Rickettsiae in fleas infesting domestic pets of eastern Himalayan terrains of India. (5th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Siraj A; Saikia, Jahnabi; Bora, Trishna; Khamo, Vinotsole; Rahi, Manju
• Is Part Of: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Volume 116:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 595
• Page End: 598
• Publication Date: 2022-01-05
• Subjects: fleas -- Himalayas -- India -- Rickettsia felis -- spotted fever; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-9203

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Flea-borne rickettsioses have been limitedly explored in the Indian sub-Himalayan belt, including the North Eastern Region (NER) of India. This study investigates the presence of rickettsiae hosts and their probable pathogens in the disease-endemic hilly state of the NER of India. Methods: Entomological surveys were carried out in disease-reporting localities in a hilly state in India. Fleas collected from domesticated animals were processed for detection of a Rickettsia -specific 17-kDa gene. Results: Sequence analysis revealed Rickettsia felis in six flea pools (40%), Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis in two pools (13.3%) and Rickettsia asembonensis in one pool (6.6%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans as potential carriers of R. felis and R. felis –like organisms in India.