Molecular detection and characterization of <i>Rickettsia felis</i>, <i>R. asembonensis</i>, and <i>Yersinia pestis</i> from peri-domestic fleas in Uganda.

ABSTRACT: Background: Fleas transmit a variety of zoonotic agents whose epidemiology and public health risk remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda particularly outside plague-endemic areas. Common flea-borne zoonotic agents include Rickettsia felis and Yersinia pestis.. Objectives: The study aimed at detecting and characterising flea-borne pathogens in peridomestic environments in Uganda. Methods: We collected fleas from domestic animals, chickens, rodents, and homestead environments; pooled them by species, collection time, and host species. A total of 172 pools were analyzed for Y. pestis Pla gene. Further, 62 pools were tested for Rickettsia species gltA, ompA, and htrA genes by PCR and Sanger sequencing.

SUBMITTER: Eneku W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11878166 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature