Abstract
BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) known as Kala-Azar is a serious systemic disease caused by Leishmania donovani parasites (Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida). The disease is prevalent in the Indian Sub-continent, East Africa and Brazil. In Africa, the worst affected regions are in Sudan, with an estimated 15,000-20,000 cases annually and Ethiopia with 5,000-7,000 cases a year. The main vector of VL in Sudan and Northern Ethiopia is Phlebotomus orientalis, a sand fly frequently found in association with Acacia spp and Balanite spp woodlands.MethodsTo optimize sampling of sand flies for epidemiological studies in remote areas we tested different means of attraction. Miniature suction traps employing 2AA batteries (3 V) were deployed in the up-draft orientation and baited with chemical light-sticks (Red, Yellow and Green), or bakers’ yeast in sugar solution (emitting CO2 and perhaps other attractants). These traps were compared with standard CDC incandescent light traps employing 6 V batteries. Trials were conducted during two consecutive years at different localities around Sheraro, a town in West Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.ResultsThe sand fly species composition was similar but not identical in the different locations tested with different Sergentomyia spp. predominating. Phlebotomus spp. comprised less than 1% of the catches during the first year trials (November – December 2011) but increased markedly during the second year trials performed later in the dry season at the height of the sand fly season in February 2012. Although there did not appear to be a species bias towards different light wave-lengths, fermenting yeast in sugar solution attracted relatively more Phlebotomus spp. and Sergentomyia schwetzi.ConclusionsAlthough the standard 6 V CDC incandescent light traps captured more sand flies, light-weight (~350 g) 3 V suction traps baited with chemical light-sticks were shown to be effective means of monitoring sand flies. Such traps operated without light and baited with yeast in sugar solution caught relatively more Phlebotomus spp.
Highlights
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) known as Kala-Azar is a serious systemic disease caused by Leishmania donovani parasites (Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida)
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are of considerable public health importance in many regions of the world where they transmit the causative agents of leishmaniasis, bartonellosis and sand fly fever [1,2,3,4,5]
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-Azar, caused by infection with Leishmania donovani complex parasites is prevalent in 65 countries
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) known as Kala-Azar is a serious systemic disease caused by Leishmania donovani parasites (Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida). The disease is prevalent in the Indian Sub-continent, East Africa and Brazil. In Africa, the worst affected regions are in Sudan, with an estimated 15,000-20,000 cases annually and Ethiopia with 5,000-7,000 cases a year. The leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, affecting mainly the poorest of the poor in developing countries; 350 million people are considered at risk of contracting leishmaniasis, and some two million new cases occur yearly [6,7]. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-Azar, caused by infection with Leishmania donovani complex parasites is prevalent in 65 countries. The majority (90%) of cases occur in poor rural and suburban areas of 5 countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sudan and Brazil [7,10]. In Ethiopia, important endemic foci include the Humera and Metema plains in northwestern Tigray and the Segen and Woyto river valleys in the southwest [11,13]
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