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Background: Female phlebotomine sandflies serve as vectors for the transmission of Leishmania parasites, perpetuating an enzootic cycle by disseminating between sylvatic and domestic animals. Humans form a part of this cycle because the sandflies search for a blood source required for egg development. The present study aimed to identify the feeding preferences of different sandfly fauna from six districts of Kerala, India, using molecular tools. Materials and Methods: An entomological survey was conducted during 2021–2023 in Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Palakkad. Both indoor and outdoor habitats were targeted from sandfly collection using different standard tools and methods. Sandflies were identified using standard taxonomic keys, and DNA was extracted from blood meal collected from sandflies. Results: A total of 7366 sandfly specimens were collected during the study period, which belonged to three different genera and 19 species. Blood source was successfully identified from 119 sandflies revealing that the Sergentomyia genus preferably fed on small reptiles and amphibians, whereas Phlebotomus genus was found to mainly feed on mammalian and avian blood. Sergentomyia zeylanica was an exception, as it primarily fed on mammalian blood sources. Interestingly, humans were the second feeding source for Phlebotomus species, which are the proven vectors. Conclusion: Comprehending the feeding patterns of sandflies is crucial, not just for public health but also for obtaining insights into the ecological dynamics between vectors and hosts, ultimately enabling more efficient strategies for disease control and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dipteran phlebotominae sandflies are considered a major threat to public health because they are proven vectors of leishmaniasis, phleboviruses, and some species of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, scientists paid great attention to studying it at the phenotypic and molecular levels. In Iraq, leishmaniasis is considered an endemic disease and exists in its visceral and cutaneous forms (Baghdad boil). Its spread is greater in the southern regions than in the northern regions due to high temperatures, which in turn leads to an increase in the widespread of the sandflies. Given the lack of studies in the northern region of Iraq, this study was conducted and included a survey of all provinces of the Nineveh Governorate (the second governorate in Iraq in terms of population density). Methods: The sandflies collection process was performed during the period from May 2023 to February 2024, and DT150-TUN light traps were used for this purpose. For the initial phenotypic identification, several taxonomic keys of the subfamily phlebotomine were used as male genitalia, pharynx, and female spermatheca. Conventional polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the COI gene was performed for the molecular process of 60 captured sandflies from about 34 regions and 89 sites. Before performing a phylogenetic tree, high-quality sequences are matching with the closest global isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Results: A total of 4861 (2034 males and 2827 females) sandflies were captured in the current study and five species were identified belong to two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). Sandflies were found to be more widespread in Mosul province and Phlebotomus papatasi was the most widespread of the rest of the species. Molecular results confirmed the other results of the study, and isolates of the identified species were recorded in NCBI. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the importance of sandflie identification using molecular methods and was able for the first time from molecular identification of three species in Iraq. It is also the first molecular study of sandflies at the level of the Nineveh Governorate

To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.

Phlebotomus pedifer is a vector of Leishmania aethiopica, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study assessed the abundance and distribution of P. pedifer in different habitats and human houses situated at varying distances from hyrax (reservoir host) dwellings, in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. Sandflies were collected from January 2020 to December 2021 using CDC light traps, sticky paper traps, and locally made emergence traps. Sampling was performed in human houses, peri-domestic areas, farmlands, and hyrax dwellings. Houses 200 m and 400 m from hyrax dwellings were selected to study whether distance affects indoor sandfly abundance. A total of 2485 sandflies were captured, with P. pedifer accounting for 86.1% of the catch and Sergentomyia spp. comprising the remaining 13.9%. The abundance of P. pedifer was highest in human houses (72.3%) and lowest in farmlands (4.0%). Temperature showed a positive correlation with sandfly abundance (r = 0.434, p = 0.000), while rainfall (r = −0.424, p = 0.001) and humidity (r = −0.381, p = 0.001) were negatively correlated with abundance. Houses near hyrax dwellings had significantly higher P. pedifer abundance compared to those further away. Soil-emergence trapping yielded only a few P. pedifer specimens, primarily from hyrax dwellings. The findings highlight the increased presence of P. pedifer indoors, particularly in houses close to hyrax habitats, emphasizing the need for targeted indoor vector control strategies to mitigate the risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission.

