Identifying a New Rickettsia in Fleas and Its Pathogenic Role in Humans
Author Information
Author(s): Didier Raoult, Bernard La Scola, Maryse Enea, Pierre-Edouard Fournier, Veronique Roux, Florence Fenollar, Marcio A.M. Galvao, Xavier de Lamballerie
Primary Institution: Unite des Rickettsies, CNRS UPRESA 6020, France; Ouro Preto Federal University, Brazil
Hypothesis
Can the ELB agent, a newly identified Rickettsia, be isolated from fleas and shown to be pathogenic in humans?
Conclusion
The ELB agent was successfully isolated from fleas and shown to cause infections in humans.
Supporting Evidence
- The ELB agent was detected in 19 of 20 groups of infected fleas.
- Serologic evidence of infection was found in four patients with fever and rash.
- PCR confirmed the presence of the ELB agent in flea suspensions.
- Antibodies reactive to the ELB agent were found in patients with rickettsial disease.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new germ in fleas that can make people sick, and they were able to grow it in the lab.
Methodology
Fleas were surface sterilized, macerated, and injected into cell cultures to isolate the ELB agent, followed by PCR for detection.
Limitations
The study did not obtain Brazilian fleas, and the prevalence of the ELB agent in different areas is still unknown.
Participant Demographics
Included 100 French blood donors and 140 Brazilian blood donors.
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