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An Enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was recently established for the detection of sandfly Naples and Sicilian viruses (SFN and SFS) from laboratory infected as well as wild caught sandflies in Egypt. Optimal dilutions of the reactants including the coating antibodies (Rabbit antiserum), detecting antibodies (Mouse antiserum), conjugate and the time used for incubation of the substrate (ABTS) were determined for both SFN and SFS viruses. The ELISA test showed to be highly specific and sensitive except for the SFN virus which cross reacted with Toscana virus. A total of 1582 sandflies, forming 54 pools (each consisted of 2-109 flies) were collected from different governorates in Egypt (North Sinai, South Sinai, Alexandria, Giza, Qualubyia, Sharkiya and Aswan) in the years 1986-1987 and 1988, and tested for virus detection by the SFN-ELISA and SFS-ELISA. Only one pool (from Giza governorate) revirus was detected. Tests were repeated two times and confirmed by the complement fixation and plaque neutralization tests. The established ELISA technique hold great promise as a routine surveillance tool, permitting rapid, simple, sensitive, specific and inexpensive assay for the detection of the sandfly fever viruses.

Different sampling field techniques were investigated for the study of the natural behaviour of the sand flies in Egypt (South Sinai and Alexandria). Sampling methods were divided into two groups: the first group is techniques for catching alive flies [Active search (Aspirator), CDC-light trap; funnel trap; Fan trap and catches off bait] and the second group is techniques for collecting dead specimens [sticky traps, and illuminated sticky traps (chemical light sticky trap)]. Comparison between the efficiency of the different trapping methods for collecting sandflies indicated that the CDC light trap was the most productive type for species of the genus phlebotomus followed by the illuminated paper traps and then the sticky paper traps. Members of the Sergentomyia group showed to be more attracted to illuminated/sticky paper followed by the sticky paper and then the CDC light traps. In general, sticky paper traps are the most widely used technique for sand fly outdoor collection as it is easy to be used, unexpensive and convenient for the purpose of sandfly surveys.