Entomological Survey for the Detection of Sand Fly Fauna and Vector Species in the Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Area in East Mediterranean Region of Turkey, Mersin Province

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1510-1515 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Emin Limoncu ◽  
İ Cüneyt Balcıoğlu ◽  
Seray Töz ◽  
Samiye Demir ◽  
Hakan Kavur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endemic Area ◽  
Infectious Agent ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Vector Species ◽  
Entomological Survey ◽  
Leishmania Promastigotes ◽  
East Mediterranean Region

Abstract Cutaneous (CL) and visceral (VL) forms of leishmaniasis, transmitted by sand flies, are seen in all countries located in Mediterranean Basin including Turkey. In this study, we aimed to conduct an entomological survey for the detection of sand fly fauna and vector species in Mersin province, one of the important endemic areas for CL in Turkey. In total, 912 sand fly specimens were collected in 2010 and 2011 using CDC light traps. Nine Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and three Sergentomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae) species were detected. Of the collected Phlebotomus sand flies, P. sergenti Parrot, 1917 (30.1%) was the most dominant followed by P. alexandri Sinton, 1928 (18.2%), P. neglectus/syriacus Tonnoir Adler (12.0%), P. tobbi Adler & Theodor, 1930 (11.7%), and P. papatasi Scopoli, 1786 (10.2%), while S. minuta Rondani, 1843 (11.3%) was the dominant species among Sergentomyia. During the field work in 2011, female specimens (n = 81) were screened for the presence of Leishmania promastigotes by midgut dissection, and all were found negative. The rest of the collected female specimens (n = 334) were pooled according to species (P. alexandri, P. neglectus/syriacus, P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. simici, and P. tobbi) and location (Mut, Silifke, and Anamur). In total, 29 pools were generated and real-time ITS1 PCR assay was performed to detect and identify natural Leishmania Ross, 1903 (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatida) infection. Two pools, both from Mut town, containing P. sergenti specimens were found positive and Leishmania tropica Ross, 1903 was identified as an infectious agent for both pools. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna was determined in an endemic area for CL. The detection of L. tropica DNA in P. sergenti specimens showed the possible vectorial role of this species in Mersin province.

scholarly journals Isolation of a Trypanosome Related to Trypanosoma theileri (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) from Phlebotomus perfiliewi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Calzolari ◽  
Gianluca Rugna ◽  
Emanuela Clementi ◽  
Elena Carra ◽  
Marco Pinna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Phlebotomus Perfiliewi ◽  
Insect Group ◽  
Very High ◽  
Trypanosoma Theileri

The Trypanosoma theileri group includes several trypanosome species hardly distinguishable due to the lack of discriminating morphological characters. Trypanosomes belonging to this group have been isolated from different bovine, ovine, and cervids in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Americas. The principal vectors of the T. theileri group are considered tabanid flies; however, T. melophagium is transmitted exclusively by sheep keds. In 2016, 128 sand flies out of 2,728 trapped in Valsamoggia municipality, Italy, were individually dissected and an unknown trypanosome strain, named TrPhp1, was isolated from a female of the sand fly Phlebotomus perfiliewi. Sequence analysis placed this trypanosome in the T. theileri group with very high homology to other trypanosomes detected in European cervids. This is the first report of the T. theileri group isolation from a sand fly, and the possible role of this insect group in the trypanosome transmission cycle is discussed. Within the T. theileri group, the phylogenetic analysis distinguished several lineages, which, unfortunately, do not correspond with their host specificity and their taxonomic status remains ambiguous.

New Records of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From the Western Brazilian Amazon and the Description of the Female of Pintomyia fiocruzi

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 1328-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glaucilene da Silva Costa ◽  
Antonio Marques Pereira Júnior ◽  
Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa ◽  
Paloma Helena Fernandes Shimabukuro ◽  
Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
New Records ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Phlebotomine Sand Flies ◽  
Entomological Survey ◽  
Collection Sites ◽  
Study Species

