Bartonella Species in Wild Rodents and Fleas from Them in Japan

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of fleas for transmission of <i>Bartonella</i> species among wild rodents in Japan. Flea samples were collected from wild rodents and examined genetically for <i>Bartonella</i> infection. <i>Bartonella</i> DNA was detected from 16 of 40 (40.0%) flea samples. Sequence analysis demonstrated that 3 of 16 (18.8%) of the <i>Bartonella</i>-positive animals were infested with fleas from which the closely related <i>Bartonella</i> DNA sequence was detected, indicating that the fleas acquired <i>Bartonella</i> from the infested rodents. The DNA was detected in hemolymph, the midgut and the ovary (only in female), indicating that <i>Bartonella</i> might be colonized through the midgut and distributed into the body.<br>