Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) chattiensis n. sp.: morphological and molecular description of a new sand fly species from Himachal Pradesh, India.

Madhya Pradesh, a biodiversity-rich state in central India, reports sporadic non-indigenous leishmaniasis cases. Systematic entomological surveillance as part of molecular xenomonitoring in sand flies led to the discovery of a new species, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) pradeepii n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), from Johariya village in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India. A systematic cross-sectional survey of sand flies was conducted in Bhopal, Sagar, and Hoshangabad districts of Madhya Pradesh. Standard collection methods were employed for two months, i.e., from July to August 2023. DNA barcoding targeting the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was performed, and the generated sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. Se. (Neo.) pradeepii, a newly recorded sand fly species, is reported in this study. Its taxonomic relationship to other congeners of subgenus Neophlebotomus is discussed. COI barcoding and phylogenetic analysis established that the specimens fit into the same taxonomic group, exhibiting negligible gene flow within the population, while a 13.4% genetic distance from congeners establishes it as a separate species. Madhya Pradesh, with its rich biodiversity and favorable conditions for sand fly proliferation, lacks systematic entomological surveillance. This study enhances the knowledge of the state's sand fly fauna by reporting and providing a detailed morphological and molecular description of the new species.

BackgroundWestern Ghats is a biodiversity treasure trove with reports of indigenous leishmaniasis cases. Hence, systematic sand fly surveillance was carried out among the tribal population. The present study reports a novel sand fly species, Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), discovered in the Western Ghats of India.MethodsA comprehensive sand fly survey was conducted across the Kollam, Thrissur, Idukki, Kasaragod and Malappuram districts of Kerala, India. The survey spanned both indoor and outdoor habitats using standard collection methods over a 3-year, 3-month period. DNA barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and the sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis.ResultsPhlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii, a new sand fly species, is recorded and described in this communication. The morphological relationship of the new species to other members of the subgenus Anaphlebotomus is discussed. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis confirmed that specimens of Ph. ajithii belong to the same taxonomic group, while a genetic distance of 11.7% from congeners established it as a distinct species.ConclusionsThe Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity, has lacked systematic entomological surveys focusing on sand flies. This study aims to fill this gap and reports and describes a new species of sand fly.Graphical abstract

An endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is located in the Sutlej River Valley in Himachal Pradesh (India) in the north-western Himalaya where CL co-exists with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In areas of the Indian subcontinent such as Rajasthan, cutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and Phlebotomus salehi. In Himachal Pradesh, Phlebotomus longiductus (Parrot) is suspected to be the vector for CL. In the current study, sand flies were collected and tested for Leishmania infection and to confirm the vector species causing CL. Sand flies were collected during April and September of 2017–2019 from CL endemic villages of Rampur (Shimla), Nirmand (Kullu) and Nichar (Kinnaur) districts of Himachal Pradesh. The sand flies were identified as Phlebotomus (adlerius) longiductus (Parrot) and Phlebotomus (larrousisus) major (Annandale). The density of P. longiductus was found highest. The elevation of villages ranged from 947 m to 2,130 m and were far from the presence of subsoil water. Field collected sand flies tested positive (7.69%) for Leishmania donovani by PCR-RFLP. The L. donovani sequences detected from P. longiductus were 97% similar to L. donovani sequences reported from the cases of CL in Himachal Pradesh.The Leishmania positive sand flies were morphologically identified as Phlebotomus adlerious longiductus providing one step further evidence towards the vector status of CL in Himachal Pradesh. The findings of the study are of epidemiological significance for strategic planning of vector control for leishmaniasis in India.

BackgroundSand flies, belonging to the Psychodidae family, represent small, hairy insects that serve as significant vectors in various important medical and veterinary diseases. Despite being recognized by the World Health Organization as an endemic area for leishmaniasis, Southeast Asia lacks comprehensive information on the species composition and biology of sand flies. To address this, the current study aimed to survey sand fly biodiversity.MethodsSand flies from six provinces in Southern Vietnam were collected using CDC light traps. Sand flies were subsequently identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) sequences. BLASTN searches were conducted, and the species identity of sand flies was further confirmed through a Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) search utilizing COI sequences. Subsequently, nucleotide sequences were subjected to a panel of analyses including intraspecific variation, phylogenetic relationships and haplotype network. The average densities of collected sand flies (sand flies/trap/night) and species richness were also recorded.ResultsA total of 753 sand flies were collected. After excluding damaged specimens, six sand fly species, namely Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia khawi, Se. silvatica, Se. barraudi, Se. bailyi and Grassomyia indica, were identified. All conspecific sand fly sequences, including Ph. stantoni, Se. barraudi, Gr. indica, Se. bailyi, Se. khawi and Se. silvatica, clustered with their reference sequences, corroborating the results of morphology-based identification, BLASTN analysis and BOLD search. For intraspecific variation of sand flies obtained from the current study, COI diversity indices were consistently higher than those of cytb.ConclusionsThis study provides the first updates on morphological and molecular characterization of sand flies in Southern Vietnam. This acquired knowledge on sand fly species composition is essential for controlling sand fly-borne diseases in this potentially endemic region.Graphical

