Detection of Rickettsia asembonensis in Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae, Ceratophyllidae) Collected in Five Counties in Georgia, United States.

We conducted a molecular survey of Rickettsia in fleas collected from opossums, road-killed and live-trapped in peridomestic and rural settings, state parks, and from pet cats and dogs in Georgia, United States during 1992-2014. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) was the predominant species collected from cats and among the archival specimens from opossums found in peridomestic settings. Polygenis gwyni (Fox) was more prevalent on opossums and a single cotton rat trapped in sylvatic settings. Trapped animals were infested infrequently with the squirrel flea, Orchopeas howardi (Baker) and C. felis. TaqMan assays targeting the BioB gene of Rickettsia felis and the OmpB gene of Rickettsia typhi were used to test 291 flea DNAs for Rickettsia. A subset of 53 C. felis collected from a cat in 2011 was tested in 18 pools which were all bioB TaqMan positive (34% minimum infection prevalence). Of 238 fleas tested individually, 140 (58.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.5-64.9%) DNAs were bioB positive. Detection of bioB was more prevalent in individual C. felis (91%) compared to P. gwyni (13.4%). Twenty-one (7.2%) were ompB TaqMan positive, including 18 C. felis (9.5%) and 3 P. gwyni (3.2%). Most of these fleas were also positive with bioB TaqMan; however, sequencing of gltA amplicons detected only DNA of Rickettsia asembonensis. Furthermore, only the R. asembonensis genotype was identified based on NlaIV restriction analysis of a larger ompB fragment. These findings contribute to understanding the diversity of Rickettsia associated with fleas in Georgia and emphasize the need for development of more specific molecular tools for detection and field research on rickettsial pathogens.

Laboratory studies evaluating the efficacy of a novel orally administered combination product containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™) for the treatment and control of flea infestations on dogs.

BACKGROUND: Five studies were conducted to evaluate a novel oral combination tablet containing sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio™), for efficacy against induced flea infestations, speed of kill and effects on flea reproduction on dogs. METHODS: Based on pre-treatment flea counts, dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with a single, oral dose of either placebo or Simparica Trio™ at the minimum label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt) on Day 0. All dogs were infested with approximately 100 unfed, adult fleas (C. felis or C. canis) prior to treatment and weekly for 5 weeks post-treatment. In Studies 1, 2 and 3, the number of viable fleas were comb-counted at 24 h after treatment and after each weekly infestation; Study 2 also included groups treated with tablets containing sarolaner-alone (1.2 mg/kg), moxidectin-alone (24 µg/kg) or pyrantel-alone (5 mg/kg). In Study 4, flea counts were conducted at 3, 4, 8 and 12 h after treatment and subsequent weekly infestations to establish speed of kill. In Study 5 (flea reproduction), dogs were housed in an enclosure designed to facilitate collection of flea eggs. RESULTS: Efficacy of Simparica Trio™ against C. felis was ≥ 99.7% and against C. canis was 100% at 24 h after treatment and after subsequent infestations for at least 35 days. Treatment with sarolaner-alone had similar efficacy to Simparica Trio™, while moxidectin-alone and pyrantel-alone were no different from placebo at most time points. In Study 4, significant flea killing started at 4 h after treatment; by 8 h after treatment, all treated dogs were free of fleas. Following weekly re-infestation, the combination product reduced fleas by ≥ 97.8% within 12 h for 28 days. Simparica Trio™ reduced flea egg-laying by 100% for 35 days. No treatment-related adverse reactions occurred in any study. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of Simparica Trio™ at the recommended minimum dose provided highly efficacious and rapid treatment within 4 h of existing flea infestations and persistent control of fleas on dogs for 5 weeks. The efficacy against fleas resulted in 100% prevention of flea reproduction for over a month following a single oral dose.

Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) infestation in neonatal dairy calves managed with deltamethrin pour-on in Australia.

