What can you catch from fleas? - briefly
Fleas are vectors for several pathogens, most notably the bacterium that causes plague and the agents of murine typhus, flea‑borne spotted fever, and cat‑scratch disease. They can also transmit tapeworm eggs (Dipylidium caninum) when ingested.
What can you catch from fleas? - in detail
Flea bites can transmit a range of infectious agents that cause human disease. The most serious is plague, caused by Yersinia pestis. Transmission occurs when an infected flea feeds on a human, injecting the bacterium into the skin. Symptoms begin with fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes (buboes); untreated cases may progress to septicemia or pneumonic form, both with high mortality.
Murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi, spreads through the feces of infected fleas that are scratched into the bite site or mucous membranes. The illness presents with abrupt fever, headache, rash, and sometimes confusion. Antibiotic therapy with doxycycline is highly effective.
Rickettsial spotted fever associated with Rickettsia felis is emerging in urban environments. Fleas acquire the organism from infected rodents and transmit it to humans during feeding. Clinical picture includes fever, rash, and myalgia; response to tetracyclines is favorable.
Bartonella henselae, the agent of cat‑scratch disease, can also be delivered by flea feces contaminating cat scratches or bites. Infection typically causes a self‑limited lymphadenopathy, but may lead to hepatic or ocular complications in immunocompromised patients.
Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, has been reported after flea bites on rabbits or rodents. The disease manifests as ulceroglandular lesions, fever, and lymphadenopathy; early treatment with streptomycin or gentamicin reduces severity.
Flea allergy dermatitis is a non‑infectious reaction to flea saliva. Repeated bites provoke intense pruritus, erythema, and papular eruptions, often misdiagnosed as other dermatologic conditions.
A concise list of pathogens transmitted by fleas:
- Yersinia pestis – plague
- Rickettsia typhi – murine typhus
- Rickettsia felis – flea‑borne spotted fever
- Bartonella henselae – cat‑scratch disease
- Francisella tularensis – tularemia
- Allergens in flea saliva – dermatitis
Prevention relies on controlling flea infestations in pets and environments, using insecticidal treatments, and avoiding direct contact with wild rodents. Prompt medical evaluation after a bite, especially with fever or lymphadenopathy, enables early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.