Elucidating transmission dynamics and host-parasite-vector relationships for rodent-borne Bartonella spp. in Madagascar.

•At least five distinct species of Bartonella infect R. rattus rodents and their ectoparasites in Madagascar.•Infection dynamics for zoonotic B. elizabethae are consistent with an SIS or SIR model in rodent hosts.•Infection dynamics for non-zoonotic B. phoceensis & rattimassiliensis are consistent with an SI model in rodent hosts.•Transmission of B. elizabethae and B. phoceensis & rattimassiliensis, respectiviely, are affected by S. fonquerniei & X. cheopsis fleas and Polyplax spp. lice.•S. fonquerniei/X. cheopsis fleas may vector B. elizabethae and Polyplax spp. lice vector B. phoceensis/rattimassiliensis.