Search

Introduction Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are known as the vector of diseases such as leishmaniasis, bartonellosis and viral diseases. The aim of this study is to detect the host feeding pattern of sand flies in the endemic areas for leishmaniasis in Turkey (Antalya, Kayseri) and Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as well as the presence of Leishmania DNA in the specimens. Methods One-hundred seventy-six blood-fed sand fly specimens were examined for blood meal analysis. A SYBR Green-PCR assay was performed with specific forward primers for each host and a universal reverse primer. Primers of human and goat were used together in multiplex PCR while goat and cow were studied separately. ITS-1 qPCR assay was also performed on both blood-fed and non-blood-fed females to detect Leishmania parasites. Results Blood sources could be detected in 69 out of 176 blood-fed sand fly specimens. The results of blood meal analysis showed that specimens were fed mostly on cows (22.2%) followed by humans (5.7%), goats (2.8%) and dogs (0.6%). Multiple feeding patterns were also detected as human + cow (3.4%), cow + goat (2.8%) and human + goat (1.7%). Five of the blood-fed specimens were Leishmania spp. positive: P. major s.l. (n = 1), P. tobbi (n = 2) were L. tropica positive from Antalya, P. simici was positive for L. infantum from Kayseri and P. papatasi (n = 1) was positive for L. major from Cyprus. Leishmania infection rates were determined as 3.79%, 1.69% and 2.63% among the blood-fed sand fly specimens in Antalya, Kayseri and TRNC, respectively. Conclusion The SYBR-Green-based multiplex PCR assay is a cost-effective and promising tool for blood meal identification of wild-caught sand flies as well as other blood-sucking arthropods. Feeding patterns of important vector species detected in the present study show the high risk in these endemic areas. As a next step, to identify the blood source in a shorter time and to make the test more sensitive, development of this assay to probe-based and multiplex PCR will be also planned., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [114S999], This work was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Project No: 114S999. The authors would like to thank to Res. Ass. Hatice Uluer from Faculty of Computer Engineering of Ege University to assess statistical analyses; and Zeph Nelson Omondi for English editing.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused mainly by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which is endemic throughout Brazil. Canine ACL cases were investigated in a rural area of Monte Mor, São Paulo, where a human ACL case had been confirmed. Dogs were evaluated through clinical and laboratory diagnosis including serology, cytological tissue preparations and PCR on skin lesions, lymph node and bone marrow samples. Entomological investigations on sandflies trapped in the surroundings of the study area were performed for 14 months. Nyssomyia neivai was the predominant phlebotomine species, comprising 94.65% of the captured specimens (832 out of 879). This species was the most abundant in all trapping sites, including human homes and dog shelters. Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri and Expapilata firmatoi were also captured. Two of the three dogs examined were positive for anti-Leishmania IgG in ELISA using the antigen Fucose mannose ligand and skin samples were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis in PCR, but all the samples collected were negative for L. (L.) infantum. One of the dogs had a confirmed persistent infection for more than one year. Resumo A leishmaniose tegumentar Americana (LTA) é uma doença zoonótica negligenciada, causada principalmente por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, sendo endêmica em todo o Brasil. Foram investigados casos de LTA canina em uma área rural da cidade de Monte Mor, São Paulo, onde foi confirmado um caso humano de LTA. Os cães foram avaliados por diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial, incluindo sorologia, esfregaços microscópicos e PCR de amostras em lesões de pele, linfonodos e medula óssea. Também foram realizadas investigações entomológicas durante 14 meses, usando-se armadilhas luminosas para flebotomíneos nas proximidades da área de estudo. Nyssomyia neivai foi a espécie de flebotomíneo predominante com 94,65% dos espécimes capturados (832 de 879). Essa espécie foi a mais abundante em todos os locais de captura, incluindo-se abrigos para humanos e cães. Foram também capturadas as espécies Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri e Expapilata firmatoi. Dos três cães examinados, dois apresentaram IgG anti-Leishmania positivo no ELISA, usando-se o antígeno “Fucose mannose ligand”, PCR da lesão de pele positivo para L. (V.) braziliensis e negativo em todas amostras para L. (L.) infantum. Um dos cães apresentou infecção persistente por mais de um ano.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are diseases transmitted by infected female sand flies. Since the eradication of malaria in Turkey, CL is the main vector-borne disease in the country, with more than 2000 cases per year, making it a significant public health problem. The aims of this study were to carry out an entomological survey in Antalya Province, an endemic area for CL in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, to identify sand fly fauna and to screen female specimens for the presence of Leishmania parasites (Leishmania infantum, L. tropica, L. major, and L. donovani) using molecular analysis. Sand flies were collected in 42 localities of seven districts in Antalya Province using CDC miniature light traps in two different periods, June 2012 and September 2013. The specimens were kept in 96% ethanol until the dissection was done. The head and genitalia of the specimens were cut for preparing individual slides for species identification. The rest of the body of female specimens was kept separately. The specimens were identified at the species level, and 27 pools were generated according to the locations and species for screening the presence of Leishmania. A commercial kit was used for DNA extractions. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) were then performed. In total, 1306 specimens comprising nine species belonging to the Phlebotomus genus were collected in the study region, with Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus (38.82%) the most abundant, followed by P. alexandri (21.67%) and P. tobbi (20.44%). In the 27 pools, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in four pools containing P. neglectus/syriacus and one pool containing P. tobbi. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna in the Antalya Province is diverse. The probable vector sand fly species are P. neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi with high dominance (59.26%), which indicates a high risk of CL transmission. The data presented here may help to shed more light on the transmission cycles of the Leishmania parasite in this CL endemic area., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey [112T270], This study is supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Project No. 112T270).

