Species of the Genus Xenopsylla (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) as Vectors of Plague Infection in Its Natural Foci

The distribution and host-parasite relationships of fleas of the genus Xenopsylla (Pulicidae) and their significance as plague vectors are analyzed. The worldwide distribution of plague foci and the role of this flea genus in pathogen circulation in various regions are considered. Xenopsylla fleas either act as the only main vectors or are included in the main vector pool in 114 out of 255 known natural plague foci around the world. Spontaneous infection with the plague microbe has been detected for 21 species of this genus, and 17 species are considered the main plague vectors in some foci. The flea X. cheopis is the most significant plague vector in Africa and South-East Asia.