Molecular detection and characterization of , , and from peri-domestic fleas in Uganda.

Fleas transmit a variety of zoonotic agents whose epidemiology and public health risk remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda particularly outside plague-endemic areas. Common flea-borne zoonotic agents include and . The study aimed at detecting and characterising flea-borne pathogens in peridomestic environments in Uganda. We collected fleas from domestic animals, chickens, rodents, and homestead environments; pooled them by species, collection time, and host species. A total of 172 pools were analyzed for gene. Further, 62 pools were tested for species , and genes by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Five flea species were identified: , and . Genus, accounted for 84.8% of fleas collected, mostly found on dogs and goats. The flea species were found across all districts, year-round, with higher numbers collected in dry seasons than rainy seasons. constituted 74% of rodents captured from human dwellings and was the only rodent species with fleas, where was the predominant species. All 172 pools were negative for . spp. was detected in 29/62 (46.8%) pools by the target genes. Of 25 amplicons sequenced, 4% were identified as from , 92% were from multiple flea species, and 4% were identified as Rickettsia senegalensis. The survey identified high pool detection rate of spp. in fleas,suggestingrisk of human exposure and infection. This was the first report of spp. in and detection of R. senegalensis in Uganda.