Molecular detection of Rickettsia in fleas from micromammals in Chile.
Lucila Moreno SalasMario Espinoza-CarnigliaNicol Lizama-SchmeisserLuis Gonzalo Torres-FuentesMaría Carolina Silva-de La FuenteMarcela LareschiDaniel González-AcuñaPublished in: Parasites & vectors (2020)
To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 15 flea species of micromammals in Chile. In this study, fleas were detected carrying Rickettsia DNA with zoonotic potential, mainly in villages and natural areas of Chile. Considering that there are differences in the prevalence of Rickettsia in fleas associated with different factors, more investigations are needed to further understand the ecology of Rickettsia in fleas and their implications for human health.