Objective: To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. Methods: A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: In Brazil, one of the visceral leishmaniasis control measures in urban environments is the elimination of Lutzomyia longipalpis, which occurs through the application of pyrethroid insecticides with residual action in homes and outbuildings. Due to the loss of sensitivity of this vector to these insecticides, the search for more efficient insecticide compounds against L. longipalpis has been intensified. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of Trixis vauthieri essential oil on adult sandflies of the species L. longipalpis, and identify the phytochemical composition of these essential oils. Methods: Essential oils from leaves collected from T. vauthieri at different times were obtained at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL. Twenty sandflies were exposed to the essential oils and the mortality was evaluated after 1, 2, 4, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h. The chemical constituents of the essential oil were also identified. Results: The essential oils of T. vauthieri at a concentration of 20 mg/mL were the most toxic to sandflies, reaching a mortality rate of 98.33% and 95%, respectively, after 72 h of exposure. The analysis of chemical constituents revealed the presence of triterpenes and/or steroids, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and coumarins. Interpretation & conclusion: The results obtained suggest that T. vauthieri essential oil is fairly promising as an insecticidal potential against L. longipalpis. A more detailed analysis of the oil’s phytochemical composition is necessary to identify active and pure compounds that can be used in vector control of visceral leishmaniasis.

This review aims to fill the voids and to update the checklist of sandfly fauna along with its spatial distribution in India. Resource databases i.e. either online or offline were searched to deduce the information to systematize the Indian sandfly fauna. Articles/data retrieved were screened and analysed to further update the available latest checklist. The species name and authorship were given in accord with the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature. We compiled an updated checklist of reported Indian sandfly species along with their state-wise distribution till 2022 as per published literature. Kerala has maximum number of species reports when compared to other endemic states and states with pockets of transmission. Phlebotomus argentipes is the most widely distributed, recorded so far, followed by other Sergentomiya and Phlebotomus species in India. In this review, we have also described the vector and non-vector species of sandfly prevalent in different parts of the country. Phlebotoiella eoindianensis, an amber fossil sandfly species recorded from Gujarat might be older than other records of Indian sandfly fauna. So far 69 species (4 genera and 15 subgenera/groups) of Phlebotomine sandflies have been recorded in India. Proper knowledge of species diversity and its distribution is a prerequisite for planning a systematic vector control strategy and disease management.

This review aims to fill the voids and to update the checklist of sandfly fauna along with its spatial distribution in India. Resource databases i.e. either online or offline were searched to deduce the information to systematize the Indian sandfly fauna. Articles/data retrieved were screened and analysed to further update the available latest checklist. The species name and authorship were given in accord with the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature. We compiled an updated checklist of reported Indian sandfly species along with their state-wise distribution till 2022 as per published literature. Kerala has maximum number of species reports when compared to other endemic states and states with pockets of transmission. Phlebotomus argentipes is the most widely distributed, recorded so far, followed by other Sergentomiya and Phlebotomus species in India. In this review, we have also described the vector and non-vector species of sandfly prevalent in different parts of the country. Phlebotoiella eoindianensis, an amber fossil sandfly species recorded from Gujarat might be older than other records of Indian sandfly fauna. So far 69 species (4 genera and 15 subgenera/groups) of Phlebotomine sandflies have been recorded in India. Proper knowledge of species diversity and its distribution is a prerequisite for planning a systematic vector control strategy and disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oligocene and Miocene tectonic and biogeographical alterations of the peri-Mediterranean area could strongly impact the speciation processes and migrations of Mediterranean sandfly species. To understand the possible former role of this palaeobiogeographic factor on ancestral sandfly species, the potential suitability values of five Larroussius, two Paraphlebotomus and one Phlebotomus