How Are Fleas Transmitted Between Hosts?
WouterFleas are a common pest problem in warm, humid areas. They can cause allergic reactions in humans and pets due to flea bites and saliva proteins. Fleas are transmitted between hosts by regurgitating their saliva into the host’s skin. Some animals are more sensitive to flea saliva than others.
Fleas have a life cycle that includes egg development, pupae development, and adulthood. Depending on their species, the life cycle can last anywhere from two weeks to eight months. The female flea will lay a few hundred eggs during her life, depending on environmental conditions, temperature, humidity, and food sources. Eggs are deposited in a host’s skin or fur and hatch within two to fourteen days.
Fleas have been identified as reservoir hosts for zoonotic pathogens. A recent study found that fleas can carry several pathogens. Among these pathogens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi were recovered in fleas from small mammals. Further research is needed to determine how many people are exposed to these pathogens and if these pathogens can be transmitted by fleas.
Infections caused by fleas are spread to humans and rodents. Infected fleas can carry murine typhus. Infections are usually reported in rural areas of western states. Infected fleas can cause a severe, painful rash and localized swelling.