International audience; A few data are related to the anthropophily of Malagasy Phlebotomine sandflies. Prior studies focussed mainly to inventories and description of new species. Our goal was to emphasize the anthropophily of Malagasy Phlebotomine sandflies. We worked in the Makira region, using two simultaneous methods: human landing catches (HLC) and CDC light traps. We collected sandflies in three rural communities adjacent to the Makira Natural Park. In each community, three different biotopes were sampled: within community settlements; at the edge of forest, typically in agricultural land; and within the forest. We collected 61 sandflies belonging to two new species presently described: Phlebotomus artemievi sp. nov. and Sergentomyia maroantsetraensis sp. nov. These sandflies were caught exclusively in the forest edge biotope. None were captured within communities or within forests. HLC provided 97% of the collected sandflies, corresponding to a human-biting rate of 15 females per human per night. CDC provided only two females. Ph. artemievi sp. nov. was predominantly captured by HLC and appears to be highly anthropophilic. Here, we update the behavioural ecology of sandflies and describe two new species. Further research is required to understand their vector competence and their ability to transmit arboviruses and other pathogens such as Leishmania.

A few data are related to the anthropophily of Malagasy Phlebotomine sandflies. Prior studies focussed mainly to inventories and description of new species. Our goal was to emphasize the anthropophily of Malagasy Phlebotomine sandflies. We worked in the Makira region, using two simultaneous methods: human landing catches (HLC) and CDC light traps. We collected sandflies in three rural communities adjacent to the Makira Natural Park. In each community, three different biotopes were sampled: within community settlements; at the edge of forest, typically in agricultural land; and within the forest. We collected 61 sandflies belonging to two new species presently described: Phlebotomus artemievi sp. nov. and Sergentomyia maroantsetraensis sp. nov. These sandflies were caught exclusively in the forest edge biotope. None were captured within communities or within forests. HLC provided 97% of the collected sandflies, corresponding to a human-biting rate of 15 females per human per night. CDC provided only two females. Ph. artemievi sp. nov. was predominantly captured by HLC and appears to be highly anthropophilic. Here, we update the behavioural ecology of sandflies and describe two new species. Further research is required to understand their vector competence and their ability to transmit arboviruses and other pathogens such as Leishmania.

Apart from being against the law, illegal waste dumping also poses a threat to human health and to the environment. Solid and decomposing waste is an ideal breeding ground for a number of rodents, insects, and other vermin that pose a health risk through the spread of infectious diseases. The main objective of this study was to survey disease vectors and rodents for the presence of Leishmania sp. from waste sites along the Istrian Peninsula in Slovenia and Croatia. During the survey five sandfly (Phlebotomus neglectus, P. perniciosus, P. papatasi, P. mascitii, Sergentomyia minuta) and five rodent species were collected (Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus). Sandflies and rodents were screened using a molecular probe to amplify an approximately 120 bp fragment of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircle for the detection of Leishmania sp. parasites. Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in the spleen of one juvenile black rat (R. rattus). Despite few published records on Leshmania sp. infection in black rats, the addition of our record highlights the importance of further investigation into the frequency and distribution of such occurrences so that we may better classify the role of rodents as potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin.

Submitted by Jos? Henrique Henrique (jose.neves@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-09-13T13:48:58Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) amanda_oliveira_baracho.pdf: 1018229 bytes, checksum: 7da405c92d90a6056df94d878fc77113 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2018-10-02T16:26:57Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) amanda_oliveira_baracho.pdf: 1018229 bytes, checksum: 7da405c92d90a6056df94d878fc77113 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-02T16:27:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) amanda_oliveira_baracho.pdf: 1018229 bytes, checksum: 7da405c92d90a6056df94d878fc77113 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018 Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM) A leishmaniose visceral ? uma doen?a parasit?ria de transmiss?o vetorial causada por protozo?rios do g?nero Leishmania, com elevado grau de letalidade e que atinge milh?es de pessoas no mundo. A busca por produtos alternativos para a elimina??o do vetor tem como objetivo minimizar os impactos causados pelos inseticidas qu?micos sint?ticos utilizados pelos programas de controle, sendo cada vez mais frequente a pesquisa em produtos de origem bot?nica com atividade inseticida. Organismos vegetais s?o capazes de produzir compostos org?nicos de comprovada toxicidade frente aos insetos e, diante disto, avaliou-se neste trabalho a atividade inseticida de extratos de Caryocar brasiliense, planta nativa do Cerrado popularmente conhecida como ?pequi?, sobre flebotom?neos da esp?cie Lutzomyia longipalpis, principal transmissora da leishmaniose visceral. Extratos hidroetan?licos, etan?licos e ciclohex?nicos de folhas e cascas de C. brasiliense foram preparados e dilu?dos em solu??o de Tween 80 a 3% para a obten??o de concentra??es a 50, 100, 200 e 400 mg.mL-1, para a realiza??o dos ensaios biol?gicos. Os flebotom?neos foram coletados em uma localidade rural do munic?pio de Diamantina/MG. Um n?mero amostral de 30 flebotom?neos foi posto em contato com os extratos e a mortalidade foi avaliada ap?s 1, 2, 4, 16, 24 48 e 72 horas de exposi??o, bem como grupos controle negativos (?gua destilada e Tween) e positivo (cipermetrina). A identifica??o dos constituintes qu?micos dos extratos tamb?m foi avaliada. Ap?s 72h de experimento, foram registradas mortalidades de 93,3% pelo extrato hidroetan?lico da casca a 400 mg.mL-1, 66,3% pelo etan?lico da casca a 50 mg.mL-1 e 81,1% pelo ciclohex?nico de folhas a 200 mg.mL-1. Os extratos hidroetan?licos da casca mostraram-se estatisticamente semelhantes ? a??o da cipermetrina em 72h de experimento, indicando que este extrato foi o mais eficiente quanto ? atividade inseticida. Foram identificados triterpenos, esteroides, taninos, flavonoides, alcaloides e saponinas nos extratos. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os extratos hidroetan?licos de C. brasiliense, sobretudo das cascas, s?o promissores na busca por compostos naturais com atividade inseticida sobre Lu. longipalpis. Disserta??o (Mestrado) ? Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2018. Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania with high lethality rate that reaches millions of people worldwide. The impacts caused by synthetic insecticides used in control programs are well known. In this context, research on alternative products for vector control, especially products of botanical origin, has been frequent in order to minimize the impacts of synthetic ones. Plants are capable to produce organic compounds with insect toxicity. Here, the insecticidal activity of Caryocar brasiliense extracts, a native plant of Brazilian savannah, popularly known as "pequi", on Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis, was tested. Hydroethanolic, ethanolic and cyclohexanic extracts of leaves and barks of C. brasiliense were prepared and diluted in Tween 80 (3%) to obtain concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg.mL-1 for the biological tests. Phlebotomine sandflies were collected in a rural locality of Diamantina (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). Thirty sand flies were exposed to the extracts and mortality was evaluated after 1, 2, 4, 16, 24 48 and 72 hours of exposure, as well as negative control groups (distilled water and Tween) and positive (cypermethrin). Chemical compounds of the extracts were also evaluated. Mortalities rates of 93.3% were observed for the hydroethanolic extract of the bark at 400 mg.mL-1, 66.3% for the ethanolic bark at 50 mg.mL-1 and 81.1% for the cyclohexane of leaves at 200 mg.mL-1. The hydroethanolic extracts of the bark showed to be statistically similar to the action of cypermethrin in 72h of the experiment, indicating that this extract was the most efficient as an insecticide. Triterpenes, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins were identified in the extracts. The results obtained suggest that the hydroethanolic extracts of C. brasiliense, especially of the bark, are promising for the use of natural compounds to control Lu. longipalpis.

