Molecular detection of Bartonella henselae DNA from fleas obtained from dogs, Korea

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella henselae DNA, which is known as an etiologic agent of lymphadenitis, in fleas from dogs. Methods:The Bartonella henselae infection was investigated in 42 fleas from 22 dogs in Korea. By using seminested PCR targeting pap31 gene, B. henselae DNA was amplified from fleas. Results:B. henselae DNA was detected in seven fleas (7 of 42 fleas, 16.7 percent) from four dogs (4 of 22 dogs, 18.2 percent). To confirm these findings, we performed sequencing and identified the seven PCR products. Sequence analysis revealed that six sequences belonged to Huston-1 genogroup and one sequence to Marseille genogroup. Conclusion:These results may suggest that dogs could be an important source of B. henselae infection in children in Korea. This is the first report about the detection of B. henselae in fleas from dogs in Korea