Flea infestations are common in Thailand, but little is known about the flea-borne infections. Fifty flea
pools and 153 blood samples were collected from client-owned cats between June and August 2009
from veterinary hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. Total DNA was extracted from all samples, and then
assessed by conventional PCR assays. The prevalence rates of Bartonella spp. in blood and flea samples
were 17% and 32%, respectively, with DNA of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae being ampli-
fied most commonly. Bartonella koehlerae DNA was amplified for the first time in Thailand. Hemoplasma
DNA was amplified from 23% and 34% of blood samples and flea pools, respectively, with ‘Candidatus
Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and Mycoplasma haemofelis being detected most frequently. All samples
were negative for Rickettsia felis. Prevalence rate of B. henselae DNA was increased 6.9 times in cats with
flea infestation. Cats administered flea control products were 4.2 times less likely to be Bartonellainfected.