Abstract An entomological survey was conducted in several localities of Rondônia State, and new records were obtained for seven sand fly species: Evandromyia apurinan Shimabukuro, Figueira & Silva, 2013, Evandromyia carmelinoi (Ryan, Fraiha, Lainson & Shaw, 1986), Micropygomyia echinatopharynx Andrade-Filho, Galati, Andrade & Falcão, 2004, Nyssomyia urbinattii Galati & Galvis, 2012, Pintomyia duckei Oliveira, Alencar & Freitas, 2018, Psathyromyia pradobarrientosi (Le Pont, Matias, Martinez & Dujardin, 2004), and Sciopemyia vattierae (Le Pont & Desjeux, 1992). Herein, we also describe the female of Pintomyia fiocruzi Pereira Júnior, Pessoa, Marivalva & Medeiros, 2019. The female has spermathecae with a detached apical ring similar to the spermathecae of Pintomyia serrana (Damasceno & Arouck, 1949), Pintomyia odax (Fairchild & Hertig, 1961), Pintomyia ottolinai (Ortiz & Scorza, 1963), and Pintomyia robusta (Galati, Cáceres & Le Pont, 1995). Here, we provide characters to separate Pi. fiocruzi from Pi. serrana and Pi. odax. Pintomyia ottolinai has a trans-Andean distribution and Pi. robusta has not been found in Brazil and in our studies, we associated the females found in this study with Pi. fiocruzi males found at the same collection sites. Our findings highlight the importance of entomological fauna surveys and demonstrate the need for taxonomists to study species diversity in Rondônia. This study increases the number of sand fly species recorded in Rondônia to 143.

scholarly journals Assessment of sand fly (Diptera, Psychodidae) control using cypermethrin in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 2117-2123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Andrade Barata ◽  
Erika Monteiro Michalsky ◽  
Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara ◽  
João Carlos França-Silva ◽  
Marília Fonseca Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Residual Effect ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Lutzomyia Longipalpis ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Minas Gerais State ◽  
Transmission Area

Montes Claros in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was considered an intense transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated sand fly fauna after insecticide application. Captures were performed in 10 districts from September 2005 to August 2006 with CDC light traps inside and outside each residence. Cypermethrin was sprayed in two cycles during November/2005 and May/2006. The 636 specimens collected, belonging to 10 species, were predominantly Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%), and most frequently males (70%). The highest percentage of specimens were captured in areas surrounding domiciles (85.8%). The main species were observed to be sensitive to treatment with the insecticide. The results showed a reduction in the number of sand flies collected after use of cypermethrin in homes and annexes, and with residual effect lasting from two to four months.

scholarly journals Effects of larval rearing substrates on some life-table parameters of Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e0009034
Author(s):  
Kelsilandia Aguiar Martins ◽  
Maria Helena de Athayde Meirelles ◽  
Tiago Feitosa Mota ◽  
Ibrahim Abbasi ◽  
Artur Trancoso Lopo de Queiroz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Endemic Area ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Lutzomyia Longipalpis ◽  
Larval Rearing ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Life Table Parameters ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Chicken Feces

Sand flies are the insects responsible for transmitting Leishmania parasites, the causative agents of leishmaniasis in humans. However, the effects of sand fly breeding sites on their biology and ecology remain poorly understood. Herein, we studied how larval nutrition associated with putative breeding sites of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis affects their oviposition, development, microbiome, and susceptibility to Leishmania by rearing L. longipalpis on substrates collected from an endemic area for leishmaniasis in Brazil. The results showed that female L. longipalpis select the oviposition site based on its potential to promote larval maturation and while composting cashew leaf litter hindered the development, larvae reared on chicken feces developed rapidly. Typical gut microbial profiles were found in larvae reared upon cashew leaf litter. Adult females from larvae reared on substrate collected in chicken coops were infected with Leishmania infantum, indicating that they were highly susceptible to the parasite. In conclusion, the larval breeding sites can exert an important role in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis.

scholarly journals The role of dermis resident macrophages and their interaction with neutrophils in the early establishment of Leishmania major infection transmitted by sand fly bite

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana M. Chaves ◽  
Sang Hun Lee ◽  
Olena Kamenyeva ◽  
Kashinath Ghosh ◽  
David Sacks
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Leishmania Major ◽  
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Severe Pathology