Co-overexpression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and c-Src frequently occurs in human tumors and is linked to enhanced tumor growth. In experimental systems this synergistic growth requires EGF-dependent association of c-Src with the EGFR and phosphorylation of Tyr-845 of the receptor by c-Src. A search for signaling mediators of Tyr(P)-845 revealed that mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (CoxII) binds EGFR in a Tyr(P)-845- and EGF-dependent manner. In cells this association involves translocation of EGFR to the mitochondria, but regulation of this process is ill-defined. The current study demonstrates that c-Src translocates to the mitochondria with similar kinetics as EGFR and that the catalytic activity of EGFR and c-Src as well as endocytosis and a mitochondrial localization signal are required for these events. CoxII can be phosphorylated by EGFR and c-Src, and EGF stimulation reduces Cox activity and cellular ATP, an event that is dependent in large part on EGFR localized to the mitochondria. These findings suggest EGFR plays a novel role in modulating mitochondrial function via its association with, and modification of CoxII.

Ecology of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in a new focus of leishmaniasis in northern Iran

Trypanosoma infection and bloodmeal analysis in post-feeding sand flies across Thailand

This study reports the first molecularly confirmed occurrence of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii (Lankester, 1880) from northern India, recorded in the Arga-Parvati wetland complex of Gonda District, Uttar Pradesh. Species identification was achieved through an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular analyses. Morphologically, the medusa displayed a flattened hemispherical bell (mean diameter 15 ± 1.8 mm), four simple radial canals with corresponding pouch like gonads and 200 marginal tentacles bearing birhopaloid nematocysts. Molecular characterization using the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (709 bp) confirmed 100% similarity with the Chinese isolate (KF510026.1) and 95% with the German isolate (FJ423619.1), indicating low genetic divergence and suggesting a globally conserved lineage. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the Indian isolate with C. sowerbii populations from China, Germany and Morocco with strong bootstrap support (86–100%), affirming its invasive potential. Physico-chemical analysis revealed warm (avg. 29.42 ± 1.90 °C), slightly alkaline (pH 7.7-7.9) and phosphate-enriched (0.34 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹) conditions characteristic of eutrophic systems. The proliferation and decay of Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) likely enhanced phosphate release and organic load, stimulating algal and zooplankton productivity that favored jellyfish blooms. The findings demonstrate a trophic link between eutrophication and jellyfish proliferation and emphasize C. sowerbii as an indicator of nutrient enrichment while underscoring the need for wetland nutrient and macrophyte management.

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies, the key vectors in the transmission of Leishmania parasites, pose a global health challenge. Although leishmaniasis has been reported in the indigenous Taiwanese population, the last sand fly survey, based on morphological features, was conducted over two decades ago. Thus, updated information on the phlebotomine sand fly fauna and disease transmission risk in Taiwan is required. In this study, a nationwide survey was conducted using molecular methods to ascertain the current sand fly status and disease transmission risk in Taiwan.MethodsA total of 1292 sand flies were collected in a nationwide survey conducted in 2017–2018. Species were identified based on their 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and cytochrome b (Cytb) using the phylogenetic tree and intra- and interspecific divergence analysis. The relative abundance, richness, diversity, and evenness of sand fly species were also calculated.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis showed six independent clades, including Phlebotomus kiangsuensis (0.1%), Sergentomyia iyengari (93.7%), Sergentomyia barraudi (3.8%), Sergentomyia squamipleuris (1.6%), and two species described for the first time (0.9%). Species divergence analysis supported the phylogenetic results. The richness and abundance of sand flies were higher in eastern Taiwan than in western regions. Blood-source analysis showed an interaction between Se. iyengari and humans. In addition, no Leishmania spp. DNA was detected in any specimen, which suggests a low transmission risk for Leishmania spp. in Taiwan.ConclusionsThese findings provide valuable knowledge on the current fauna of phlebotomine sand flies, which is beneficial for assessing disease risk and managing vector control in Taiwan.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-025-07017-1.

