Has Vector-Rodent Relationship Changed in Plague? Experiences of Plague Affected Hilly Terrains of Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Background: The present study was conducted with objectives to elucidate the existence of
sylvatic cycle of plague and to document the changing pattern of relationship between rodents and
fleas.
Methods: Collection of samples was done from 15 sites (25 locations) from plague affected areas
of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India during 5 visits between June 2011 to July 2012, which
were thereafter entomologically investigated in a BSL-3 laboratory Results: 57 fleas (3 species) from 243 rodents (3 species) were collected in domestic (n=16),
peridomestic (n=3) and wild (n=6) locations. Rattus rattus (n=197) and Nosopsyllus fascitus (n=43)
was most frequently trapped rodent and flea species respectively. Rattus rattus (domestic rodent
species) was also trapped from wild areas and Nosopsyllus fascitus (domestic flea species) was
also isolated from Rattus norvegicus (wild rodent species). One rare rodent species Cornilurus
albipes was also found. Most common rodent-flea association was Rattus norvegicus-Nosopsyllus
fascitus. The recovery of rodents and flea was higher in months of June and December
respectively.
Conclusions: The study concluded that sylvatic cycle persisted in study area and rodent and flea
mixing was widely prevalent between domestic and wild area. This demands regular and intensive
surveillance in plague prone hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh.
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Keywords
Sylvatic cycle, plague, vector borne disease, surveillance
Citation
Goel Sonu, Sharma Yachna, Khurana Sumeeta, Kaur Harvinder, Ray Pallab, Raj Sonika, Singh Amarjeet. Has Vector-Rodent Relationship Changed in Plague? Experiences of Plague Affected Hilly Terrains of Himachal Pradesh, India. International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health. 2015; 9(3): 1-9.