Interaction network between fleas and medium-sized mammals in an urban reserve in Mexico City

Abstract

Interaction networks between mammals and fleas are a useful tool to predict and monitor disease transmission. However, those networks are lacking for most environments, particularly in urban areas. Therefore, the aim of this article is to build an interaction network between mid-size mammals and fleas in the Pedregal de San Ángel ecological reserve (REPSA), an urban reserve in Mexico City. We pooled information about fleas found on mid-size mammals from six projects carried out between 2019 and 2022. Using these data, we constructed an interaction network between fleas and host species. Mammals of REPSA have fewer fleas per host (up to 7.9 on average per host on ringtails, Bassariscus astutus) compared to other urban areas. The most common flea, with the highest degree of centrality, was Ctenocephalides felis. The rock squirrels (Otospermophilus variegatus) appear to be the least connected mammal in the network.  We conclude that flea infestation in REPSA is low compared with other urban areas, epidemiological monitoring should be centered on C. felis and the diseases transmitted by it, and more studies about rodents are needed.