Bartonella infection in small mammals and their ectoparasites from the Central Highlands of Madagascar: diversity and implication in future zoonotic surveillance

Abstract

Using molecular tools, we report a high prevalence of Bartonella in small mammals and their fleas in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Two potential Bartonella zoonotic species were identified in R. rattus and their fleas. As these bacteria are generally vector-borne, they could have a significant impact on public health in the vicinity of our study areas and, in general, in Madagascar, and merit further investigation.