were aware that diseases could be transmitted by these vectors; however, most could not accurately identify which diseases. Less than a quarter of staff could describe an appropriate protocol for managing body lice or fleas. Misconceptions included that clients must isolate or be denied services until they are medically cleared. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal significant knowledge gaps among staff who provide services to people experiencing homelessness in the prevention and control of louse- and flea-borne diseases. This demonstrates an urgent need for staff training to both reduce disease and prevent unnecessary restrictions on services and housing.