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A review of public health important fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) and flea-borne diseases in India
V Rajamannar1, R Govindarajan1, Ashwani Kumar2
1ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre Field Station, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) are important vectors of plague and murine typhus in many parts of the world. Currently, about 2700 flea species were described in the world. The most common vector flea Xenopsylla cheopis is found throughout India, but X. astia, and X. brasiliensis are found less and limited in distribution associated with the domestic rats such as Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, Mus musculus, and Bandicota bengalensis. Bubonic plague is a major flea-borne disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, transmitted from rats to humans via the rodent flea, X. cheopis. A major outbreak of plague and high mortality occurred in India. After 1966 with the 3 decadal intervals, plague cases occurred only during the year 1994 reported in 5 different states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi and subsequently plague cases occurred during 2002 and 2004 after the one-decade interval in Himachal Pradesh (2002). Another outbreak of bubonic plague was reported in Dangud village, Barkhot tehsil, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand during October 2004. Ctenocephalides fleas are common in cats and dogs, which are the main vectors of bacteria rickettsiae, such as Rickettsia typhi, R. felis, R. conorii, and Bartonella henselae. Molecular and serological evidence also confirms the presence of R. typhi, R. conorii R. felis and B. henselae pathogens in cats and other fleas in India. Flea bites and flea-borne dermatitis are common in men and pet animals. Because of the re-emergence of the plague, updated information on fleas and flea-borne diseases are essential to control the flea vectors and flea-borne diseases in India. Hence, this comprehensive review updates the available information on fleas and fleas transmitted diseases in India.
Insights
Fleas transmit diseases like plague and typhus in India. This review updates knowledge on flea vectors and flea-borne diseases, crucial for control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Medical Entomology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Fleas (Siphonaptera) are significant global vectors for diseases such as plague and murine typhus.
- India hosts common flea vectors like *Xenopsylla cheopis*, *X. astia*, and *X. brasiliensis*, associated with domestic rodents.
- Plague outbreaks, caused by *Yersinia pestis* and transmitted by *X. cheopis*, have occurred in India with high mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of fleas and flea-borne diseases in India.
- To update information essential for controlling flea vectors and preventing disease transmission.
- To highlight the re-emergence of plague and other flea-transmitted pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing data on flea species and their associated pathogens in India.
- Analysis of historical plague outbreak records and current surveillance data.
- Inclusion of molecular and serological evidence for pathogen presence in fleas and hosts.
Main Results:
- Identified *Xenopsylla cheopis* as a primary plague vector in India, with documented outbreaks in multiple states.
- *Ctenocephalides* fleas are vectors for *Rickettsia* species (*R. typhi*, *R. felis*, *R. conorii*) and *Bartonella henselae* in domestic animals.
- Molecular and serological studies confirm the presence of these pathogens in Indian fleas and animal populations.
Conclusions:
- Updated information on flea vectors and flea-borne diseases is critical for public health in India.
- Effective control strategies for flea vectors are needed to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
- Continued surveillance and research are essential to monitor and manage flea-borne diseases.