Nine sandfly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) are suspected or proven vectors of Leishmania spp. in the North and Central America region. The ecological niches for these nine species were modelled in three time periods and the overlaps for all time periods of the geographic predictions (G space), and of ecological dimensions using pairwise comparisons of equivalent niches (E space), were calculated. Two Nearctic, six Neotropical and one species in both bioregions occupied a reduced number of distribution areas. The ecological niche projections for most sandfly species other than Lutzomyia shannoni and Lutzomyia ovallesi have not expanded significantly since the Pleistocene. Only three species increase significantly to 2050, whereas all others remain stable. Lutzomyia longipalpis shared a similar ecological niche with more species than any other, although both L. longipalpis and Lutzomyia olmeca olmeca had conserved distributions over time. Climate change, at both regional and local levels, will play a significant role in the temporal and spatial distributions of sandfly species. Fil: Moo Llanes, David A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Fil: Pech May, Angélica del Rosario. Ministerio de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina Fil: Ibarra Cerdeña, C. N.. Cinvestav Unidad Merida; México. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Fil: Rebollar Téllez, E. A.. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León; México Fil: Ramsey, Janine. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública/crisp; México

Pathogens transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sand flies are neglected, as they cause infectious diseases that are not on the priority list of national and international public health systems. However, the infections caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus and viruses belonging to the Phlebovirus genus (family Phenuiviridae)-the most significant group of viruses transmitted by sand flies-have a relevant role for human pathology. These infections are emerging in the Mediterranean region and will likely spread in forthcoming decades, posing a complex threat to human health. Four species and 2 hybrid strains of Leishmania are pathogenic for humans in the Mediterranean Basin, with an estimated annual incidence of 239,500-393,600 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis and 1,200-2,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis. Among the phleboviruses, Toscana virus can cause neuroinvasive infections, while other phleboviruses are responsible for a typical "3-day fever"; the actual incidence of Phlebovirus infections in the Mediterranean area is unknown, although at least 250 million people are exposed. Here, we reviewed the current literature on epidemiology of sand fly-borne infections in the Mediterranean Basin, with a focus on humans. Our analysis indicates the need for increased public health activities directed to determine the disease burden of these infections as well as to improve their surveillance. Among the emerging challenges concerning sand fly-borne pathogens, the relationships between sand fly-borne protozoa and viruses should be considered in future studies, including epidemiological links between Leishmania and phleboviruses as well as the conditional capacity for these pathogens to be involved in interactions that may evolve towards increased virulence.

There are few data on leishmaniases and sandflies in Oman Sultanate. We carried out an eco-epidemiological study in 1998 in the two main mountains of the country, the Sharqiyah and the Dhofar. This study allowed us to isolate and identify three Leishmania strains from patients exhibiting cutaneous leishmaniasis. The typing carried out by isoenzymatic study and by molecular biology were congruent: two strains of Leishmania donovani zymodeme (Z) MON-31 isolated in the Sharqiyah and one L. tropica ZROM102 (ZMON-39 variant for 4 isoenzymes) from the Dhofar. No strain was isolated from canids. The study of sandflies identified 14 species distributed in the genera Phlebotomus, Sergentomyia and Grassomyia: Ph. papatasi, Ph. bergeroti, Ph. duboscqi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. saevus, Ph. sergenti, Se. fallax, Se. baghdadis, Se. cincta, Se. christophersi, Se. clydei, Se. tiberiadis, Se. africana, and Gr. dreyfussi. In Sharqiyah, the only candidate for the transmission of L. donovani was Ph. alexandri, but the low densities observed of this species do not argue in favor of any role. In Dhofar, Ph. sergenti is the most important proven vector of L. tropica, but Ph. saevus, a locally much more abundant species, constitutes a good candidate for transmission.Leishmanioses et phlébotomes au Sultanat d’Oman.Il existe peu de données sur les leishmanioses et les phlébotomes en Oman. Nous y avons mené en 1998 une étude éco-épidémiologique dans les deux principaux massifs montagneux du pays, la Sharqiyah et le Dhofar. Cette étude nous a permis d’isoler et d’identifier trois souches de Leishmania à partir de patients présentant des leishmanioses cutanées. Les typages menés par étude isoenzymatique et par biologie moléculaire ont été congruents : deux souches de Leishmania donovani ZMON-31 isolées dans la Sharqiyah et une de L. tropica ZROM102 (ZMON-39 variant pour 4 isoenzymes) originaire du Dhofar. Aucune souche n’a été isolée à partir de Canidés. L’étude des Phlébotomes a permis d’identifier 14 espèces réparties dans les genres Phlebotomus, Sergentomyia et Grassomyia : Ph. papatasi, Ph. bergeroti, Ph. duboscqi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. saevus, Ph. sergenti, Se. fallax, Se. baghdadis, Se. cincta, Se. christophersi, Se. clydei, Se. tiberiadis, Se. africana et Gr. dreyfussi. Dans la Sharqiyah, la seule espèce candidate à la transmission de L. donovani est Ph. alexandri mais les faibles densités observées de cette espèce ne plaident pas en faveur d’un quelconque rôle. Dans le Dhofar, Ph. sergenti est le principal vecteur prouvé de L. tropica mais Ph. saevus, espèce localement bien plus abondante, constitue une bonne espèce candidate à la transmission.

