Association of < i > Phlebotomus guggisbergi < /i > with < i > L < /i > . < i > major < /i > and < i > L < /i > . < i > tropica < /i > in a complex transmission setting for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gilgil, Nakuru county, Kenya

by Barrack O. Owino, Damaris Matoke-Muhia, Yasser Alraey, Jackline Milkah Mwangi, Johnstone M. Ingonga, Philip M. Ngumbi, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Daniel K. Masiga BackgroundPhlebotomus (Larroussius) guggisbergi is among the confirmed vectors for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission in Kenya. This scarring and stigmatizing form of leishmaniasis accounts for over one million annual cases worldwide. Most recent CL epidemics in Kenya have been reported in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where the disease has become a public health issue. However, little is known about the factors that drive its transmission. Here, we sought to determine the occurrence, distribution and host blood feeding preference of the vectors, and to identifyLeishmania species and infection rates in sandflies using molecular techniques. This information could lead to a better understanding of the disease transmission and improvement of control strategies in the area. Methodology/ Principal findingsAn entomological survey of sandflies using CDC light traps was conducted for one week per month in April 2016, and in June and July 2017 from five villages of Gilgil, Nakuru county; Jaica, Sogonoi, Utut, Gitare and Njeru. Sandflies were identified to species level using morphological keys and further verified by PCR analysis ofcytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Midguts of female sandflies found to harbourLeishmania were ruptured and the isolated parasites cultured in Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research