Ctenocephalides felis infestations outbreak is documented as a welfare and production limiting disease in neonatal calves in eastern New South Wales, Australia. Due to the calves' discomfort, the first objective was to relieve the calves from the large burden of fleas. The affected neonatal 0-4 week old calves showed dull and quiet demeanour, with the geometric mean of body condition score (BCS) 2.67 (2-4) and geometric mean burden 41.51 (15-75) of fleas collected over 3 min. Deltamethrin pour-on (Arrest Easy-Dose, Virbac Animal Health, Australia) registered for treatment of lice and flies on cattle in Australia was evaluated for control effect of the cat flea (C. felis) on cattle. The fleas were identified morphologically as being C. felis which was confirmed by sequencing cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1). We report successful improvement of welfare and reduction of flea counts post application of pour-on deltamethrin on the property. In the absence of registered flea product for cattle in Australia, deltamethrin pour-on product is a suitable option, because of its registration for control of lice and flies on cattle.

Pathogenic and endosymbiont apicomplexans in Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) from cats in Jerusalem, Israel.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and endosymbiont apicomplexans in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) infesting 185 stray cats in Jerusalem, Israel using PCR assay and sequencing approach. Two pathogens, Hepatozoon felis and Babesia vogeli and an endosymbiont Steinina ctenocephali were detected in 1.9%, 0.2% and 5.8% of 685 C. felis evaluated respectively. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the prevalence of H. felis and the sex of cats hosting the fleas as well as the season of sampling but not for age or health status of the cats or sex of the fleas tested. Prevalence of S. ctenocephali was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with season, being higher in the warm season. This report represents the first molecular detection of S. ctenocephali in C. felis. Further studies to determine the potential role of C. felis in the epidemiology of H. felis and B. vogeli are warranted.

A reverse vaccinology approach to the identification and characterization of Ctenocephalides felis candidate protective antigens for the control of cat flea infestations.

BACKGROUND: Despite the abundance of the domestic cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) and disease risks associated with them, flea control is difficult and requires the development of new control interventions such as vaccines. In this study, a reverse vaccinology approach was designed to achieve a rational selection of cat flea candidate protective antigens. METHODS: Based on transcriptomics and proteomics data from unfed adult fleas it was possible to select more specific candidate protective antigens based on highly represented and functionally relevant proteins present in the predicted exoproteome. The protective capacity of the recombinant antigens was evaluated for the control of C. felis infestations in vaccinated cats. RESULTS: Vaccination with recombinant antigens induced an antibody response in immunized cats. Furthermore, a correlation was obtained between the effect of vaccination (antibody levels) and vaccine efficacy on flea phenotype (egg hatchability). The results suggested that the main effect of vaccination with these antigens was on reducing cat flea egg hatchability and fertility, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 32-46%. Although vaccination with these antigens did not have an effect on flea infestations, vaccines affecting reproductive capacity could reduce cat flea populations, particularly under conditions of direct insect transmission between cats. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the development of vaccines with protective antigens affecting flea reproduction and development after feeding on immunized animals for the control of cat flea infestations.

Modelling the current distribution and predicted spread of the flea species Ctenocephalides felis infesting outdoor dogs in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the most prevalent flea species detected on dogs and cats in Europe and other world regions. The status of flea infestation today is an evident public health concern because of their cosmopolitan distribution and the flea-borne diseases transmission. This study determines the spatial distribution of the cat flea C. felis infesting dogs in Spain. Using geospatial tools, models were constructed based on entomological data collected from dogs during the period 2013-2015. Bioclimatic zones, covering broad climate and vegetation ranges, were surveyed in relation to their size. RESULTS: The models builded were obtained by negative binomial regression of several environmental variables to show impacts on C. felis infestation prevalence: land cover, bioclimatic zone, mean summer and autumn temperature, mean summer rainfall, distance to urban settlement and normalized difference vegetation index. In the face of climate change, we also simulated the future distributions of C. felis for the global climate model (GCM) "GFDL-CM3" and for the representative concentration pathway RCP45, which predicts their spread in the country. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models for current climate conditions indicated the widespread distribution of C. felis throughout Spain, mainly across the central northernmost zone of the mainland. Under predicted conditions of climate change, the risk of spread was slightly greater, especially in the north and central peninsula, than for the current situation. The data provided will be useful for local veterinarians to design effective strategies against flea infestation and the pathogens transmitted by these arthropods.