The Algarve Region (AR) in southern Portugal, which is an international tourist destination, has been considered an endemic region of zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum since the 1980s. In the present study, phlebotomine and canine surveys were conducted to identify sandfly blood meal sources and to update the occurrence of Leishmania infection in vectors and dogs. Four sandfly species were captured: Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus sergenti and Sergentomyia minuta. In one P. perniciosus female, L. infantum DNA was detected. Blood meal tests showed that this species had no host preferences and was an opportunistic feeder. An overall canine leishmaniasis (CanL) seroprevalence of 16.06% was found; the seroprevalence was 3.88% in dogs housed in kennels and 40.63% in dogs that attended veterinary clinics. The simultaneous occurrence of dogs and P. perniciosus infected with L. infantum in the AR indicates that the region continues to be an endemic area for CanL. Our results reinforce the need for the systematic spatial distribution of phlebotomine populations and their Leishmania infection rates and the need to simultaneously perform pathogen monitoring in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts to investigate the transmission, distribution and spreading of Leishmania infection. EU/FEDER/FCT [POCI/CVT/56357/2004]; EU [FP7-261504 EDENext (091)]; FCT fellowship [SFRH/BPD/44082/2008] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis represents a public health problem in many areas of Mexico, especially in the Yucatan Peninsula. An understanding of vector ecology and bionomics is of great importance in evaluations of the transmission dynamics of Leishmania parasites. A field study was conducted in the county of Calakmul, state of Campeche, during the period from November 2006 to March 2007. Phlebotomine sandfly vectors were sampled using Centers for Disease Control light traps, baited Disney traps and Shannon traps. A total of 3374 specimens were captured in the two villages of Once de Mayo (93.8%) and Arroyo Negro (6.1%). In Once de Mayo, the most abundant species were Psathyromyia shannoni, Lutzomyia cruciata, Bichromomyia olmeca olmeca and Psychodopygus panamensis (all: Diptera: Psychodidae). The Shannon trap was by far the most efficient method of collection. The infection rate, as determined by Leishmania mexicana-specific polymerase chain reaction, was 0.3% in Once de Mayo and infected sandflies included Psy. panamensis, B. o. olmeca and Psa. shannoni. There were significant differences in human biting rates across sandfly species and month of sampling. Ecological niche modelling analyses showed an overall overlap of 39.1% for the four species in the whole state of Campeche. In addition, the finding of nine vector-reservoir pairs indicates a potential interaction. The roles of the various sandfly vectors in Calakmul are discussed. Fil: Pech May, Angélica del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Ministerio de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública; México Fil: Peraza Herrera, Gabriel. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán; México Fil: Moo LLanes, David A.. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública; México Fil: Escobedo Ortegón, Javier. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán; México Fil: Berzunza Cruz, Miriam. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Fil: Becker Fauser, Ingeborg. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Fil: Montes de Oca Aguilar, Ana. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; México Fil: Rebollar Téllez, Eduardo A.. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León; México

Background & objectives: Temperature plays a significant role in insect’s development where arise in temperature, accelerates the insect’s metabolic rates, increases egg production and makesblood feeding more frequent. It also shortens the time period required for the development ofpathogens within insects. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important vector-bornediseases transmitted by different sandfly species. In this study, a phenological model was used toestimate the number of generations, peak activity and temporal variability of sandflies in the mainVL foci in northwest Iran.Methods: Development requirements of different life stages of a Phlebotomus papatasi laboratorycolony were measured and were subjected to the formula for calculation of accumulated degree day(ADD) for field sandflies using the online soft (UC IPM), using horizontal cut-off method andsingle triangle model. Sandflies population dynamics was monitored in the field during the seasonalactivity in the region and its association with the ADD was tested using SAS software.Results: Populations of sandflies accommodated well with the amount of accumulated degree days(ADD) in the region. During the seasonal activity, a total of 639 ADD were produced which wasenough to support one complete life cycle and growth of the next generation up to late larvalinstar. Larvae of the second generation hibernate through winter and the first adult populationappears in the mid to late June of the next year when they receive at least 182 ADD from thebeginning of the spring. The highest population density of sandflies was observed in early August,followed by a rapid decrease in early September, with the adult population disappearing completelyin late September. This is the first degree day model related to sandflies in the most important VLfoci of Iran.Interpretation & conclusion: Further studies in various regions with variable climate arerecommended in order to better estimate and understand the development time, population dynamicsand activities of the vectors which in turn could be used in proper implementation of effectivevector control programmes.

