The First Case Report of Human Infestation with Ctenocephalides canis in Behbahan (Khuzestan Province)

The adjacent of residential buildings in the countryside with livestock causes external parasites to be transferred easily and feed on the human hosts. Due to fleas haematophagus nature they are able to transfer pathogens from animal to animal or animal to human and thus they are considered as zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, identification of fleas is necessary.
In the present study 30 infested people with biting signs and 800 sheep and goats were investigated. About 50 fleas from infested people and 160 from animals were collected. Samples were cleared with KOH and recognized based on proper identification keys.
Based on the results it seems that sheep and goats were infested with Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans. Out of the 160 studied fleas from sheep and goats 118 (73.7%) were identified as C. canis and 42 (26.3%) as P. irritans. Out of 50 collected fleas from infested people 43 (86%) were identified as C. canis and 7 (14%) as P. irritans.
The present report is the first report of man infestation with canine fleas or C. canis. According to climate condition and employment of most of villagers to traditional animal husbandry, it seems that there is a proper condition for external parasites (such as fleas) growth and proliferation. Therefore, studies based on infestation identification and report can be considered for control strategic programs.