Rickettsia typhi and R. felis in Rat Fleas on Oahu, Hawaii
Author Information
Author(s): Eremeeva Marina E., Warashina Wesley R., Sturgeon Michele M., Buchholz Arlene E., Olmsted Gregory K., Park Sarah Y., Effler Paul V., Karpathy Sandor E.
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Rickettsia typhi and R. felis in rat fleas on Oahu, Hawaii?
Conclusion
R. felis may be a more common cause of rickettsiosis than R. typhi in Hawaii.
Supporting Evidence
- R. typhi was detected in 1.9% of fleas, while R. felis was found in 24.8%.
- Previous outbreaks of murine typhus in Hawaii were noted, with the last significant outbreak in 2002.
- House mice were found to be susceptible to R. typhi, but none were PCR positive in this study.
- R. felis has been detected in various countries, primarily associated with cat fleas.
Takeaway
Scientists found two germs in fleas from rats in Hawaii. One germ is more common and could make people sick.
Methodology
Mice were trapped, fleas collected, and DNA analyzed using PCR to detect R. typhi and R. felis.
Limitations
The study did not confirm the presence of R. felis in mice, and the role of other rodents as reservoirs was not evaluated.
Participant Demographics
Mice collected from various locations on Oahu.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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