Distribución y Hospederos de pulgas (Siphonaptera) en la Provincia de Ayabaca, Piura - 1999

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study performed in Ayabaca Province (an endemic area for plague), Piura Department, Peru; aiming to expand knowledge with respect to flea species prevalent in the area. 10 152-flea specimens were collected in 46 sited from six districts in Ayabaca Province (Suyo, Sapillica, Montero, Paimas, Lagunas, and Ayabaca), between January to July 1999. Sampling was performed selecting at least five pieces of clothing and five guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), additionally to all rodents captured in the houses and in the surrounding wild areas. Eight flea species were identified (Pulex irritans, Tiamastus cavicola, Polygenis litargus, Xenopsylla cheopis, Ctenocephalides felis felis, Craneopsylla minerva minerva, Leptopsylla segnis, and Cediopsylla spilmanni). Of these species, P. irritans was reported in all sampled districts, followed by X. cheopis and P. litargus, which were found in five out of six districts.