Abstract

ARRIETA T, Marco et al. Características de la población de roedores y pulgas en áreas de diferente riesgo para peste de tres provincias del departamento de Piura-Perú. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2001, vol.18, n.3-4, pp.90-97. ISSN 1726-4634.

Objective: To identify rodent and flea species in low, medium and high risk areas for plague in three provinces in Piura, determining their geographic distribution and population density. Materials and methods: In this transversal analytic study, rodents and fleas were caught in 80 sites from three provinces in Piura, Peru, between March 2000 and February 2001, and their species were identified. The sites were grouped according to three categories: low, medium, and high risk for plague. Samples from internal organs from 382 rodents were taken in order to isolate Yersinia pestis using culture and direct immunofluorescence techniques; and blood samples using Nobuto strips were taken from 376 rodents and 286 dogs in order to determine the presence of antibodies against Yersinia pestis, using the latex agglutination test. Population density indicators were calculated for both rodents and fleas. Results: Akodon sp. (50.4%), and Rattus rattus (32.5%) were the predominant rodent species. 23 sites had a rodent trapping index (RTI) higher than 5%. Pulex irritans and Ctenophalides felis were the most prevalent flea species. Xenopsilla cheopis reached 0.2%, and Polygenes fitargus was not found. The population density indicators for fleas had low values. All samples for culture, immunofluorescence, and serology were negative. Conclusions: The rodent population was high in 23 sites; however, flea population density and the absence of Yersinia pestis circulation do not indicate a risk for plague outbreaks.

Keywords : Plague; Rodents; Fleas; Yersinia pestis.