Synergy between dinotefuran and fipronil against the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis): improved onset of action and residual speed of kill in adult cats.

BACKGROUND: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (C. felis), is a cosmopolitan hematophagous ectoparasite, and is considered to be the most prevalent flea species in both Europe and the USA. Clinical signs frequently associated with flea bites include pruritus, dermatitis and in severe cases even pyodermatitis and alopecia. Ctenocephalides felis is also a vector for several pathogens and is an intermediate host for the cestode Dipylidium caninum. Treatment of cats with a fast-acting pulicide, that is persistently effective in protecting the animal against re-infestation, is therefore imperative to their health. In addition, a rapid onset of activity ("speed of kill") may also reduce the risks of disease transmission and flea allergic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro insecticidal activity and potential synergism between dinotefuran and fipronil against C. felis. A further aim was to evaluate the onset of activity and residual speed of kill of the combination in vivo on cats artificially infested with C. felis. METHODS: In the first study, the insecticidal activity of dinotefuran and fipronil separately and dinotefuran/fipronil (DF) in combination, at a fixed ratio (2:1), was evaluated using an in vitro coated-vial bioassay. In the second study, the onset of activity against existing flea infestations and residual speed of kill of DF against artificial flea infestations on cats was assessed in vivo. Onset of activity against existing flea infestations was assessed in terms of knock-down effect within 2 h post-treatment and onset of speed of kill assessed at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h post-treatment. Residual speed of kill was evaluated 6 h and 48 h after infestation, over a period of six weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: In vitro results revealed that the DF combination was synergistic and more potent against fleas than either compound alone. The combination also proved effective when tested in vivo. Efficacy was > 97% [geometric mean (GM) and arithmetic mean (AM)] at 3 h after treatment, and ≥ 99.8% (GM and AM) at 6 h and 12 h post-treatment. At 6 h after flea re-infestations, the efficacy of DF remained ≥ 90.8% (GM and AM) for up to 28 days, and at 42 days post-treatment persistent efficacy was still ≥ 54.3% (GM and AM). At 48 h after flea re-infestations, DF remained almost fully effective for up to 28 days, with efficacies ≥ 99.4% (GM and AM) and was persistently ≥ 93.0% (GM and AM) effective for up to 42 days post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of dinotefuran and fipronil in a single formulation exhibited strong synergistic insecticidal activity against C. felis in vitro, and also proved effective on artificially infested cats. This activity had a rapid onset that persisted for 6 weeks against re-infestations of C. felis on cats. The rapid curative insecticidal effect was observed as early as 3 h after treatment, and as early as 6 h after re-infestations for up to 6 weeks post-treatment. The insecticidal activity profile of DF makes it an optimal candidate for the protection of cats against flea infestations, and possibly also associated diseases.

Assessment of the efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil-permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect®) against egg laying and adult emergence of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) in dogs.

This study was conducted to assess the prevention of egg laying and the inhibition of the emergence of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) resulting from the application of a combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect®, Merial) on dogs. Sixteen healthy dogs were included after pre-treatment live flea counts and randomly allocated to two groups. Eight dogs served as untreated controls and 8 dogs were treated on Day 0 and Day 30 with topical application of fipronil/permethrin at the minimum dose of 6.76 mg/kg fipronil and 50.48 mg/kg permethrin. On days -2, 7, 21, 28, 42 and 56, each dog was infested with 100 fleas. Flea eggs were collected from each dog in individual trays from 12 to 36 h after treatment or each flea re-infestation. All fleas were removed by combing and counted 36 h after treatment or infestations. The collected eggs were counted and incubated for 28 days for larval development and adult emergence assessment. The curative efficacy of Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect® against adult fleas 36 h after treatment was 95.3% and the efficacy remained 100% after subsequent flea infestations for 8 weeks. Compared to the control group, the treatment reduced egg laying by 84.5% within 36 h after first treatment and was 99.9%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% on collection days 7, 21, 29, 43 and 57, respectively. Frontline Tri-Act®/Frontect® reduced by 28.7% the emergence of new adult fleas from eggs laid during the 48 h of pre-treatment infestation. The inhibition of adult emergence from incubated flea eggs could not be assessed after flea re-infestation in the treated group as no eggs were collected.

