Arthropods - Fleas PDF

Introduction to Ectoparasites Overview of Arthropods Arthropods are invertebrates characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and paired sets of legs take in oxygen via holes in their outer covering their alimentary system is a tube running through their body...

Introduction to Ectoparasites Overview of Arthropods Arthropods are invertebrates characterized by an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and paired sets of legs take in oxygen via holes in their outer covering their alimentary system is a tube running through their body Sensory hairs on their body help them interact with their environment, detecting changes in light, temperature, and movement. Reproduction is typically sexual, with separate sexes and most species laying eggs. Life Cycle of Arthropods Have simple life cycle, complex life cycle and mounting. Simple life cycle is where arthropod moult through nymphal stages, maintaining (incomplete metamorphosis) while growing in size Complex life cycle involves distinct egg, larva, and pupa stages(complete metamorphosis) before becoming an adult Molying/ecdysis is where arthropods periodically shed their exoskeleton whilst growing Arthropods of veterinary significance These include insects: fleas and lice Adults have a distinct head, thorax and abdomen Eyes jointed antennae on head Complex mouthparts 3 pairs of jointed legs These also include arachnids: fleas and mites Spider related  Four Paris of legs Head and thorax are fused No antennae No distinct mandibles Fleas: Characteristics and Life Cycle Flea Characteristics Fleas are small, dark brown, wingless insects, with a laterally flattened body that aids in movement through fur. They possess a segmented body structure with a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen, equipped with complex mouthparts for blood feeding. The third pair of legs is enlarged, allowing fleas to jump distances of up to 8 feet, facilitating host-to-host transmission. Both sexes are blood feeders Only adults are parasitic Undergo complete metamorphosis Two main species are called ctenocephalides (cat species) and ctenocephalides canis Not host specific but are host preferential Ctenocephalides Felis is most common flea found on both cats and dogs but its preferred host is cat but can also survive on other carnivores and rabbits Flea Transmission transmission of fleas is through indirect contact mostly where immature stages mature in environment and jump on host when hatched.common reason for repeated infestations transmission of fleas can also be through direct contact with infested animal but not common as they fleas tend not to migrate from host unless there current host is highly infested Flea lifecycle Eggs laid on host dry out and fall into environment where they hatch into l1 larvae and go into floor crevices, carpets and bedding to be away from light sources. the larvae feed in flea dirt and undergo two mounts to become l3 larvae and soon spin into a cocoon, entering the pupal stage The pupal stage varies in length as adult will emerge in correct conditions such as warm weather or when it percieves signs of host Adult will then jump onto host Clinical Signs of Flea Infestation Mild Pruritis: mainly in dorsolumbar region on non-hypersensitive adult animals Anaemia and death: occurs in kittens as flea can consume large amounts of blood per day Flea Bite Dermatitis (FBD): An allergic reaction to flea saliva, causing severe pruritis, alopecia fleas act as disease vectors Fleas may also act as a vector for certain diseases e.g feline infectious anaemia, feline leukemia and Dipyldium caninum Also transmit zoonotic diseases Diagnosis of Flea Infestation Diagnosis can be made through direct visualisation of fleas And their faeces(dirt) Coat brushing and the wet paper test can help identify flea dirt, which consists of digested blood. Public Health Concerns Fleas can bite humans, causing localized irritation, but cannot complete their life cycle on human hosts. They are vectors for zoonotic diseases, including plague (Yersinia pestis) and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi). Fleas serve are intermediate hosts of the cestode Dipyldium caninum which is the flea tapeworm and humans can become infected if ingested, most common in children Flea Control Strategies Patient Considerations: Regular flea treatments (topical, oral, or injectable) are necessary every 1-6 months, depending on the product, flea control collars and flea shampoo for dogs, dewormers Environmental Control: hover the areas where pets mainly are to get rid of flea eggs as emerging pupa are main source of infestation and cannot be killed , seal vacuum bag in plastic bad and discard immediately, wash all bedding about 60 degrees , use flea sprays and bombs on carpets and furniture to kill adult fleas and larval stages.