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Pulex irritans on Dogs and Cats: Morphological and Molecular Approach
Amrollah Azarm1, Abdolhossin Dalimi1, Majied Pirestani1
1Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
The painful bite of Pulex irritans; causes wound on the host body and is a vector for Bartonella bacteria species, which can cause trench fever, Rickettsia species, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever. We conducted a study to find out the hosts, abundance, as well as the molecular characteristics of this flea species in Meshkin-Shahr County, Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran.
Methods:
After collecting fleas from different reservoir hosts and transferring them to the laboratory, identification was done using different morphological characters as well as the internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1) molecular marker.
Results:
This morphological study indicated that from the 1053 fleas, which were collected from 162 different animals, including cats and dogs, 74 specimens belonged to human flea, Pulex irritans. In addition, in molecular analysis showed a high sequence similarity (99.5%) with the P. irritans counterparts from Spain country and Zanjan of Iran available in GenBank.
Conclusion:
Pulex irritans species is an obligatory hematophagous ectoparasite of human and animals. Therefore, considering the relatively high frequency of this species on the body of cats and dogs, it is suggested to conduct more studies on its distribution and the possibility of being a vector of pathogens among these animals and human. The results of these studies will be used to compile and review the control programs of this vector.
Insights
The human flea, Pulex irritans, was found on cats and dogs in Iran, highlighting its potential role as a disease vector. Further research is recommended to assess its public health significance and inform control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Pulex irritans, the human flea, acts as a vector for Bartonella and Rickettsia species, causing diseases like trench fever and spotted fevers.
- The study investigated the hosts, abundance, and molecular traits of Pulex irritans in Meshkin-Shahr County, Iran.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the hosts and assess the prevalence of Pulex irritans in Meshkin-Shahr County.
- To characterize Pulex irritans molecularly using the ITS1 marker.
- To evaluate the public health implications of Pulex irritans findings in the region.
Main Methods:
- Fleas were collected from various animal hosts and identified using morphological characteristics.
- Molecular identification was confirmed using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene.
- Sequencing data was compared with existing GenBank entries for genetic relatedness.
Main Results:
- Out of 1053 fleas collected from 162 animals (including cats and dogs), 74 were identified as Pulex irritans.
- Molecular analysis revealed a 99.5% sequence similarity with Pulex irritans from Spain and Zanjan, Iran.
- The findings indicate a significant presence of Pulex irritans on domestic animals in the study area.
Conclusions:
- Pulex irritans is an obligatory hematophagous ectoparasite of humans and animals.
- The high frequency of Pulex irritans on cats and dogs suggests a need for further investigation into its vector capabilities for pathogens transmissible to animals and humans.
- Results will aid in developing and refining control programs for this flea vector.
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