Influence of Bloodmeal Host on Blood Feeding, Egg Production, and Offspring Sex Ratio of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché), feeds on different host species, causing annoyance or transmitting disease agents. In this study, the influence of the host of the cat flea on blood feeding, egg production, and sex ratio of the offspring was investigated. Two strains of C. felis were domesticated on either rats or mice for >10 yr in the laboratory, and in this study, these fleas were placed in the following groups and fed on rats or mice continuously: Group A (rat-domesticated C. felis with rats as host); Group B (rat-domesticated C. felis with mice as host); Group C (mouse-domesticated C. felis with rats as host); and Group D (mouse-domesticated C. felis with mice as host). In total, 240 adult fleas were in each group at a sex ratio of female:male = 1.7:1. The mean egg production per flea of Groups A, B, C, and D was 55.0, 19.2, 62.5, and 13.2, respectively. A significant correlation between egg production and the volume of blood consumed was detected for Groups A, B, C, and D. The sex ratio (F:M) of the offspring in Groups A and C was 2.07 and 2.11, respectively, whereas in Groups B and D, the ratio was 1.04 and 1.03, respectively. In conclusion, the C. felis with rats as host consumed more blood, produced more eggs, and had higher sex ratios of the offspring than those with mice as the host.

Feeding Behavior Modulates Biofilm-Mediated Transmission of Yersinia pestis by the Cat Flea, Ctenocephalides felis.

BACKGROUND: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is prevalent worldwide, will parasitize animal reservoirs of plague, and is associated with human habitations in known plague foci. Despite its pervasiveness, limited information is available about the cat flea's competence as a vector for Yersinia pestis. It is generally considered to be a poor vector, based on studies examining early-phase transmission during the first week after infection, but transmission potential by the biofilm-dependent proventricular-blocking mechanism has never been systematically evaluated. In this study, we assessed the vector competence of cat fleas by both mechanisms. Because the feeding behavior of cat fleas differs markedly from important rat flea vectors, we also examined the influence of feeding behavior on transmission dynamics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Groups of cat fleas were infected with Y. pestis and subsequently provided access to sterile blood meals twice-weekly, 5 times per week, or daily for 4 weeks and monitored for infection, the development of proventricular biofilm and blockage, mortality, and the ability to transmit. In cat fleas allowed prolonged, daily access to blood meals, mimicking their natural feeding behavior, Y. pestis did not efficiently colonize the digestive tract and could only be transmitted during the first week after infection. In contrast, cat fleas that were fed intermittently, mimicking the feeding behavior of the efficient vector Xenopsylla cheopis, could become blocked and regularly transmitted Y. pestis for 3-4 weeks by the biofilm-mediated mechanism, but early-phase transmission was not detected. CONCLUSIONS: The normal feeding behavior of C. felis, more than an intrinsic resistance to infection or blockage by Y. pestis, limits its vector competence. Rapid turnover of midgut contents results in bacterial clearance and disruption of biofilm accumulation in the proventriculus. Anatomical features of the cat flea foregut may also restrict transmission by both early-phase and proventricular biofilm-dependent mechanisms.

Knock-down and speed of kill of a combination of fipronil and permethrin for the prevention of Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation in dogs.