AbstractThere is substantial experimental evidence to indicate that Leishmania infections that are transmitted naturally by the bites of infected sand flies differ in fundamental ways from the inflammatory and immune reactions initiated by needle inocula. We have used flow cytometry and intravital microscopy (IVM) to reveal the heterogeneity of sand fly transmission sites with respect to the subsets of phagocytes in the skin that harbor L. major within the first hours and days after infection. By flow cytometry analysis, dermis resident macrophages (TRMs) were on average the predominant infected cell type at 1 hr and 24 hr. By confocal IVM, the co-localization of L. major and neutrophils varied depending on the proximity of deposited parasites to the presumed site of vascular damage, defined by the highly localized swarming of neutrophils. Some of the dermal TRMs could be visualized acquiring their infections via transfer from or efferocytosis of parasitized neutrophils, providing direct evidence for the “Trojan Horse” model. The role of neutrophil engulfment by dermal TRMs and the involvement of the Tyro3/Axl/Mertk family of receptor tyrosine kinases in these interactions and in sustaining the anti-inflammatory program of dermal TRMs was supported by the effects observed in neutrophil depleted and in Axl-/-Mertk-/- mice. The Axl-/-Mertk-/- mice also displayed reduced parasite burdens but more severe pathology following L. major infection transmitted by sand fly bite.SummarySand flies transmit Leishmania major which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans and in non-human hosts. Our analyses of sand fly transmission sites of L. major in the mouse skin revealed that dermis resident macrophages (TRM) were the predominant phagocytes to take up the parasite within the first 24 hr post-bite. The early involvement of neutrophils varied depending on the proximity of deposited parasites to the site of tissue damage around which the neutrophils coalesced. By intra-vital microscopy, some of the dermal TRMs could be visualized acquiring their infections by direct transfer from or phagocytosis of parasitized neutrophils. The involvement of the Tyro3/Axl/Mertk family of receptor tyrosine kinases in these cellular interactions and in sustaining the anti-inflammatory functions of dermal TRMs was supported by the reduced parasite burdens but more severe pathology observed in Axl-/-Mertk-/- mice. The heterogeneity of sand fly transmission sites with respect to the dose of parasites and the early cellular interactions described here likely contribute to the wide range of infection outcomes that are associated with natural transmission of L. major observed in mouse models and possibly humans.

Potential Vectors of Leishmania Parasites in a Recent Focus of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 1286-1292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Dutra Rêgo ◽  
Getúlio Dornelles Souza ◽  
Júlia Bahia Miranda ◽  
Lais Vieira Peixoto ◽  
José Dilermando Andrade-Filho
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Leishmaniasis ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Leishmania Braziliensis ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Porto Alegre ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract In view of recent cases of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis reported in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, we investigated the sand fly fauna inhabiting the neighborhoods of Morro Santana and Jardim Carvalho, Brazil, continuing a series of entomological surveys aimed to identify potential vectors of Leishmania (Ross, 1903) parasites. Sand flies were collected monthly from October 2016 to October 2017 using CDC light traps in the intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary environments of seven residences. Sand fly abundance was correlated to climatic variables. Females were pooled by species, location, and date for Leishmania DNA molecular screening using ITS1 and kDNA polymerase chain reaction. In total, 501 sand flies from five species were collected in which Lutzomyia gaminarai (Cordero, Vogelsang & Cossio, 1928) (Diptera: Psychodidae) (78%) was the most abundant species in the intradomiciliary sites while Migonemyia migonei (Franca, 1920) (Diptera: Psychodidae) (43.3%) was the most abundant in the peridomiciliary sites. A higher number of sand flies were collected during the warmest months, from December to March (Mann–Whitney statistical test – P < 0.001). Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in Lu. gaminarai (2), Pintomyia fischeri (Pinto, 1926) (1) and Mg. migonei (1). Leishmania braziliensis DNA was detected in Lu. gaminarai (1) and Pi. fischeri (1). Our results add support to the possible vector role of Pi. fischeri in the epidemiological cycle of Le. infantum in Brazil. Furthermore, the first documented detection of Leishmania DNA in Lu. gaminarai may be indicative of multiple vectors being involved in the Leishmania cycle within Porto Alegre.

scholarly journals Oviposition-Site Selection of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) Sand Flies: Attraction to Bacterial Isolates From an Attractive Rearing Medium

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhavi L Kakumanu ◽  
Bahjat F Marayati ◽  
Coby Schal ◽  
Charles S Apperson ◽  
Gideon Wasserberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Oviposition Site ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Phlebotomus Papatasi ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Oviposition Site Selection ◽  
Response Curves

