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Detection of flea-borne Rickettsia species in the Western Himalayan region of India
R Chahota1, S D Thakur, M Sharma
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Dr. GC Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Abstract:
Human infections by various rickettsial species are frequently reported globally. We investigated a flea-borne rickettsial outbreak infecting 300 people in Western Himalayan region of India. Arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) and animal and human blood samples from affected households were analysed by gltA and ompB genes based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Rat flea (Ceratophyllus fasciatus) samples were found harbouring a Rickettsia sp. Phylogenetic analysis based on gltA gene using PHYLIP revealed that the detected Rickettsia sp. has 100% identity with SE313 and RF2125 strains of Rickettsia sp. of flea origin from Egypt and Thai-Myanmar border, respectively and cf1 and 5 strains from fleas and lice from the USA. But, the nucleotide sequence of genetically variable gene ompB of R14 strain was found closely related to cf9 strain, reported from Ctenocephalides felis fleas. These results highlight the public health importance of such newly discovered or less recognised Rickettsia species/strains, harboured by arthropod vectors like fleas.
Insights
A Rickettsia species outbreak in India was linked to rat fleas. This finding underscores the public health significance of flea-borne Rickettsia in humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Human rickettsial infections are a global concern.
- Rickettsial diseases are transmitted by arthropod vectors.
- Fleas can act as vectors for Rickettsia species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a flea-borne rickettsial outbreak in India.
- To identify the Rickettsia species and its vector.
- To understand the genetic relatedness of the identified Rickettsia strain.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting gltA and ompB genes.
- Phylogenetic analysis using the gltA gene.
- Analysis of arthropod vectors, animal blood, and human blood samples.
Main Results:
- A Rickettsia sp. was detected in rat fleas (Ceratophyllus fasciatus).
- Phylogenetic analysis showed 100% identity of the gltA gene with known Rickettsia strains from Egypt and the Thai-Myanmar border.
- The ompB gene of the R14 strain was closely related to a strain found in Ctenocephalides felis fleas.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a flea-borne Rickettsia species outbreak in the Western Himalayas.
- The findings highlight the public health importance of recognizing and studying Rickettsia species harbored by fleas.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical significance of these emerging Rickettsia strains.
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