Identification of Bartonella spp and Rickettsia spp of Human Body Lice from Homeless People of Bogota D.C, Colombia

Human body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) is recognized as the vector of different pathogenic bacteria as Bartonella quintana and Rickettsiaprowazekii, the etiological agents of trench fever and epidemic typhus, respectively, being these bacteria re-emerging pathogens in different countries. Poor living conditions and limited access to public services are predisposing factors to increase high prevalence of body lice infestation in different populations such as homeless people. In Bogota-Colombia, approximately 9.614 homeless people are living in unsanitary conditions. However, our country has no reports about the presence of louse-borne bacteria and infection caused by this. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the presence of Bartonella spp and Rickettsia spp in body lice collected from homeless people in Bogota.

Publication Date: 
2016
Volume: 
45
Journal Name: 
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Location: 
Colombia