Abstract Phlebotomine sand flies are worldwide vectors of Leishmania parasites as well as other bacterial and viral pathogens. Due to the variable impact of traditional vector control practices, a more ecologically based approach is needed. The goal of this study was to isolate bacteria from the most attractive substrate to gravid Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli sand flies and determine the role of bacterial volatiles in the oviposition attractancy of P. papatasi using behavioral assays. We hypothesized that gravid sand flies are attracted to bacterially derived semiochemical cues associated with breeding sites. Bacteria were isolated from a larvae-conditioned rearing medium, previously shown to be highly attractive to sand flies. The isolated bacteria were identified by amplifying and sequencing 16S rDNA gene fragments, and 12 distinct bacterial species were selected for two-choice olfactometer bioassays. The mix of 12 bacterial isolates elicited strong attraction at the lower concentration of 107 cells per ml and significant repellence at a high concentration of 109 cells per ml. Three individual isolates (SSI-2, SSI-9, and SSI-11) were particularly attractive at low doses. In general, we observed dose-related effects, with some bacterial isolates stimulating negative and some positive dose–response curves in sand fly attraction. Our study confirms the important role of saprophytic bacteria, gut bacteria, or both, in guiding the oviposition-site selection behavior of sand flies. Identifying the specific attractive semiochemical cues that they produce could lead to development of an attractive lure for surveillance and control of sand flies.

scholarly journals TRsandflies: A Web-Based Software for the Morphometric Identification of Sand Flies in Turkey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakan Kavur
Keyword(s):  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Morphometric Measurement ◽  
Vector Species ◽  
Web Based ◽  
C Language ◽  
Identification Methods ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Prediction Rate ◽  
Measurement Results

Abstract Sand flies are vector of several diseases, mostly cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL). Also, 29 sand fly species have been identified in previous fauna studies carried out in 40 provinces of Turkey. Totally, 24 sand flies species belonging to Phlebotomus (Ph.) (Diptera: Psychodidae) genus have been proven or reported as possible vector species. This study aimed to develop a new software which could contribute to researchers’ decision making about the identification of sand flies with obtained data from entomological surveys conducted before in Turkey. Developed software called TRsandflies included 35 textbox created with parameters obtained from caught sand flies specimens by the above-mentioned surveys. It also contained 130 photos and distribution maps related to 24 sand flies species. In addition, C# language and MYSQL database were used in the program. TRsandflies had three different forms (pages) allowing the user to compare the specimens and known species. In the species identification trials with three repetitions carried out in the program, except for the specimens belonging to the Transphlebotomus Artemiev & Neronov, 1984 subgenus, morphometric data of all previously collected sand fly species specimens were included. The process of running the morphometric measurement results of predetermined specimens in the program provided us with an accurate prediction rate of 86.66% in male specimens and 71.66% in female specimens. We concluded that the web-based software developed could play an important role in reducing the rate of possible errors that might be encountered by conventional identification methods.

scholarly journals Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy)

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1577
Author(s):  
Davide Lelli ◽  
Vittorio Scanferla ◽  
Ana Moreno ◽  
Enrica Sozzi ◽  
Valentina Ravaioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Neutralization Assay ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Toscana Virus ◽  
Virus Neutralization Assay

Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats.

scholarly journals Development of Various Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae Strains in Three Phlebotomus Species

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2256
Author(s):  
Lucie Ticha ◽  
Barbora Kykalova ◽  
Jovana Sadlova ◽  
Marina Gramiccia ◽  
Luigi Gradoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Meal ◽  
Malpighian Tubules ◽  
Sand Fly ◽  
Sand Flies ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
High Parasite ◽  
Anterior Migration

Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae is transmitted by reptile-biting sand flies of the genus Sergentomyia, but the role of Phlebotomus sand flies in circulation of this parasite is unknown. Here, we compared the development of L. (S.) tarentolae strains in three Phlebotomus species: P. papatasi, P. sergenti, and P. perniciosus. Laboratory-bred sand flies were membrane-fed on blood with parasite suspension and dissected on days 1 and 7 post blood meal. Parasites were measured on Giemsa-stained gut smears and five morphological forms were distinguished. In all parasite-vector combinations, promastigotes were found in Malpighian tubules, often in high numbers, which suggests that this tissue is a typical location for L. (S.) tarentolae development in sand flies. All three studied strains colonized the hindgut, but also migrated anteriorly to both parts of the midgut and colonized the stomodeal valve. Significant differences were demonstrated between sand fly species: highest infection rates, high parasite loads, and the most frequent anterior migration with colonization of the stomodeal valve were found in P. perniciosus, while all these parameters were lowest in P. sergenti. In conclusion, the peripylarian type of development was demonstrated for three L. (S.) tarentolae strains in three Phlebotomus sand flies. We suggest paying more attention to Phlebotomus species, particularly P. perniciosus and P. papatasi, as potential secondary vectors of Sauroleishmania.

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