International audience; BACKGROUND: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL), a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum and usually transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies, has rarely been reported in Pacific islands, which have been regarded until now as leishmaniasis-free territory. Here, we report the first autochthonous CanL case in New Caledonia (south-western Pacific) and the investigations carried out 1) to determine how infection was introduced into and transmitted among these dogs and 2) to assess the risks to animal and public health.METHODS: Extensive epidemiological and entomological investigations in and around the focus were carried out. Leishmaniasis infection was confirmed by histopathology, indirect fluorescent antibody test, real-time PCR, and culture. Parasite strain was typed by the isoenzymatic technique.RESULTS: The survey revealed close contacts between the autochthonous dog and two infected bitches imported from Spain, but failed to find any possible vector or disease spreading to other animals or humans. L. infantum zymodeme MON-1, the most frequent type in the Mediterranean basin, was identified. Although transplacental and venereal transmissions could not be excluded, the evidence was in favour of non-vectorial, direct dog-to-dog transmission.CONCLUSIONS: This study corroborates the possibility of non-vectorial routes (transplacental, venereal, and direct dog-to-dog) of canine leishmaniasis transmission in New Caledonia and raises the debate of relevant test requirements and diagnostic sensitivity prior to importation of dogs in Leishmania-free regions. New leishmaniasis control measures and recommendations to avoid future CanL introduction on the island are discussed.

Intense environmental impacts, causing alterations of the natural habitats of fauna, including those of sandfly disease vectors are observed in Mato Grosso State, Central Brazil. Entomologic survey of phlebotomines was based on light trap and was carried out by entomological nucleus of the FUNASA and SES in the period between 1996 and 2001. Eighty eight species were identified, including the following sandflies with medical importance to leishmaniasis: Lutzomyia amazonensis, L. anduzei, L. antunesi, L. ayrozai, L. carrerai carrerai, L. complexa, L. cruzi, L. flaviscutellata, L. intermedia, L. longipalpis, L. migonei, L. paraensis, L. ubiquitalis, L. whitmani and L. yuilli yuilli. Most sandflies of medical importance occurred in the Amazon forest and savannah. L. longipalpis and L. cruzi had high densities in the savannah region. L. flaviscutellata is predominating in both the Amazon forest and the savannah region. L. whitmani and L. antunesi were sampled in the Amazon forest, savannah and marsh land.O estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil vem sendo grandemente impactado, o que provoca uma alteração no habitat natural da fauna, incluindo-se os vetores das leishmanioses. Foram analisados dados de levantamentos entomológicos realizados pela FUNASA e SES no período de 1996 a 2001. Foram capturados indivíduos pertencentes a 88 espécies, sendo as de importância para a transmissão das leishmanioses: Lutzomyia amazonensis, L. anduzei, L. ayrozai, L. carrerai carrerai, L. complexa, L. cruzi, L. flaviscutellata, L. intermedia, L. longipalpis, L. migonei, L. paraensis, L. ubiquitalis, L. whitmani e L. yuilli yuilli, as quais foram plotadas no mapa do Estado. A maioria das espécies de importância médica compartilha a vegetação de floresta Amazônica e cerrado. L. longipalpis e L. cruzi possuem altas densidades na região de cerrado. L. flaviscutellata predomina na floresta Amazônica e no cerrado. L. whitmani e L. antunesi foram capturadas na floresta Amazônica, cerrado e pantanal.

Introduction Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the main interventions used for malaria control. However, these nets may also be effective against other vector borne diseases (VBDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of ITNs, insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) and insecticide-treated house screening (ITS) against Chagas disease, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, dengue, human African trypanosomiasis, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and Tropical Disease Bulletin databases were searched using intervention, vector- and disease-specific search terms. Cluster or individually randomised controlled trials, non-randomised trials with pre- and post-intervention data and rotational design studies were included. Analysis assessed the efficacy of ITNs, ITCs or ITS versus no intervention. Meta-analysis of clinical data was performed and percentage reduction in vector density calculated. Results Twenty-one studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of clinical data could only be performed for four cutaneous leishmaniasis studies which together showed a protective efficacy of ITNs of 77% (95%CI: 39%–91%). Studies of ITC and ITS against cutaneous leishmaniasis also reported significant reductions in disease incidence. Single studies reported a high protective efficacy of ITS against dengue and ITNs against Japanese encephalitis. No studies of Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis or onchocerciasis were identified. Conclusion There are likely to be considerable collateral benefits of ITN roll out on cutaneous leishmaniasis where this disease is co-endemic with malaria. Due to the low number of studies identified, issues with reporting of entomological outcomes, and few studies reporting clinical outcomes, it is difficult to make strong conclusions on the effect of ITNs, ITCs or ITS on other VBDs and therefore further studies be conducted. Nonetheless, it is clear that insecticide-treated materials such as ITNs have the potential to reduce pathogen transmission and morbidity from VBDs where vectors enter houses., Author Summary Malaria is a deadly disease caused by a parasite which is transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. Bednets treated with insecticide are one of the key tools used to prevent malaria and they have been distributed on a large scale in many countries, particularly in Africa. It may be possible to control other diseases transmitted by insects using insecticide-treated bednets because many of these insects also enter houses. We did a review of studies looking at the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bednets, curtains and house screening against nine major diseases transmitted by insects. We assessed the effect these tools had on reducing numbers of the insects and disease in humans. Insecticide-treated bednets were found to be effective in preventing cutaneous leishmaniasis—a disease transmitted by sandflies—and insecticide-treated curtains and screening showed potential in preventing other insect borne diseases. Although further studies are required, it is clear that insecticide-treated bednets, curtains and screening have the potential to prevent transmission of insect-transmitted diseases.

In the Phlebotomine sandflies, a few molecular studies related on the genus Sergentomyia have been published. The present study explored the genetic variability within Sergentomyia (Sintonius) clydei ( Diptera, Psychodidae). The sampling included 15 populations originating from 12 countries. A morphological approach was coupled to the sequencing of two molecular markers (cytochrome b mtDNA and cacophony nuclear DNA). The most variable morphological characters resided in the cibarium of the females, especially (i) the pigment patch pattern and (ii) the number of cibarial teeth and denticles in the armature. However this morphological approach was unable to individualize any population within S. clydei. The NJ trees based on both molecular markers individualized the specimens from the Aldabra group of islands in the Seychelles. Surprisingly, cyt b variability was not compatible with the known data about the complete submersion of Aldabra occurring relatively recently some 125,000 years ago. The settlement of these islands by S. clydei from continental Africa, the Middle East or Asia, and the value of mtDNA markers are discussed.

