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[Flea bites caused by Archaeopsylla erinacei, the hedgehog flea]
1Hautklinik Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
Summary
A European hedgehog flea, Archaeopsylla erinacei, was identified as the cause of multiple flea bites in a human patient. This finding is significant as this flea species is not known to commonly attack humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is the primary host for the flea Archaeopsylla erinacei.
- Archaeopsylla erinacei has been documented on various mammals, including polecats, brown rats, and foxes.
- Previous literature has not established that A. erinacei actively attacks humans.