Feeding behavior and activity of < i > Phlebotomus pedifer < /i > and potential reservoir hosts of < i > Leishmania aethiopica < /i > in southwestern Ethiopia

by Myrthe Pareyn, Abena Kochora, Luca Van Rooy, Nigatu Eligo, Bram Vanden Broecke, Nigatu Girma, Behailu Merdekios, Teklu Wegayehu, Louis Maes, Guy Caljon, Bernt Lindtj ørn, Herwig Leirs, Fekadu Massebo BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health concern in Ethiopia. However, knowledge about the complex zoonotic transmission cycle is limited, hampering implementation of control strategies. We explored the feeding behavior and activity of the vector (Phlebotomus pedifer) and studied the role of livestock in CL transmission in southwestern Ethiopia. MethodsBlood meal origins of engorged sand flies were determined by sequencing host DNA. A host choice experiment was performed to assess the feeding preference ofP.pedifer when humans and hyraxes are equally accessible. Ear and nose biopsies from livestock were screened for the presence ofLeishmania parasites. Sand flies were captured indoor and outdoor with human landing catches and CDC light traps to determine at which time and whereP.pedifer is mostly active. Principal findingsA total of 180P.pedifer sand flies were found to bite hosts of 12 genera. Humans were the predominant blood meal source indoors (65.9%, p
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research