Members of the family Rhabdoviridae have been assigned to eight genera but many remain unassigned. Rhabdoviruses have a remarkably diverse host range that includes terrestrial and marine animals, invertebrates and plants. Transmission of some rhabdoviruses often requires an arthropod vector, such as mosquitoes, midges, sandflies, ticks, aphids and leafhoppers, in which they replicate. Herein we characterize Niakha virus (NIAV), a previously uncharacterized rhabdovirus isolated from phebotomine sandflies in Senegal. Analysis of the 11,124 nt genome sequence indicates that it encodes the five common rhabdovirus proteins with alternative ORFs in the M, G and L genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the L protein indicate that NIAV′s closest relative is Oak Vale rhabdovirus, although in this analysis NIAV is still so phylogenetically distinct that it might be classified as distinct from the eight currently recognized Rhabdoviridae genera. This observation highlights the vast, and yet not fully recognized diversity, of this family.

Introduction: This work was carried out on the purpose of identifying the species of phlebotomine sandflies in the municipality of Monte Negro, state of Rondonia, Brazil, that may have been transmitting the American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), and concisely describe epidemiological aspects of disease. METHODS: The epidemiologic and socioeconomical indicators were obtained from government institutions and the local Municipal Secretary of Health. Phlebotomine sandflies were captured using CDC light traps between July 2006 to July 2008. The total of 1,240 of female sandflies were examined by PCR method directed to k-DNA. RESULTS: There has been a significant decrease in the incidence of ACL of about 50% over the last ten years in the municipality. A total of 1,935 specimens of 53 sandfly species were captured, three of the genus Brumptomyia genus and 50 of the genus Lutzomyia. The predominant species was Lutzomyia acanthopharynx, Lutzomyia whitmani, Lutzomyia geniculata and Lutzomyia davisi. None were positive for Leishmania sp. CONCLUSIONS: Four sandflies species were found in the State of Rondonia for the first time: Brumptomyia brumpti, Lutzomyia tarapacaensis, Lutzomyia melloi and Lutzomyia lenti. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, was also captured. Socioeconomical improvement of Brazilian economy and the increase of environmental surveillance in the last 15 years collaborated in the decrease of people exposed to vectors, reducing the incidence of ACL.

Vaccine development is informed by a knowledge of genetic variation among antigen alleles, especially the distribution of positive and balancing selection in populations and species. A combined approach using population genetic and phylogenetic methods to detect selective signatures can therefore be informative for identifying vaccine candidates. Parasitic Leishmania species cause the disease leishmaniasis in humans and mammalian reservoir hosts after inoculation by female phlebotomine sandflies. Like other arthropod vectors of disease agents, sandflies use salivary peptides to counteract host haemostatic and immunomodulatory responses during bloodfeeding, and these peptides are vaccine candidates because they can protect against Leishmania infection. We detected no contemporary adaptive selection on one salivary peptide, apyrase, in 20 populations of Phlebotomus ariasi, a European vector of Leishmania infantum. Maximum likelihood branch models on a gene phylogeny showed apyrase to be a single copy in P. ariasi but an ancient duplication event associated with temporary positive selection was observed in its sister group, which contains most Mediterranean vectors of L. infantum. The absence of contemporary adaptive selection on the apyrase of P. ariasi may result from this sandfly's opportunistic feeding behaviour. Our study illustrates how the molecular population genetics of arthropods can help investigate the potential of salivary peptides for disease control and for understanding geographical variation in vector competence.

Se registra por primera vez, para la Costa Caribe de Colombia, la presencia de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), L. shannoni (Dyar, 1929), L. micropyga (Mangabeira, 1942) y L. atroclavata (Knab, 1913), en los alrededores de un núcleo urbano. Los flebotomíneos se recolectaron mediante búsqueda activa con trampas de succión y aspiradores bucales en árboles, en las proximidades de la ciudad de Sincelejo, capital del departamento de Sucre. Se enfatiza en las posibles implicaciones que se pueden derivar del hallazgo de L. longipalpis, debido a la capacidad vectorial de este flebotomíneo, vector natural de Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908, en América. This is the first report of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), L. shannoni (Dyar, 1929), L. micropyga (Mangabeira, 1942) and L. atroclavata (Knab, 1913) in the surroundings of an urban settlement in the Caribbean coast. Phlebotomine sandflies were collected by active search using suction devices and mouth aspirators in trees around the city of Sincelejo, the capital of the department of Sucre. Epidemiological importance derived from this finding is discussed due to the vectorial capacity of L. longipalpis, the natural vector of Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908 in America.

