Occurrence of Rickettsia felis in dog and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) from Italy

Capelli, Gioia; Montarsi, Fabrizio; Porcellato, Elena; Maioli, Giulia; Furnari, Carmelo; Rinaldi, Laura; Oliva, Gætano; Otranto, Domenico

doi:10.1186/1756-3305-2-s1-s8

Cited by 25 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 20 publications

(24 reference statements)

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“…This study also recorded a higher percentage in fleas from cats (17.6%) than in fleas from dogs (10.2%) [25].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

“…In our previous research carried out on fleas collected from foxes in the same area, we observed no positivity in 32 C. canis and in other 76 fleas of various species, while the only two C. felis were both positive [27]. Other authors have reported the absence [25],[41],[42] or a low prevalence [39],[40] in larger sample sizes, in contrast to what has been observed in France, where 27.03% of C. canis (10/37) were infected [37].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

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A Molecular Survey of Rickettsia felis in Fleas from Cats and Dogs in Sicily (Southern Italy)

et al. 2014

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Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever, has a cosmopolitan distribution. Its pathogenic role in humans has been demonstrated through molecular and serologic tests in several cases. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is considered the main reservoir and the biological vector. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and occurrence of R. felis in fleas collected from dogs and cats in various sites of Palermo (Sicily). Between August and October 2012, 134 fleas were collected from 42 animals: 37 fleas from 13 dogs and 97 fleas from 29 cats. Two species of fleas were identified: 132 Ctenocephalides felis (98.51%) collected on all animals and only two C. canis (1.49%) on one dog. Out of 132 C. felis, 34 (25.76%), 12 from dogs (32.43%) and 22 (22.68%) from cats, were positive for R. felis DNA by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confirmed by sequencing. The only two C. canis fleas were negative. About half of examined animals (47.62%, 20/42) were infested with at least one infected flea; in particular 46.15% of dogs (6/13) and 48.28% of cats (14/29). It seems that in the Palermo district there is a peri-domestic cycle, with a relatively high prevalence of R. felis infection in the cat flea, an insect widely diffused in home environments and which can frequently bite humans. The results also suggest that R. felis should be considered in the human differential diagnosis of any spotted-like fever or febrile illness without a clear source of infection in Sicily, especially if the patient is known to have been exposed to flea bites.

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“…This study also recorded a higher percentage in fleas from cats (17.6%) than in fleas from dogs (10.2%) [25].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 60%

A Molecular Survey of Rickettsia felis in Fleas from Cats and Dogs in Sicily (Southern Italy)

et al. 2014

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“…R. felis has been associated with fleas worldwide, in Algeria and Morocco (37), Italy (38), and the United States (39). However, in this investigation, the prevalence of R. felis (1%) is lower than that reported in Morocco (20% in C. felis fleas removed from sheep, cats, and dogs [37]) and in Italy (11.9% in dog and cat fleas [38]). …”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 53%

Detection of Rickettsia in Rhipicephalus sanguineus Ticks and Ctenocephalides felis Fleas from Southeastern Tunisia by Reverse Line Blot Assay

et al. 2014

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Ticks (n ‫؍‬ 663) and fleas (n ‫؍‬ 470) collected from domestic animals from southeastern Tunisia were screened for Rickettsia infection using reverse line blot assay. Evidence of spotted fever group Rickettsia was obtained. We detected Rickettsia felis in fleas, Rickettsia massiliae Bar 29 and the Rickettsia conorii Israeli spotted fever strain in ticks, and Rickettsia conorii subsp. conorii and Rickettsia spp. in both arthropods. The sensitivity of the adopted technique allowed the identification of a new association between fleas and R. conorii subsp. conorii species. The presence of these vector-borne Rickettsia infections should be considered when diagnosing this disease in humans in Tunisia.

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“…Ctenocephalides felis is the most common flea species infesting dogs and cats in Italy followed by Ctenocephalides canis [5,26]. Recent investigations have revealed the occurrence of Rickettsia felis DNA in C .…”

Section: Arthropod Vectors and Related Pathogens Affecting Dogs And Cmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current situation and perspectives

2010

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In Italy, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming infected by different vector-borne pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria, and helminths. Ticks, fleas, phlebotomine sand flies, and mosquitoes are recognized vectors of pathogens affecting cats and dogs, some of which (e.g., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, Dipylidium caninum, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) are of zoonotic concern. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of fleas as vectors of pathogens of zoonotic relevance (e.g., Rickettsia felis) in this country. While some arthropod vectors (e.g., ticks and fleas) are present in certain Italian regions throughout the year, others (e.g., phlebotomine sand flies) are most active during the summer season. Accordingly, control strategies, such as those relying on the systematic use of acaricides and insecticides, should be planned on the basis of the ecology of both vectors and pathogens in different geographical areas in order to improve their effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection by vector-borne pathogens. This article reviews the current situation and perspectives of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy.

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Occurrence of Rickettsia felis in dog and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) from Italy

Cited by 25 publications

References 20 publications

A Molecular Survey of Rickettsia felis in Fleas from Cats and Dogs in Sicily (Southern Italy)

A Molecular Survey of Rickettsia felis in Fleas from Cats and Dogs in Sicily (Southern Italy)

Detection of Rickettsia in Rhipicephalus sanguineus Ticks and Ctenocephalides felis Fleas from Southeastern Tunisia by Reverse Line Blot Assay

Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current situation and perspectives

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