species were modelled from the Rupelian to the Tortonian stage in the Central Paratethys. The bioclimatic extrema of this sandfly species and the Coexistence Approach-based palaeoclimatic reconstructions made the basis of hypothesis testing. In the case of the Tortonian stage, a georeferenced climatic model was created. The models indicate that the suitability values could notably vary by species and periods. The monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate of the Oligocene epoch could be less suitable for the ancestors of Mediterranean sandfly taxa than the later, drier humid subtropical climates-characterised Miocene stages. The Central Paratethys area could be less suitable for ancestors of the extant Paraphlebotomus, and Phlebotomus in the Miocene epoch compared to Larroussius species. It may indicate that the Central Paratethys formed a barrier against the east-to-west migration of the ancestors of Phlebotomus and Paraphlebotomus species. In contrast, Larroussius species could prefer the Miocene climate of the Central Paratethys. In the Tortonian stage, mainly the coastal areas of the sea could be colonised by sandflies. These results indicate that the coasts of the Central Paratethys should be not only considered as a potential former migration route but could be a part of the speciation area of Larroussius sandflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Parasite (1252607X) is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study is a comparative analysis of DNeasy Blood & Tissue Qiagen® kit (Qiagen®, Hilden, Alemanha), salting out, HotShot and phenol–chloroform protocols to extract DNA from sandflies. In addition, a comparative test using sandflies with and without eyes evaluated the potential inhibitory effect in the cPCR. An inhibition test was performed using an exogenous DNA added to the qPCR. The genomic DNA quality of each sample was evaluated by cPCR based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The DNA extraction protocols showed the following percentage of amplification: HotShot (91.6% [55/60]), salting out (71.6% [43/60]), phenol–chloroform (95% [57/60]) and kit DNeasy Blood & Tissue Qiagen® (73.3% [44/60]). The phenol–chloroform method achieved a significantly higher frequency of cox1 gene amplification. The pigment present in the phlebotomine's eyes seems to inhibit cPCR reactions since the frequency of amplification of the cox1 gene increased in the sandflies without eyes (p < 0.0001). The HotShot method showed the highest inhibitory potential. These manual extraction techniques can be an inexpensive and effective alternative to study vector–pathogen interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis are endemic in Iran. The aim of this study was to model the changing suitability patterns of five confirmed and one suspected leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus species resident in the country. Methods: The potential present and future suitability patterns of the sandfly species in Iran were modelled using climate envelope forecasting method for the reference period 1970–2000 and the future period 2041–2060. Results: The reference period climate of Iran seemed to be the most suitable for Phlebotomus perfiliewi and Phlebotomus tobbi and less suitable for Phlebotomus simili, while Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus sergenti showed intermediate values among the studied sandfly species. The modelled changes in the suitability values show a similar pattern in the case of the six species, even the exact magnitude of the modelled values varied. The model results indicate that climate change could decrease the sandfly habitability in the present-day arid regions in Central Iran. The Iranian sandfly populations will move to higher elevation regions, and the suitability values of the sandfly species are predicted to increase in the foothills of the mountainous regions in the northern and the western part of the country. Interpretation & conclusion: The increase of the maximally suitable areas in Iran was found which was predicted to be accompanied by the parallel shrinkage of the sandfly-inhabited areas in the arid regions of the country. Topographical conditions could strongly influence the suitability patterns of the vectors in Iran.

Abstract 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.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. The ecological niche of most medically important sandfly species have not expanded significantly since the Pleistocene.Lutzomyia olmeca olmeca and Lutzomyia longipalpis has the most conserved distributions over time and the latter has an ecological niche similar to those of four other species.Distributions of the five species currently limited to the southern part of North and Central America are all projected to expand northward significantly by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Copyright of Parasite (1252607X) is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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.

