Bartonella rochalimae in a flea collected from a Mephitis macroura in Sonora Mexico

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Wildlife Epidemiology

Background:

• Bartonella species are prevalent in wild carnivores, with Bartonella rochalimae posing a risk for endocarditis in humans and dogs.
• Bartonella rochalimae infects various mammals and ectoparasitic vectors like fleas and ticks.
• Previous research indicates Bartonella infections in wildlife populations in northern Mexico.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect Bartonella rochalimae in ectoparasites collected from a striped skunk (Mephitis macroura).
• To identify the flea species harboring Bartonella and confirm the presence of B. rochalimae using molecular methods.
• To assess the potential role of Mephitis macroura and their fleas as reservoirs for Bartonella in Sonora, Mexico.

Main Methods:

• Collection of fleas from a Mephitis macroura skunk in Santa Cruz, Sonora, Mexico.
• Identification of collected fleas to the species level.
• Molecular detection of Bartonella using conventional PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

• Ten Pulex simulans fleas (1 male, 9 females) were collected from the skunk.
• Bartonella rochalimae was detected in one of the ten fleas (10% prevalence).
• Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of B. rochalimae, with the sequence clustering within the known clade of this pathogen.

Conclusions:

• Confirmed the presence of Bartonella rochalimae in a Pulex simulans flea from a Mephitis macroura skunk in Sonora, Mexico.
• Findings are consistent with previous studies in northern Mexico, suggesting a potential role for skunks and their fleas as reservoirs.
• Recommended continued monitoring of Bartonella in Mephitis macroura skunks and their fleas in northern Mexico due to public health implications.