Prevalence of emerging flea-borne Rickettsia in Japan

本研究发现，猫立克次体是一种对人类具有致病性的立克次体，在日本首次从猫蚤（0.6%）和猫蚤粪便（8.2%）中检出猫立克次体DNA。此外，从猫的猫蚤（0.3%）中也检测到斑疹伤寒杆菌DNA。犬身上蜱虫中也检出monacensis DNA（2.1%）。此外，在日本首次从猫蚤及其粪便中检出猫抓病病原巴尔通体DNA。此外，本研究还检测到不同于任何已知物种的立克次体属和巴尔通体属的DNA，并对其致病性进行了鉴定。在不久的将来，有必要对这些立克次体或巴尔通体感染者的实际情况进行调查。

This study revealed that as a rickettsia showing the pathogenicity to humans, Rickettsia felis DNA was detected from cat fleas(0.6%) and flea feces (8.2%) collected from cats for the first time in Japan. Furthermore, R. typhi DNA was also detected from a cat flea (0.3%) derived from a cat. R. monacensis DNA was also detected from ticks (2.1%) on dogs. Furthermore, DNA of genus Bartonella, which is a causative agent of the cat scratch disease was detected for the first time in Japan from cat fleas and their feces. Besides, DNA of genus Rickettsia and Bartonella which were different from any known species and have been unidentified for their pathogenicity were also detected in this study. It will be necessary to examine the actual situation of the infected person with these Rickettsia or Bartonella in near future.