330 SI PH O NAP T E RA: F L E AS

LISTERIOSIS (Listeria monocytogenes). A world-wide disease of cattle, sheep, rabbits,

guinea pigs, chickens and other animals. In man it may cause meningoencephalitis. The
mode of transmission appears to be unknown but it may be of some significance to note
that several rodent fleas were found to be naturally infected in European and Asiatic
Russia.
GLANDERS (.Malleomyces mallei). A disease of horses and allied species, but also
occurring in a variety of other mammals, including small rodents. Experimentally fleas
have been shown to be suitable vectors among the latter.
MELIOIDOSIS (.Malleomyces pseudomallei). Although world-wide in distribution, this
disease is encountered especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries in rodents (rats),
dogs, cats, sheep, goats, horses and pigs. In man it is a rare disease usually of acute
character and a high mortality rate but chronic forms may last for years. Fleas have been
experimentally shown to be good vectors.
BRUCELLOSIS (or Malta fever) {Brucella melitensis). Brucellosis s.l. is principally a world-
wide disease of domestic animals, but the species of Brucella isolated from some fleas {B.
melitensis) mainly infects goats and sheep in Mediterranean countries. In man this pathogen
usually causes a febrile illness known as undulant fever and is normally acquired through
contact with infected animals, or through infected milk. Several species of fleas tested in
Malta and in various localities in the U.S.S.R. were found not to be involved in the
transmission of this Brucella but from a certain flea in Turkey the organism was
successfully isolated.
SALMONELLOSIS {Salmonella enteritidis and S, typhimurium). The two species of
Salmonella isolated from fleas are the most important cause of bacterial food poisoning
(gastro-enteritis). Among the various animals subject to Salmonella infections, rodents are
extremely susceptible. Even though half-a-dozen species of rodent fleas have been found
to be naturally infected in Asiatic Russia, the chances of man acquiring the organisms from
such fleas would seem to be slight.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS. In man, the principal host of this bacterium, acute
pyogenic infections are caused, also acute osteomyelitis or septicaemia. A certain rodent
flea in Asiatic Russia was found to be naturally infected.

Rickettsial infections:
MURINE TYPHUS {Rickettsia typhiR. mooseri). A world-wide (but e.g. in North America
only in the southern United States) disease of various rodents, especially of rats. In man
this is clinically a milder disease than epidemic typhus (which is louse- borne). Fleas are
the main vectors from rodent to rodent and rodent to man and naturally infected specimens
are known from U.S.A., U.S.S.R., China and Thailand.
HAEMORRHAGIC NEPHROSO-NEPHRITIS {Rickettsia pavlovskyi). This rickettsial form
of haemorrhagic fever occurs in eastern Asia, with a reservoir in wild rodents. A number of
fleas have been found to be naturally infected in the U.S.S.R. Trombi- culid mites perhaps
also act as vectors.