Vector biology of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis.

Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is among the most prevalent and widely dispersed vectors worldwide. Unfortunately, research on C. felis and associated pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.) lags behind that of other vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to review fundamental aspects of C. felis as a vector (behavior, epidemiology, phylogenetics, immunology, and microbiome composition) with an emphasis on key techniques and research avenues employed in other vector species. Future laboratory C. felis experimental infections with Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia species/strains should examine the vector-pathogen interface utilizing contemporary visualization, transcriptomic, and gene-editing techniques. Further environmental sampling will inform the range and prevalence of C. felis and associated pathogens, improving the accuracy of vector and pathogen modeling to improve infection/infestation risk assessment and diagnostic recommendations.
Competing Interests: Declaration of interests In conjunction with Sushama Sontakke and North Carolina State University, E.B.B. DVM holds US Patent No. 7,115,385: ‘Media and Methods for Cultivation of Microorganisms’, issued 3 October 2006. He is a co-founder, shareholder, and Chief Scientific Officer for Galaxy Diagnostics, a company that provides advanced diagnostic testing for the detection of Bartonella species infections as well as a scientific consultant to IDEXX Laboratories (Westbrook, ME, USA). All other authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.
(Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)