BACKGROUND: A topical combination of fipronil + permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act/Frontect, Merial) has recently been developed to control fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and stable flies on dogs. Two studies were conducted to assess its speed of kill and knock-down effect on Ctenocephalides felis fleas. The combination was compared to either fipronil alone or to a combination of permethrin, dinotefuran, and pyriproxyfen, METHODS: In each study, 18 dogs were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (Group 1: untreated dog; Group 2: treated once on D0 with the combination of fipronil and permethrin; Group 3: treated once on D0 either with fipronil alone (study 1) or with a combination of permethrin, dinetofuran and pyriproxyfen (study 2)). Each dog was infested with 100 unfed adult C. felis fleas on Days 2 (study 2), 7, 14, 21 and 28. Fleas were collected from dogs at 1 h and 12 h post- infestations (PI) (study 1) or at 2 h and 6 h PI (study 2) to assess efficacy and from collection pans underneath cages 1 h (study 1) or 5 min (study 2) PI to assess knock-down effect. RESULTS: All treated dogs had significantly (p ≤ 0.01) lower flea counts than untreated dogs at every time point in both studies. For a whole month, a significant knock-down effect against infesting fleas is obtained in five minutes PI with the combination of permethrin and fipronil. Complete efficacy (>95%) was achieved in 1 h (study 1) or 2 h (study 2) PI for 14 days and by 6 h PI for all challenges conducted throughout the month. Efficacy remains >85% at 2 h PI for the whole month. A significantly higher efficacy of the fipronil + permethrin combination compared to other treatments was demonstrated at the earliest time points for the month (1 h knock-down effect and insecticidal efficacy compared to fipronil alone; 5 min knock-down effect compared to the combination of permethrin + dinetofuran + pyriproxyfen). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid flea knock-down effect and speed of kill demonstrated by the spot on combination of fipronil + permethrin provide a reliable strategy against flea infestations in dogs.

Comparative speed of kill of sarolaner (Simparica) and afoxolaner (NexGard) against induced infestations of Ctenocephalides felis on dogs.

BACKGROUND: Fleas are the most common ectoparasite infesting dogs globally. The many possible sequellae of infestation include: direct discomfort; allergic reactions; and the transmission of pathogens. Rapid speed of kill is an important characteristic for a parasiticide in order to alleviate the direct deleterious effects of fleas, reduce the impact of allergic responses, and break the flea infestation cycle. In this study, the speed of kill of a novel orally administered isoxazoline parasiticide, sarolaner (Simparica) against fleas on dogs was evaluated and compared with afoxolaner (NexGard) for 5 weeks after a single oral dose. METHODS: Twenty-four dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with a single oral dose at label rate of either sarolaner (2 to 4 mg/kg) or afoxolaner (2.5 to 6.8 mg/kg) or placebo, based on pretreatment flea counts. Dogs were combed and live fleas counted at 8, 12 and 24 h after treatment and subsequent re-infestations on Days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Efficacy was determined at each time point relative to counts for placebo dogs. RESULTS: There were no adverse reactions to treatment. A single oral dose of sarolaner provided ≥98.8% efficacy (based on geometric means) within 8 h of treatment or subsequent weekly re-infestations of fleas to Day 35. By 12 h, fleas were virtually eradicated from all dogs, with only two fleas recovered from a single sarolaner-treated dog on Day 7; efficacy was 100% at all other time points. Significantly greater numbers of live fleas were recovered from afoxolaner-treated dogs at 8 h on all days and at 12 h on Days 28 and 35 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this controlled laboratory evaluation, sarolaner had a significantly faster speed of kill against fleas than afoxolaner. This was noticeably more evident towards the end of the treatment period. The rapid and consistent kill of fleas within 8 to 12 h after a single oral dose of sarolaner over 35 days indicates that this treatment will provide highly effective control of flea infestations, relief for dogs afflicted with flea allergy dermatitis, and should reduce the risk of flea-borne pathogen transmission.

Comparative speed of kill of sarolaner (Simparica and fluralaner (Bravecto) against induced infestations of Ctenocephalides felis on dogs.