Phlebotomine sandflies are natural vectors of Leishmania spp. and their expansion throughout has been evidenced in the last few years due to the global warming and changes in human behavior, worsening leishmaniasis problem. However, phlebotomine sandflies have been captured in small numbers on the Canary Islands, particularly on the island of Lanzarote, where only one limited survey was carried out almost thirty years ago. The proximity of this island to Morocco, in addition to the high number of tourists, sometimes accompanied by their dogs, from leishmaniasis endemic regions, highlights the importance of studying the sandfly fauna on this island in order to determine the transmission risk of leishmaniasis Thirty-eight sampling sites spread across the island were studied, and ecological features were gathered to identify the ecological traits associated to the presence of sandflies. Only 85 sandfly specimens were captured (1.18/m 2 ) with the following species distribution: Sergentomyia minuta (0.15 specimens/m 2 ), which was reported for the first time on this island, and S. fallax (1.03/m 2 ). Sandfly captured were achieved in only 7 out of 38 stations. No specimen of the Phlebotomus genus was captured and given that none of the species captured has been demonstrated vectors of human pathogenic Leishmania and considering that they were captured in low frequency and density, it can be concluded that the current leishmaniasis transmission risk is null. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus has been studied for its wide biotechnological potential, mainly for applications in the food industry. Different strains of W. anomalus have been isolated from diverse habitats and recently from insects, including mosquitoes of medical importance. This paper reports the isolation and phylogenetic characterization of W. anomalus from laboratory-reared adults and larvae of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae), a main phlebotomine vector of human and canine leishmaniasis. Of 65 yeast strains isolated from P. perniciosus, 15 strains were identified as W. anomalus; one of these was tested for the killer phenotype and demonstrated inhibitory activity against four yeast sensitive strains, as reported for mosquito-isolated strains. The association between P. perniciosus and W. anomalus deserves further investigation in order to explore the possibility that this yeast may exert inhibitory/killing activity against Leishmania spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic DNA fragments from males of Psychodopygus wellcomei were isolated and shown to be useful as sensitive diagnostic probles for positively separting individuals 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 Pará State. Of the two species, only Ps. welcomei is thought to be an important vector of Leishmania braziliensis sensu stricto, buth this is based on circumstantial evidence because of the difficulties of identifying female sandflies wothin the series. The diagnostic probes were isolated from a library of Ps. wellcomei built by ligationg short fragments of Sau 3A-resistricted, 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 namograms) 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.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We carry out a molecular and morphological study on Sergentomyia clydei. [•] A population from the atoll of Aldabra (the Seychelles) is individualized. [•] The age of the population from Aldabra is not in agreement with molecular clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We study an important vector of Leishmania infantum. [•] We do a molecular and morphological characterization. [•] The status of different populations within Phlebotomus perfiliewi is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 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 11,124nt 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phlebotomine sandflies transmit pathogens that affect humans and animals worldwide. We review the roles of phlebotomines in the spreading of leishmaniases, sandfly fever, summer meningitis, vesicular stomatitis, Chandipura virus encephalitis and Carrión's disease. Among over 800 species of sandfly recorded, 98 are proven or suspected vectors of human leishmaniases; these include 42 Phlebotomus species in the Old World and 56 Lutzomyia species in the New World (all: Diptera: Psychodidae). Based on incrimination criteria, we provide an updated list of proven or suspected vector species by endemic country where data are available. Increases in sandfly diffusion and density resulting from increases in breeding sites and blood sources, and the interruption of vector control activities contribute to the spreading of leishmaniasis in the settings of human migration, deforestation, urbanization and conflict. In addition, climatic changes can be expected to affect the density and dispersion of sandflies. Phlebovirus infections and diseases are present in large areas of the Old World, especially in the Mediterranean subregion, in which virus diversity has proven to be higher than initially suspected. Vesiculovirus diseases are important to livestock and humans in the southeastern U.S.A. and Latin America, and represent emerging human threats in parts of India. Carrión's disease, formerly