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Simple Summary: Pathogens transmitted to humans and animals by Phlebotomines are relatively neglected, as they cause infectious diseases which represent an underestimated burden in most European countries. Several sand fly species are competent vectors of Leishmaniasis, an endemic disease that has spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region in conjunction with sand flies' movements. In the Lombardy region, information on sand flies is poor and/or outdated. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to preliminarily ascertain the species composition, distribution, and diversity in representative Lombardy localities. The sampling took advantage of regional surveillance plans namely, West Nile virus and leishmaniasis monitoring plans. A focused sampling was also performed in areas identified as favorable for vector presence. Sampling was conducted using CO2–CDC traps conducted every two and/or three weeks. From trapping for the West Nile monitoring plan, 21 out of 44 capture sites were positive for sand flies, while for the leishmaniasis monitoring plan, 11 out of the 40 trapping sites detected sand flies' presence. Specimen identification was conducted by identifying morphological features. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76% of specimens collected). Adequate and well-structured monitoring of sand fly populations is essential to provide information about distribution patterns of vector species present in defined geographical areas, as they could enhance pathogen circulation. This study investigated the species composition and density of sand flies in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy). Sand flies were collected using CDC traps baited with CO2 (CO2–CDC traps) between June and August 2021. A total of 670 sand flies were collected. The specimens were identified as seven species belonging to two genera, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia, namely, S. minuta, Ph. perniciosus, Ph. perfiliewii, Ph. neglectus, Ph. mascitti, Ph. papatasi, and Ph. ariasi. Phlebotomus perniciosus was the most abundant species (87.76%), followed by Ph. perfiliewii (7.31%), Ph. neglectus (3.13%), S. minuta (0.75%), Ph. mascitti (0.6%), Ph. papatasi (0.3%), and Ph. ariasi, for which only one specimen was identified. Among these identified species, five are considered vectors of Leishmania, which causes cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. As vector presence increases the risk of vector-borne leishmaniasis, these results suggest that Northern Italy could be a potential area of pathogen circulation over the next few years. These preliminary results suggest that the risk of borne leishmaniasis is high in this region of Northern Italy. Monitoring the distribution of sand fly species in areas suitable for their persistence is important for control programs aimed at reducing the risk of leishmaniasis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different phleboviruses are important pathogens for humans; most of these viruses are transmitted by sand flies. An increasing number of new phleboviruses have been reported over the past decade, especially in Mediterranean countries, mainly via their detection in sand flies. Results: At least five different phleboviruses co-circulated in sand flies that were collected in three sites in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) in the summer of 2013. The well-known Toscana virus (TOSV) was isolated; three new, closely related phleboviruses differing in their M segments and tentatively named Ponticelli I, Ponticelli II and Ponticelli III virus, respectively, were isolated; a fifth putative phlebovirus, related to the sand fly fever Naples phlebovirus species, was also detected. The co-circulation, in a restricted area, of three viruses characterized by different M segments, likely resulted from reassortment events. According to the phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences, the TOSV belongs to clade A, together with other Italian isolates, while the Ponticelli viruses fall within the Salehabad phlebovirus species. Conclusions: Results highlight an unexpected diversity of phleboviruses that co-circulate in the same area, suggesting that interactions likely occur amongst them, that can present challenges for their correct identification. The co-circulation of different phleboviruses appears to be common, and the bionomics of sand fly populations seem to play a relevant role. Such a complex situation emphasizes the need for detailed investigations of the biology of these viruses to better characterize their pathogenic potential for mammals, including humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]