Molecular survey of flea-borne pathogens in fleas associated with carnivores from Algeria and an Artificial Neural Network-based risk analysis of flea-borne diseases.

As ectoparasites and efficient vectors of pathogens fleas constitute a source of nuisance for animals as well as a major issue for public health in Algeria. In this study, a molecular survey has been conducted to investigate the presence of pathogens in fleas infesting domestic and wild carnivores in the central north and eastern north and south of Algeria. The molecular screening that targeted Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Bartonella spp.,and Dipylidium caninum, was supplemented by a comprehensive analysis of risk factors related to flea-borne pathogens, drawing data from all documentation across multiple languages and sources from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In the current study, several Bartonella spp. 56/430 (13.02%) and Dipylidium caninum 3/430 (0.7%) were identified. The sequencing results revealed 5/23 (21.74%) B. clarridgeiae, 3/23 (13.04%) B. henselae, and 3/23 (13.04%) B. vinsonii. The two haplotypes, H1 and H2, of D. caninum were identified for the first time in North Africa. The results of the Artificial Neural Network risk analyses unveiled that the prevalence of pathogens and the presence of host generalist fleas as well as the vectorial competence are the most determinant risk factors of flea-borne diseases in Maghreb.

An overview of fleas (Siphonaptera) in wild and domestic mammals from Algeria with new data from the central north and south of the country.

Fleas (Siphonaptera) are medically and veterinary important ectoparasites known to infest a wide range of host species. This study presents a systematic review complemented by new data on the diversity of flea species and host associations in Algeria. 198 mammals were examined, including previously understudied hosts such as sheep, red foxes, fennec foxes, and golden African wolves. Of these animals, 108 (54.55%) were infested with fleas. Overall, 1.906 fleas belonging to seven species (Archaeopsylla erinacei s.l., Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Pariodontis riggenbachi, Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis) were identified, originating from seven provinces across Algeria. Statistical analysis techniques were employed to process the data, including descriptive statistics, statistical tests, and principal component analysis (PCA). This study reveals the diverse flea fauna in Algeria and their association with various host species, including wild and domestic animals. This comprehensive survey aimed to combine literature reviews, fieldwork, and statistical analysis to understand fleas' diversity and host associations. The findings contribute to the growing knowledge of flea ecology and host-parasite interactions, with implications for public health and veterinary practices in Algeria and potentially other regions with similar ecological characteristics.