Abstract
Background Leishmania major complex is the main causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in the Old World. Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus duboscqi are recognized vectors of L. major complex in Northern and Southern Sahara, respectively. In Mali, ZCL due to L. major is an emerging public health problem, with several cases reported from different parts of the country. The main objective of the present study was to identify the vectors of Leishmania major in the Bandiagara area, in Mali.Methodology/Principal FindingsAn entomological survey was carried out in the ZCL foci of Bandiagara area. Sandflies were collected using CDC miniature light traps and sticky papers. In the field, live female Phlebotomine sandflies were identified and examined for the presence of promastigotes. The remaining sandflies were identified morphologically and tested for Leishmania by PCR in the ITS2 gene. The source of blood meal of the engorged females was determined using the cyt-b sequence. Out of the 3,259 collected sandflies, 1,324 were identified morphologically, and consisted of 20 species, of which four belonged to the genus Phlebotomus and 16 to the genus Sergentomyia. Leishmania major DNA was detected by PCR in 7 of the 446 females (1.6%), specifically 2 out of 115 Phlebotomus duboscqi specimens, and 5 from 198 Sergentomyia darlingi specimens. Human DNA was detected in one blood-fed female S. darlingi positive for L. major DNA.ConclusionOur data suggest the possible involvement of P. duboscqi and potentially S. darlingi in the transmission of ZCL in Mali.
Highlights
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common infection and a major public health importance in 88 countries with approximately 1.5 million new cases each year [1]
Our data suggest the possible involvement of P. duboscqi and potentially S. darlingi in the transmission of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Mali
Of the 2416 sandflies trapped using sticky papers, 481 were identified including all sandflies belonging to the Phlebotomus genus, sandflies morphologically similar to Phlebotomus and 222 other specimens randomly selected
Summary
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common infection and a major public health importance in 88 countries with approximately 1.5 million new cases each year [1]. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania major Yakimoff & Shokkor, 1914 is endemic in the Mediterranean basin, subSaharan Africa and Asia. In these areas, the proven vectors are sandflies belonging to the subgenus Phlebotomus: Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi (Scopoli, 1786) in Northern Sahara areas [2,3,4,5], Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) duboscqi Neveu-Lemaire, 1906, its vicariant species, in sub-Saharan regions, in Ethiopia and Senegal [6,7,8], Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) bergeroti Parrot, 1934 and Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) salehi Mesghali, 1965 suspected in Egypt and Iran, respectively [9,10]. The main objective of the present study was to identify the vectors of Leishmania major in the Bandiagara area, in Mali
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
