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Published on: August 31, 2013
Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile
Lucila Moreno-Salas1, Mario Espinoza-Carniglia2, Nicol Lizama-Schmeisser3
1Universidad de Concepción, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Concepción, Chile. lumoreno@udec.cl.
Background:
Rickettsial diseases are considered important in public health due to their dispersal capacity determined by the particular characteristics of their reservoirs and/or vectors. Among the latter, fleas play an important role, since the vast majority of species parasitize wild and invasive rodents, so their detection is relevant to be able to monitor potential emerging diseases. The aim of this study was to detect, characterize, and compare Rickettsia spp. from the fleas of micromammals in areas with different human population densities in Chile.
Methods:
The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing in 1315 fleas collected from 1512 micromammals in 29 locations, with different human population densities in Chile. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify the variables that may explain Rickettsia prevalence in fleas.
Results:
DNA of Rickettsia spp. was identified in 13.2% (174 of 1315) of fleas tested. Fifteen flea species were found to be Rickettsia-positive. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was higher in winter, semi-arid region and natural areas, and the infection levels in fleas varied between species of flea. The prevalence of Rickettsia among flea species ranged between 0-35.1%. Areas of lower human density showed the highest prevalence of Rickettsia. The phylogenetic tree showed two well-differentiated clades with Rickettsia bellii positioned as basal in one clade. The second clade was subdivided into two subclades of species related to Rickettsia of the spotted fever group.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 flea species of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.
Insights
Fleas in Chile carry Rickettsia bacteria, posing a potential public health risk, especially in rural areas. This study highlights the importance of monitoring these vectors for emerging zoonotic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Zoonotic Disease Ecology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Rickettsial diseases are a significant public health concern due to their vectors.
- Fleas are crucial vectors, often parasitizing rodents, making their detection vital for disease surveillance.
- Understanding Rickettsia spp. in fleas is key to monitoring potential emerging zoonotic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect, molecularly characterize, and compare Rickettsia species in fleas from micromammals.
- To investigate Rickettsia prevalence in fleas across areas with varying human population densities in Chile.
Main Methods:
- DNA analysis using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.
- Collection of 1315 fleas from 1512 micromammals across 29 Chilean locations.
- Statistical analysis using a generalized linear model (GLM) to identify prevalence-influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Rickettsia spp. DNA was found in 13.2% of fleas, with 15 positive flea species identified.
- Prevalence varied by season (higher in winter), region (semi-arid), habitat (natural areas), and flea species (0-35.1%).
- Areas with lower human population density exhibited higher Rickettsia prevalence.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of Rickettsia spp. in 15 flea species from micromammals in Chile.
- Fleas carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential were identified, particularly in rural and natural settings.
- Further research is needed to understand Rickettsia ecology in fleas and its human health implications.
