[Studies on esterase isoenzyme of three species of flea]

The patterns of esterase (Est) isoenzyme of 3 flea species were studied by vertical slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The samples prepared from the third larval instar, female and male (the unsucking and sucked one) were run in the same gel slab. The result was as follows: Xenopsylla cheopis showed 14 bands, with 5-6 major bands, Ctenocephalides felis felis showed 9 bands with 4-5 major bands and Nosopsyllus laeviceps kuzenkovi showed 9 bands with 4-5 major bands. These three species have their common bands as well as respective specific bands. The difference in Est isoenzymogram among families was greater than among genera, displaying a species-specific feature.