Protocol for monitoring Yersinia pestis colonization of the proventriculus in the flea Xenopsylla cheopis using microscopy

Abstract

Summary: Colonization of the flea proventriculus is essential for increasing the likelihood of Yersinia pestis transmission. Here, we present a protocol for visualizing Y. pestis colonization dynamics within the proventriculus of the flea Xenopsylla cheopis. We describe steps for quantifying the number of infected proventriculi, the percentage of the surface colonized by bacteria, and an estimation of the bacterial load. These metrics provide a tool for assessing the role of bacterial genes in establishing a transmissible infection.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Dewitte et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Microbiology
• Microscopy
• Model Organisms
• Special Issue
• Protocols in Entomology