Intense environmental impacts, causing alterations of the natural habitats of fauna, including those of sandfly disease vectors are observed in Mato Grosso State, Central Brazil. Entomologic survey of phlebotomines was based on light trap and was carried out by entomological nucleus of the FUNASA and SES in the period between 1996 and 2001. Eighty eight species were identified, including the following sandflies with medical importance to leishmaniasis: Lutzomyia amazonensis, L. anduzei, L. antunesi, L. ayrozai, L. carrerai carrerai, L. complexa, L. cruzi, L. flaviscutellata, L. intermedia, L. longipalpis, L. migonei, L. paraensis, L. ubiquitalis, L. whitmani and L. yuilli yuilli. Most sandflies of medical importance occurred in the Amazon forest and savannah. L. longipalpis and L. cruzi had high densities in the savannah region. L. flaviscutellata is predominating in both the Amazon forest and the savannah region. L. whitmani and L. antunesi were sampled in the Amazon forest, savannah and marsh land. O estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil vem sendo grandemente impactado, o que provoca uma alteração no habitat natural da fauna, incluindo-se os vetores das leishmanioses. Foram analisados dados de levantamentos entomológicos realizados pela FUNASA e SES no período de 1996 a 2001. Foram capturados indivíduos pertencentes a 88 espécies, sendo as de importância para a transmissão das leishmanioses: Lutzomyia amazonensis, L. anduzei, L. ayrozai, L. carrerai carrerai, L. complexa, L. cruzi, L. flaviscutellata, L. intermedia, L. longipalpis, L. migonei, L. paraensis, L. ubiquitalis, L. whitmani e L. yuilli yuilli, as quais foram plotadas no mapa do Estado. A maioria das espécies de importância médica compartilha a vegetação de floresta Amazônica e cerrado. L. longipalpis e L. cruzi possuem altas densidades na região de cerrado. L. flaviscutellata predomina na floresta Amazônica e no cerrado. L. whitmani e L. antunesi foram capturadas na floresta Amazônica, cerrado e pantanal.

Informações acerca de potenciais criadouros naturais de flebotomíneos sempre foram de fundamental interesse epidemiológico. Contudo, são poucas as informações advindas dos diversos estudos realizados até o momento. Isto se deve principalmente às dificuldades de localização e extração dos imaturos que se desenvolvem no solo e matéria orgânica do chão de florestas. No presente estudo o modelo modificado de armadilha de emergência foi testado na Vila do Pitinga, município de Presidente Figueiredo, Estado do Amazonas, a fim de localizar potenciais criadouros naturais. Vinte e sete indivíduos de nove espécies (Lutzomyia umbratilis,L. monstruosa,L. ayrozai,L. anduzei,L. trichopyga,L. davisi,L. geniculata,L. georgii e L. saulensis) foram coletados. Lutzomyia umbratilis foi a espécie com maior número de indivíduos, 10, representando 37,1% do total. A produção de flebotomíneos foi estimada em 2,2 flebotomíneos por 100 m² por dia. Em setembro, mês com maior número de indivíduos, esta produção foi de 5,8. Information concerning the potential natural breeding sites of phlebotomine sandflies are of high epidemiological importance. However, few studies have been conducted on the subject. This is due especially to the difficulties in finding as well as extracting immature sandflies that develop in the soil and organic matter of the forest floor. In the present study, a modified emergence trap model was tested in order to find potential breeding sites. This model was tested in the Pitinga Village, situated in the Presidente Figueredo municipality, in the State of Amazonas. Twenty-seven individuals belonging to nine species (Lutzomyia umbratilis,L. monstruosa,L. ayrozai,L. anduzei,L. trichopyga,L. davisi,L. geniculata,L. georgii e L. saulensis.) were collected. Lutzomyia umbratilis showed the highest number of individuals (37.1%) of all species captured in the area. The phlebotomine productivity was estimated as 2.2 sandflies per 100 m²/day. September showed the highest density of individuals, with a productivity of 5.8.

Phlebotomine sandflies are vectors of leishmaniasis in both the New and Old World. Enzyme electrophoresis and cytochrome b mtDNA sequences were used to determine the genetic relationships between 13 species of sandflies from Venezuela. Both cellulose acetate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were useful in species identification, however there were some differences in resolution between the two methods. Allozyme cluster analysis was generally congruent to phylogenetic inferences using DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis shows monophyly of the 'Lutzomyia', monophyly of the 'Brumptomyia ', and a close relationship between the two cryptic species of ' Lutzomyia longipalpis'. In general, the morphological classification is congruent to allozyme and molecular classifications, but there is evidence that the distinction of the Migonei and Verrucarum needs revision.

Natural History Museum. Entomology Department. Cromwell Road, London, U.K. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Nacional de Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Nacional de Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Funda??o Nacional de Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Genomic DNA fragments from males of Psychodopygus wellcomei were isolated and shown to be useful as sensitive diagnostic probes for positively separating individuais of this species from those of Ps. complexus. These two members of the Ps. squamiventris series are found sympatrically in foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the hill forests of southern Par? State. Of the two species, only Ps. wellcomei is thought to be an important vector of Leishmania braziliensis sensu stricto, but this is based on circumstantial evidence because of the difficulties of identifying female sandflies within the series. The diagnostic probes were isolated from a library ofPs. wellcomei built by ligating short fragments of Sau 3A-restricted, genomic DNA into the plasmid vector pUC 18. Differential screening of 1316 library clones with total genomic DNA of Ps. wellcomei and Ps. complexus identified 5 recombinants, with cross-hybridizing inserts of repetitive DNA, that showed strong specificity for Ps. wellcomei. As little as 0.4% of the DNA extracted from an individual sandfly (= ca. 0.5 nanogramsj was specifically detected. The diagnostic probes were used to identify as Ps. wellcomei a wild-caught female sandfly found infected with L. braziliensis s. s., providing only the second positive association between these two species

La controversia en torno a la posición taxonómica de los flebotomineos, debida en parte a dificultades morfológicas, ha evidenciado la necesidad de buscar nuevas herramientas que permitan no sólo establecer una clasificación más acorde con los procesos evolutivos que han experimentado estos insectos, sino también diferenciar los taxones que conforman los complejos de especies. Con la aparición de las técnicas de biología molecular, el estudio del genoma en insectos vectores de enfermedades se ha convertido en un paso importante en la resolución de muchos conflictos taxonómicos. Las caracteristicas del ADN mitocondrial, entre las que se destacan su rápida evolución y la facilidad con la que se puede aislar y manipular, han favorecido su elección como marcador molecular para estudios de taxonomía. Recientemente, el polimorfisrno de algunos genes mitocondriales comenzó a utilizarse para explorar las relaciones filogenéticas y evolutivas en especies de los géneros Lutzomyia y Phlebotomus. La presente revisión recopila la literatura disponible sobre los principales grupos de flebotomíneos estudiados, los genes mitocondriales más utilizados y su contribución a la clasificación de los vectores de leishmaniosis.