BACKGROUND: Fleas are the most common ectoparasite infesting dogs globally and cause direct discomfort, induce allergic reactions, and transmit pathogenic agents. Rapid speed of kill is an important characteristic for a parasiticide in order to alleviate the direct deleterious effects of fleas, reduce the impact of allergic responses, and break the flea life cycle. In this study, the speed of kill of a novel, orally administered isoxazoline parasiticide, sarolaner (Simparica), against fleas on dogs was evaluated and compared with fluralaner (Bravecto) over a 3-month period. METHODS: Based on pretreatment flea counts, 24 dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with oral sarolaner at the label rate (2 to 4 mg/kg), once a month for 3 months, or oral fluralaner (25 to 50 mg/kg), once per label directions, or placebo. Dogs were combed and live fleas counted at 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment and subsequent re-infestations on Days 14, 29, 44, 59, 74 and 90. Efficacy was determined at each time point relative to counts for placebo dogs. RESULTS: There were no adverse reactions to treatment. Three monthly doses of sarolaner provided ≥97.6 % efficacy (based on arithmetic means) within 8 h of treatment or subsequent weekly re-infestations of fleas for 3 months. By 12 h, fleas were eradicated from all dogs (100 % efficacy). Significantly greater numbers of live fleas were recovered from fluralaner-treated dogs at 8 h on Days 74 and 90 (P ≤ 0.0043) when efficacy (based on arithmetic means) was only 80.7 and 72.6 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this controlled laboratory evaluation, sarolaner had a significantly faster speed of kill against fleas than fluralaner at the end of its claimed treatment period. The rapid and consistent kill of fleas within 8 to 12 h after monthly oral doses of sarolaner indicates that this treatment will provide rapid and highly effective control of flea infestations, and suggests that it will provide relief for dogs suffering from flea allergy dermatitis, and should reduce the risk of flea-borne pathogen transmission.

Comparative speed of kill of sarolaner (Simparica) and spinosad plus milbemycin oxime (Trifexis) against induced infestations of Ctenocephalides felis on dogs.

BACKGROUND: Fleas are a ubiquitous ectoparasite infesting dogs and cause direct discomfort, allergic reactions and are responsible for the transmission of several pathogens. The rapid speed of kill of a parasiticide is important to alleviate the direct deleterious effects of fleas, reduce the impact of allergic responses, and break the flea life cycle. In this study, the speed of kill of a novel orally administered isoxazoline parasiticide, sarolaner (Simparica) against fleas on dogs was evaluated and compared with spinosad in combination with milbemycin oxime (Trifexis) for 5 weeks after a single oral dose. METHODS: Twenty-four dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with a single oral dose per product label of sarolaner (2 to 4 mg/kg), spinosad/milbemycin oxime (30 to 60 mg/kg / 0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg), or placebo based on pretreatment flea counts. Dogs were combed and live fleas counted at 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment and subsequent re-infestations on Days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Efficacy (reduction in live flea counts) of each treatment was determined at each time point relative to counts for placebo dogs. RESULTS: There were no adverse reactions to treatment. A single oral dose of sarolaner provided ≥94.0 % efficacy (based on geometric means) within 8 h of treatment or subsequent weekly re-infestations of fleas to Day 35. By 12 h, fleas were eradicated from all dogs and they remained flea free at 24 h. Significantly greater numbers of live fleas were recovered from spinosad/milbemycin oxime-treated dogs at 8 h from Day 21 to Day 35 (P ≤ 0.0085), and at 12 and 24 h on Day 35 (P ≤ 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In this controlled laboratory evaluation, dogs treated with sarolaner had significantly fewer live fleas than spinosad/milbemycin oxime- treated dogs at 8 h after re-infestation from Day 21 after a single oral dose. The rapid and consistent kill of fleas after a single oral dose of sarolaner over 35 days indicates that this treatment should provide highly effective control of flea infestations, relief for dogs afflicted with flea allergy dermatitis, and also reduce the risk of transmission of flea-borne pathogens.

Dynamics of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Infestations on Urban Dogs in Southeastern Brazil.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835), is an important ectoparasite of dogs and cats throughout the world, causing annoyance to the animals and acting as a vector of infections and a cause of allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Although climatic variability and seasonality are known to influence the diversity and abundance of fleas, few investigations of seasonal prevalence of cat flea infestation have involved the same group of dogs being examined regularly over an extended period. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity on the infestation by C. felis felis on 88 outdoor dogs in southeastern Brazil. The dogs, which were of mixed breed, sex, and age, were examined for ectoparasites every month during the period August 2011 to July 2012, and samples of fleas were randomly collected and identified. Meteorological data, comprising mean temperature, total rainfall, and mean relative humidity, were recorded for the calendar month prior to that in which the examinations were performed. Dogs were found to be infested only with C. felis felis, with a higher prevalence in the months with lowest rainfall (July, August, and September). The data obtained in this investigation can be used in control programs in order to establish an efficient strategy for environmental management and the application of insecticides, particularly during the driest months of the year based on the seasonal pattern of infestation of dogs by C. felis felis.

