Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) and Oriental cat flea (Ctenocephalides orientis) infestation as a emerging nuisance to human population

Abstract

Fleas are known as a vector of important diseases including plague, murine typhus, tularemia and dipylidiasis. This pest annually imposes a considerable economical loss and cause damage to human and livestock sector. Furthermore, flea bite is one of the causative agents of hypersensitivity responses, dermatitis, allergies and severe discomfort. Fleas were collected from corners of the houses and on the children’s bodies during blood feeding. The fleas were collected and processed as per the standard protocol. On detailed microscopic examination, the collected fleas were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis and C. felisorientis. This report demonstrates the need of precise history taking, identification of flea genus/species and implementation of an effective flea control strategy to eliminate an existing infestation in gardens as well as in houses.