Como parte de un estudio epidemiológico sobre leishmaniasis en el Estado Mérida, Venezuela, se presenta la diversidad y dispersión de las especies flebotominas identificadas en 15 localidades ubicadas en 3 pisos altitudinales entre los 175 y los 1.960 m.s.n.m. De 7.126 espécimes capturados (5.132 hombres y 1.994 femenino) se registran 24 especies de Lutzomyia, reconociéndose 10 de las llmadas antropofílicas. Se detalla la distribución de las especies en cada piso altitudinal y en el domicilio humano, el peridomicilio y el ambiente silvestre. Se discute el posible papel que juegan las diferentes especies en la transmisión de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria en cada piso altitudinal en particular y en la región andino-venezolana, en general.As part of an epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in Merida, Venezuela, the diversity and dispersion of sandflies species found in 15 localities between 175 m and 1,960 m.a.s.l., are presented. From 7,126 collected sandflies (5,132 men and 1,994 women), 24 species were identified, 10 of them recognized as anthropophilic. The relation species-altitud is presented, and the species composition found in human dwellings, peridomestic and sylvatic areas, are recorded. The possible rôle of the identified species on the transmission of leishmaniasis in the andean region, is discussed.

Leishmaniasis is considered a rural disease in Europe. However, circumstantial evidence has indicated urban transmission of leishmaniasis and phleboviruses in the urban area of Marseille, France. To investigate this urban transmission, sandflies were trapped in 33 locations in the urban area (horse farms, public gardens and a residential area). Sandflies were always captured: 87.8% were Phlebotomus perniciosus, a vector of Leishmania infantum and Toscana and Massilia viruses. RT-PCR and cell culture inoculation identified the Massilia virus in 2/99 pools of sandflies, and PCR identified Leishmania in 5/99. No dual infection was observed, but both pathogens were detected in samples from the same trapping site.

Toscana virus (TOSV) was detected for the first time from Phlebotomus perniciosus sandflies in Corsica, a French Mediterranean island. Genetic analysis showed that Corsican TOSV belongs to lineage A, together with Italian, Tunisian, Turkish and other French strains. The demonstration of TOSV in Corsica indicates that autochthonous and tourist populations are at risk of infection. Hence, physicians must consider TOSV as a possible cause of aseptic meningitis and unidentified febrile illness during the warm season.

Como parte de un estudio epidemiológico sobre leishmaniasis en el Estado Mérida, Venezuela, se presenta la diversidad y dispersión de las especies flebotominas identificadas en 15 localidades ubicadas en 3 pisos altitudinales entre los 175 y los 1.960 m.s.n.m. De 7.126 espécimes capturados (5.132 hombres y 1.994 femenino) se registran 24 especies de Lutzomyia, reconociéndose 10 de las llmadas antropofílicas. Se detalla la distribución de las especies en cada piso altitudinal y en el domicilio humano, el peridomicilio y el ambiente silvestre. Se discute el posible papel que juegan las diferentes especies en la transmisión de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria en cada piso altitudinal en particular y en la región andino-venezolana, en general. As part of an epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in Merida, Venezuela, the diversity and dispersion of sandflies species found in 15 localities between 175 m and 1,960 m.a.s.l., are presented. From 7,126 collected sandflies (5,132 men and 1,994 women), 24 species were identified, 10 of them recognized as anthropophilic. The relation species-altitud is presented, and the species composition found in human dwellings, peridomestic and sylvatic areas, are recorded. The possible rôle of the identified species on the transmission of leishmaniasis in the andean region, is discussed.

In a survey carried out during the summer in 2002 and 2003, in the canine and vulpine leishmaniasis focus of Arrabida, 665 phlebotomine sandflies were caught. 13.83 % were P. ariasi, 58.65 % P. perniciosus, 0.45 % P. sergenti and 27.07 % S. minuta. Despite the low abundance, the finding of the three adults P. sergenti (two males in Aldeia Grande and one female in Quinta da Ramada) confirm the colonization of the Arrabida leishmaniasis focus by this species, which presence had been previously reported but thought accidental. The abundance of P. ariasi observed at this time is significantly different from that in previous years (Pires, 1984 and Fernandes pers. com.,1994). The occurrence of P. sergenti in this region, in association with the decrease in abundance of P. ariasi, may reflect an increased aridness of this region, a consequence of current climate and environmental changes.

Background: Algeria is among the most affected Mediterranean countries by leishmaniasis due to its large geo­graphic extent and climatic diversity. The current study aimed to determine the ecological status (composition and diversity) of phlebotomine sandfly populations in the region of Oum El Bouaghi (Northeast Algeria). Methods: An entomological survey was conducted during the period May–October 2010 in rural communities of Oum El Bouaghi. Catches of sandflies were carried out using sticky traps in both domestic and peri-domestic envi­ronments of 16 sites located beneath two bioclimatic areas, sub-humid and semi-arid. Most of these sites have vis­ceral and/or cutaneous leishmaniasis cases. Results: A total of 1,363 sandflies were captured and identified. They belong to two genera, Phlebotomus and Ser­gen­tomyia, and five species. The species Phlebotomus perniciosus, P. perfiliewi and Sergentomyia minuta were con­stants. Phlebotomus longicuspis was common and P. papatasi was accidental in the study sites. P. perniciosus and P. perfiliewi are the two possible species that contribute in leishmaniasis transmission across the study area due to their high densities (96 and 49 specimens/m²/night, respectively); these two species dominate other species in all study sites. Conclusion: Findings emphasize the key-role played by P. perniciosus, P. perfiliewi and S. minuta in outlining site similarities based on sandfly densities. The study confirms that the more susceptible sites to leishmaniasis, which hold high densities of these sandflies, were located south of the study area under a semi-arid climate.