Urban stray cats infested by ectoparasites with zoonotic potential in Greece.

A large population of stray cats is encountered in many urban areas sharing the same environment with people, usually being in a close direct contact with them. A variety of ectoparasites can infest such cats, causing mild dermatological abnormalities to more severe systemic disorders. In order to determine the extent of which stray cats carry ectoparasites, particularly those of zoonotic potential, 341 stray cats originating from the urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece, were examined between 2012 and 2014. The signalment of each cat such as gender, hair length, and roughly estimated age were recorded. From a total of 341 examined stray cats, 127 (37.24%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.14-42.64) were infested with at least one of the following ectoparasites: mites-Otodectes cynotis (15.8%), Notoedres cati (2.35%), Cheyletiella blakei (2.05%); fleas-Ctenocephalides felis (24.3%); ticks-Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.88%); and lice-Felicola subrostratus (0.59%). A significantly higher prevalence of ectoparasites was observed in long-haired individuals (p < 0.00001). The above ectoparasites may either cause or transmit diseases not only in cats but also in humans Therefore, antiparasitic control should be included in stray cat neutering campaigns while public health education for taking preventive measures will decrease the risk of transmission to humans.

Identification of genes associated with blood feeding in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.

BACKGROUND: The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a blood-feeding ectoparasitic insect and particular nuisance pest of companion animals worldwide. Identification of genes that are differentially expressed in response to feeding is important for understanding flea biology and discovering targets for their control. METHODS: C. felis fleas were maintained and fed for 24 h using an artificial rearing system. The technique of suppression subtractive hybridization was employed to screen for mRNAs specifically expressed in fed fleas. RESULTS: We characterized nine distinct full-length flea transcripts that exhibited modulated or de novo expression during feeding. Among the predicted protein sequences were two serine proteases, a serine protease inhibitor, two mucin-like molecules, a DNA topoisomerase, an enzyme associated with GPI-mediated cell membrane attachment of proteins and a component of the insect innate immune response. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide a molecular insight into the physiology of flea feeding. The protein products of the genes identified may play important roles during flea feeding in terms of blood meal digestion, cellular growth/repair and protection from feeding-associated stresses.

Efficacy of fluralaner flavored chews (Bravecto) administered to dogs against the adult cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis and egg production.

BACKGROUND: Fluralaner is a potent insecticide and acaricide with rapid and persistent efficacy. This study measured the efficacy of fluralaner flavored chews (Bravecto®, Merck Animal Health) administered to dogs against adult Ctenocephalides felis felis and egg production. METHODS: Twelve purpose-bred dogs were randomly allocated to two groups of six dogs each. Dogs in treatment group 1 were administered a single fluralaner flavored chew to achieve a minimum dose of at least 25 mg/kg while treatment group 2 served as untreated controls. On Days -2, 28, 56, 84, 91, 98, 105, 112, and 120 post-treatment, each dog was infested with approximately 200 unfed cat fleas, C. felis felis (KS1 strain). Forty-eight hours after treatment and 48 h after each infestation, eggs were collected over a 3-h period, counted and viability determined. Dogs were combed to remove any remaining fleas. RESULTS: Treatment of dogs with oral fluralaner provided a 100% reduction in flea counts 48 h after treatment and within 48 h of every post-treatment infestation through Day122. Egg production from fluralaner treated dogs was reduced by 99.9% (two eggs from one dog) within 48 h after treatment and not a single egg (100% efficacy) was thereafter collected from treated dogs. Adult flea counts and egg production from the fluralaner-treated dogs were significantly lower than for non-treated controls at all post-treatment evaluations (P < 0.001). The two eggs collected from the single treated dog 48 h after treatment did not produce any adult fleas. As no additional eggs were collected from treated dogs, no viability assessment was performed. CONCLUSIONS: A single oral dose of fluralaner flavored chews provided 100% efficacy against repeated flea infestations on dogs for 4 months. Fluralaner reduced egg production of activity reproducing female fleas by 99.9% and then killed every single female flea before any eggs could be produced following each subsequent re-infestation for the entire 122-day evaluation period.

