Ecto and Endo Parasites + Fleas

• Ectoparasites inhabit the host's skin or coat.
• Ectoparasites cause cutaneous lesions.
• They can induce immunopathological responses.
• Ectoparasites can transmit pathogens.
• They may infest people or transmit zoonotic infections.
• Ectoparasites may interfere with the human-animal bond.
• Controlling ectoparasites is part of maintaining healthy pets.

Endoparasites

• Endoparasites include helminths and protozoa.
• Helminths are worms, divided into trematodes (flukes), cestodes, and nematodes.
• Protozoa are small unicellular parasitic organisms like Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia.

Parasites - Fleas

• The three types of fleas are Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea), and Pulex irritans (human flea).
• The cat flea infests a wide range of mammals and is the most common flea.
• Fleas feed by biting the host, injecting saliva containing an anti-coagulant, and sucking blood.
• Flea saliva can cause Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) in allergic animals and humans, leading to excessive itching and dermatitis.

Flea Identification

• Fleas are flattened sideways.
• They are covered with a hard cuticle, which aids movement between hairs.
• Fleas have rudimentary eyes, no wings, and small antennae.
• They possess well-developed mouthparts and long legs for leaping, allowing them to jump up to 165 times their body length.

Flea Life Cycle

• Female fleas lay approximately 25 eggs per day.
• Larvae hatch after 1–2 days
• Larvae undergo two molts before pupating.
• Larvae are photophobic and crawl away from light.
• Adult fleas emerge from pupae in response to heat, pressure, and CO₂.
• The entire flea life cycle can be completed in as little as 12 days.

Flea Diagnosis

• Fleas are usually visible to the naked eye, but can be harder to spot on black animals or those with thick fur.
• Flea dirt feels gritty in the animal's coat.
• A wet cotton wool test can be used for testing.
• Animals may be very itchy, particularly on their rump.
• Allergic animals may exhibit hair loss and scabs.

Clinical Significance of Fleas

• Fleas can transmit tapeworms (endoparasites).
• They can also transmit blood-borne diseases like haemobartonella.
• High flea infestations can lead to anemia.
• Small puppies and kittens are susceptible to anemia and death from flea infestations.