Transmission cycle analysis in a Leishmania infantum focus: Infection rates and blood meal origins in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

ABSTRACTAn entomological study was conducted in aLeishmania infantum focus, including the identification of the sand fly species, the detection and the characterization ofLeishmania DNA in female sand flies, and blood meal origins in engorged sand flies. A total of 643 sand flies (31% female, 69% male) was identified based on their morphological features or molecular markers. Ten different species were identified, withPhlebotomus perniciosus, the confirmed vector ofL. infantum, being the most abundant (56%),P. papatasi in 25% of sand flies, the unique vector species ofL. major, andP. longicuspis in 7% of cases, the suspected second vector ofL. infantum. Moreover, the infection rate was 3.4% inP. perniciousus, P. papatasi, P. longicuspis, andSergentomya minuta. Also,L. infantum was identified in five unfedP. perniciosus and twoP. longicuspis. Our results suggest the vector role ofP. perniciosus andP. longicuspis in the transmission cycle ofL. infantum. The DNA of four mammalian species (human, rabbit, horse, and cow) was identified in the blood meals of sand flies, suggesting that these species are potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis, though it is not yet fully elucidated (especially for MON ‐24 and MON‐80). We suggest the existence of different transmission cycles ofL. infantum involving different species of sand flies and hosts.
Source: Journal of Vector Ecology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research