restricted to regions of elevated altitude in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, has shown recent expansion to non-endemic areas of the Amazon basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 2-year survey aimed to study seasonal phenology, host-blood feeding preferences and Leishmania infections of Phlebotomus perniciosus, was carried out in a high-endemic focus of canine leishmaniasis in Rome province, Italy. Sandfly densities were monitored by sticky traps, while CDC light traps and hand collections were used for individual sandfly analyses. Four species were identified, three belonging to Phlebotomus (P. perniciosus, Phlebotomus mascittii and Phlebotomus papatasi) and one to Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia minuta) genera. In sticky traps, P. perniciosus (53.5%) and S. minuta (46.0%) were the prevalent species, whereas specimens collected by CDC light traps and hand collections consisted mostly of P. perniciosus. The study showed a markedly different sandfly density between 2003 and 2002 collections (5024 specimens versus 644 specimens, respectively), which was attributed to different climatic conditions. In 2003 adults were active during 7 months (May–November) with a typical bimodal distribution, while in 2002 their activity was shorter (5 months, June–October) without clear density peaks. In this low-density year, the prevalence of P. perniciosus was significantly higher in domestic than in wild resting sites. Blood meal tests showed that P. perniciosus had no preferences for any of the two Leishmania susceptible hosts, being the forage ratio rate 0.7 and 1.0 for man and dog, respectively. A significant number of P. perniciosus was found with avian (60.3%) or ovine (24.2%) blood, that was in relation with the habitats where fed specimens were collected. The rate of specimens of P. perniciosus without blood and found positive for Leishmania DNA, detected by a sensitive nested-PCR technique, was much higher (27.6%) than the promastigote infection rate determined by microscopy in the dissected females (1.4%). The intense Leishmania transmission in the study area was confirmed by the high prevalence of anti-leishmanial antibodies in dogs (33.3%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A faunistic study of phlebotomine sandflies was carried out on the mainland and on four islands in Greece between 1999 and 2004. Sandflies were collected in 18 areas, and the population structure was observed and recorded. A total of 10 species were identified; their distribution is presented here. Of these, the species Phlebotomus neglectus Tonnoir and P. perfiliewi Parrot (Diptera: Psychodidae), epidemiologically the most important vectors of leishmaniases and sandfly fever in Greece, were shown to be present in the main endemic foci of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Dogs are the domestic reservoir of Leishmania infantum Nicolle (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the agent of zoonotic human visceral leishmaniasis. In southern Europe, where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is widespread due to L. infantum, killing seropositive dogs is considered unacceptable and drug treatment has low efficacy in preventing transmission. We made a field evaluation of the efficacy of deltamethrin dog collars in a CanL focus of southern Italy, Mount Vesuvius area of Campania region, where the vector is Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (Diptera: Psychodidae), by assessing their impact on the incidence of CanL in an intervention town, compared to that in dogs of control towns where no collars were fitted. During two consecutive transmission seasons, collars were fitted to 350 (1998) and 354 (1999) dogs from San Sebastiano al Vesuvio (70% of the canine population). Control dogs (371 and 264 in the 2 years, respectively) were from four towns of the same area. Before each transmission season, the CanL seroprevalence in the intervention and control towns was evaluated by cross-sectional surveys and found to be similar (about 15% in 1998 and 10% in 1999, respectively). After each transmission period, incidence rates of seroconversions were determined in adult dogs that were serologically negative before the season under evaluation, and in puppies. After the 1998 season, 2.7% of the dogs in the intervention town seroconverted compared to 5.4% in the control towns (50% protection, P = 0.15). After the 1999 season, 3.5% of collared dogs seroconverted compared to 25.8% of control dogs (86% protection, P < 0.001). The increase in seroconversion rates recorded in control dogs suggests an increase in the Leishmania force of infection in the canine reservoir during the 1999 sandfly season, as supported by the concomitant increase of human cases in control towns and in the whole Campania region. Our results suggest that the impact of mass use of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars on the incidence of CanL may be negligible during low transmission seasons, or probably in low endemic foci, but can be very strong when the force of transmission is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Responses of Lutzomyia sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebo tominae) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and