Pulicosis and Flea-Borne Diseases: Symptoms and Prevention

What is Pulicosis?

Definition: Pulicosis refers to injuries caused by the bite of fleas. They are characterized by erythematous papules with a central petechial point.

Morphology and Characteristics of Fleas

• Fleas measure about 0.5 to 4 mm long.
• Their body, heavily sclerotized with chitin, is found in various shades of brown.
• They are narrow and flattened transversely.
• They lack wings.
• The third pair of legs is very developed and adapted for jumping.

Fleas do not have a marked specificity for their hosts, although they have very marked preferences for some. This is why their common names (rat flea, human flea, etc.) relate only to the preferred host but are not exclusive.

Diseases Transmitted by Fleas

Bubonic Plague

The Bubonic plague is a disease of rodents and is contracted by humans through the flea Xenopsylla cheopis. This disease is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Major rat hosts are Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus.

Murine Typhus

Murine typhus is produced by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi. It attacks domestic rats and other small mammals, the flea, and humans.

Cestodosis

Cestodosis is produced by cestodes such as:

• Dipylidium caninum
• Hymenolepis diminuta
• Hymenolepis nana

The most common flea species involved are Ctenocephalides canis, C. felis, Pulex irritans, and Xenopsylla cheopis.

Tungosis

Tungosis is the infection of the skin of humans and other animals by Tunga penetrans, a flea species prevalent in areas of Central and South America. The female lives in the dust or sand of rural areas and penetrates the human skin, preferably at the base of the nails and between the toes and hands.

Treatment: Involves the removal of the flea with a scalpel and the use of antibiotics.

Signs and Symptoms of Infestation

• Erythematous papules that can cause bleeding when itching is severe.
• Intense itching and urticaria.
• Edema localized around a lesion or injury.
• Generalized itching or a limited rash.
• Directly viewing the flea itself.

Diagnosis of Flea-Related Conditions

The diagnosis of the presence of fleas is relatively easy and quick, assessing the presence of signs and symptoms of Pulicosis. The presence of fever in people in an area where fleas are detected will require a careful examination of the patient to rule out other possible diseases, such as typhus transmitted by fleas.

Effective Flea Control and Prevention

• Maintain personal and family hygiene.
• Grooming and maintenance of housing.
• Use of insecticides on the premises of the house and on pets.
• Fight against rats and mice.
• Cleaning of housing units, including removing dust and dirt from floors and carpets, and moving furniture, beds, and chairs.
• Cleaning resting sites for dogs and cats with frequent washing and changing of their blankets.
• Special care in cleaning sheds, warehouses, or summer homes that have remained closed for prolonged periods.