Expellency, anti-feeding and speed of kill of a dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen spot-on (Vectra®3D) in dogs weekly challenged with adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) for 1 month-comparison to a spinosad tablet (Comfortis®).

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two ectoparasiticides against adult fleas on dogs: a topical (DPP, dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen) and a systemic (S, spinosad). Dogs (n = 48; 10.21-22.86 kg BW) were allocated to six groups of eight dogs each (C1, C4, DPP1, DPP4, S1, S4). Dogs in the treated groups were administered a topical (3.6 mL of DPP) or a tablet (665 or 1040 mg of S) on day 0. Infestations with 100 unfed fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) occurred on days -6, -1, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. An additional untreated group (QC, n = 6) was involved to evaluate the flea-anti-feeding efficacy. These dogs were infested once with 150 fleas prior to combing of at least 50 live fleas from each dog 5 or 10 min after infestation. In the treated group, dislodged dead and moribund fleas were collected from dogs 5, 10, 15 and 60 min (DPP1, S1) or 5, 10, 30 and 240 min (DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent flea infestations on pans placed underneath the cages. Fleas were counted and removed from dogs by combing 1 (C1, DPP1, S1) or 4 h (C4, DPP4, S4) post-treatment and subsequent infestations. Quantitative PCR analysis of the canine cytochrome b gene was conducted on dislodged fleas collected from treated and control (QC) dogs 5 and 10 min after post-treatment infestations. The number of gene copies was used as a marker of blood volume ingested by fleas. Dislodgeability and insecticidal efficacy were calculated using arithmetic means. A rapid onset of killing was observed for DPP with 12.7 % of dead and moribund fleas being dislodged in average from dogs as soon as 5 min after infestation. DPP exhibited a significantly higher and sustained speed of kill than S. The average insecticidal efficacy was 86 ± 8.8 and 95.3 ± 2.1 % with DPP, whereas it was only 33.7 ± 19.9 and 57.6 ± 18.6 % with S at respectively 1 and 4 h after weekly reinfestations. The DPP combination significantly inhibited the feeding of fleas (89 % reduction) up to onset of flea mortality for 1-month post-treatment.

Sustained speed of kill and repellency of a novel combination of fipronil and permethrin against Ctenocephalides canis flea infestations in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Ctenocephalides canis is a major flea species in dogs in several European countries. The new topical combination of fipronil and permethrin (Frontline Tri-Act/Frontect, Merial) has been developed to control fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and biting flies on dogs. Considering the repellent and insecticidal effects of permethrin and the insecticidal effect of fipronil, the efficacy of the combination against fleas including C. canis was expected to be rapid. The study was conducted to measure the 1-hour, 6-hour and 24-hour efficacy, as well as the repellent activity, of the fipronil-permethrin combination on treated versus untreated dogs. METHODS: 12 Beagle dogs were randomly allocated to one of two groups based on pre-treatment live flea counts. Dogs in Group 1 remained untreated whereas dogs in Group 2 were treated once on Day 0. Each dog was infested with 100 unfed adult C. canis on Days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Dogs were combed for fleas 1 and 6 h after each infestation. Following this examination, fleas remaining on the liner at the bottom of each cage were collected and counted. All live fleas were placed back on each dog after the 1- and 6-hour counts. A comb-count was performed at 24 h post infestation on all dogs. RESULTS: Treated dogs had significantly (p ≤ 0.01) lower flea counts than untreated dogs at every time point. The percent efficacy was ≥99.1% at 6 and 24 h after each weekly challenge up to the month. The 1-hour counts also showed good efficacy of 96.5%, 98.9%, 92.0%, 70.2% and 55.7% on Days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. The repellent efficacy, assessed on the liners at 1 h, was 86.5%, 94.9%, 79.5%, 58.4% and 43.9% on Days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of the fipronil and permethrin combination against C. canis, providing both a repellent and insecticidal effect as early as 1 h post infestation, and >99.1% efficacy calculated at 6 h during a month.