human odour were investigated by field experiments in Paraná State, southern Brazil. Catches of two predominant species: Lu. intermedia (Antunes & Coutinho) and Lu. whitmani Lutz & Neiva, were compared between traps baited with a human adult or with CO2 emitted at the human-equivalent rate. When the baits were only 40 cm apart, no difference of attractiveness was detected. When baits were separated by 20 m, however, significantly fewer sandflies (44% Lu. intermedia, 46% Lu. whitmani) were trapped with CO2 compared with human bait. This is the first field evidence that anthropophilic sandflies are attracted by human kairomones in addition to CO2. For both species, the proportion of human attractiveness attributable to CO2 was significantly less for males than females; for Lu. intermedia males human bait was no more attractive than CO2 alone. Gender differences in sandfly olfactory sensitivity are likely to be associated with behavioural differences on the host, where females feed on blood and males find mates. With traps 20 m apart, both Lutzomyia spp. showed roughly linear increased responses (log–log scale) to 0.08–0.55% CO2 equivalent to 0.5–4 humans. This would explain why host size is generally proportional to attractiveness, as observed for other species of phlebotomine sandflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are small blood-feeding insects of great medical and veterinary significance. Phlebotomine sandflies have long been incriminated as vectors of leishmaniasis in various parts of world. Aim: The main aim of this study was to identify, determine the relative abundance, seasonal distribution and density of phlebotomine sandflies species in Dhamar city and neighboring districts, Dhamar governorate, Yemen. Methods: An entomological study was carried out in Dhamar city and neighboring districts from December 2007 to January 2008. A total of 1007 flies were collected from different parts of the study area. Flies were sampled monthly between December 2007 and January 2008 using sticky traps “Oiled paper” and CDC miniature light traps. Sandflies specimens were identified morphologically using key characters such as pharynx and spermathecae of females and male genitalia. Results: The results of this study revealed that the sticky traps captured 51.4 % of the total sandflies collected, while CDC light captured 48.6%. Out of 1007 specimens examined, 630 (62.6%) and 377(37.4%) were males and females with sex ratio (1.67:1), respectively. Three species of sandflies were identified and all belong to the genus Phlebotomus. The species identified with their relative abundance were P. arabicus (44.1%), P. alexandri (35.2%), and P. sergenti (20.7%). The highest flies abundance was recorded in Utmah district (34.1%), whereas the lowest was in Dhamar city (0.7%) district. Positive correlation was observed between sandfly numbers and rainfall, the sandflies population density was increased with the beginning of the rainy season and reached the peak in July (22.01%) then declined to its lower level in December 0.4%). Conclusion: The present study concludes that phlebotomine sandflies are prevalent in the study areas. Findings of this study are useful for designing control program for combating sandflies and leishmaniasis in Dhamar governorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPopular classes of microsatellites are not always abundant in insects or easily isolated from them. Dot-blot hybridizations demonstrated much variation in the relative abundance of four repeat classes in four phlebotomine sandfly species. Only AAT-class repeats were specifically isolated from a phagemid library of Lutzomyia whitmani, even though other microsatellites had similar abundances. An enrichment step would have targeted classes but was omitted because relatively long flanking sequences were sought. All fourteen sandfly loci had a non-coding structure, and a minority of dipteran AAT-class repeats found in DNA databases and the literature were from exons. Therefore, this class should often provide neutral alleles for population studies. Perfect, not imperfect, AAT-class repeats were polymorphic in wild L. whitmani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoans that depend on female phlebotomine sandflies as vectors. The natural habitat of these sandflies is changing due to climatic changes, affecting the immunocompromised population, as more patients get immunocompromised due to cancer therapy in the present time., Case Report: We report the case of a 72-year-old patient with melanoma in whom we found visceral leishmaniasis mimicking hepatic metastasis in routine FDG-PET/CT. The patient was hospitalised due to fever and pancytopenia in the general hospital Steyr. The diagnosis was made by biopsy of the iliac crest with cytological study and polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with amphotericin B, the patient recovered and tests became negative, including FDG-PET/CT. Because of climate change and the increasing use of immunomodulatory medication, our awareness of such findings should grow., Conclusion: New pitfalls in diagnosis and surveillance of cancer patients because of altered environmental conditions and immunocompromised patients have to be taken into account., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)