Dear Editor, Multiple infections with small liver flukes and minute intestinal flukes are the serious public health concern in the lower Mekong basin [1,2]. Although the epidemiological survey for those trematode infections are primarily carried out based on copro-parasitological examination, detection/identification of fecal eggs/worms is a tedious job and often problematic because of the morphological similarities of eggs/worms. Along with the popularization of PCR-sequencing methods, copro-DNA diagnosis and molecular phylogenetic identification/speciation have been introduced in epidemiological studies. Among various genes and non-coding lesions of nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) is one of the most widely used inter- and intra-species marker. Using COXI and some other markers, Lee and his colleagues performed molecular phylogenetic analyses on small liver flukes (Lee SU, Huh S. Variation of nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs in Korean and Chinese isolates of Clonorchis sinensis. Korean J Parasitol 2004; 42: 145-148) and on minute intestinal flukes (Lee SU, Huh S, Sohn WM, Chai JY. Sequence comparisons of 28S ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I of Metagonimus yokogawai, M. takahashii and M. miyatai. Korean J Parasitol 2004; 42: 129-135). The COX1 gene sequences appeared in those articles are; Clonorchis sinensis ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF184619,term_id:296940320,term_text:AF184619}}AF184619, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF181889,term_id:285026682,term_text:AF181889}}AF181889, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF188122,term_id:285809842,term_text:AF188122}}AF188122), Metagonimus yokogawai ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096230,term_id:297039733,term_text:AF096230}}AF096230), Metagonimus takahashii ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096231,term_id:297039734,term_text:AF096231}}AF096231), Metagonimus miyatai ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096232,term_id:297039735,term_text:AF096232}}AF096232), Pygidiopsis summa ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF181884,term_id:288563287,term_text:AF181884}}AF181884), and Stellantchasmus falcatus ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF181887,term_id:285804435,term_text:AF181887}}AF181887). In addition, Park [3] compared his COXI sequence of Opisthorchis viverrini Laotian isolate (AY055 382) to those of Gymnophalloides seoi ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096234,term_id:297039736,term_text:AF096234}}AF096234) and Neodiplostomum seoulense ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096233,term_id:285026845,term_text:AF096233}}AF096233) registered in the DNA database (Lee et al. unpublished). For the phylogenetic analyses of COXI gene of minute intestinal flukes of our own data, we have downloaded all those above mentioned COXI of Lee et al. and aligned them including our own COXI sequence of Haplorchis taichui ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:EF055885,term_id:119855482,term_text:EF055885}}EF055885) [4] and Paragonimus bangkokensis ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AB354227,term_id:155369203,term_text:AB354227}}AB354227) [5]. Surprisingly, those sequence data were divided into 2 distinct groups without any similarities (Fig. 1). Eventually, we realized that this astonishing result is due to the reverse complementary sequences of COXI data deposited by Lee et al. (in the bottom half of the figure). We also noticed similar mixed-up deposition of the forward and reverse sequences of COXI gene of Fasciola spp., which were also included in Fig. 1 ({type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AJ628024,term_id:88319716,term_text:AJ628024}}AJ628024, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AJ628039,term_id:88319746,term_text:AJ628039}}AJ628039, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:FJ469984,term_id:238631966,term_text:FJ469984}}FJ469984; Zhu XQ et al. unpublished). Fig. 1 The DNA sequence alignment of the partial COXI gene of some trematodes obtained from the GenBank. Seven sequences from the top are the forward strands with JB3 primer sequence, and 2 in the middle are the forward strands without primer. Eight sequences ... For the determination of partial COX1 sequences of Platyhelminthes, the primer set of JB3 (5'-TTT TTT GGG CAT CCT GAG GTT TAT-3') and JB4.5 (5'-TAA AGA AAG AAC ATA ATG AAA ATG-3') [6] was widely used for investigating the inter- and intra-species variations of trematodes and cestodes. We noticed the mixed-up of the forward and reverse COXI sequences by Lee et al. as well as Zhu et al. because of the presence of the characteristic feature of this primer set (boxed in Fig. 1) in the sequences. The primer sequence should be deleted from the sequence data because it is not always identical with the real DNA sequence of the gene and the inclusion of the primer sequences sometimes causes the misreading in phylogenetic analyses [7]. In 3 reverse sequences, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF181884,term_id:288563287,term_text:AF181884}}AF181884, {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AY055380,term_id:22203992,term_text:AY055380}}AY055380, and {type:entrez-nucleotide,attrs:{text:AF096233,term_id:285026845,term_text:AF096233}}AF096233 seems to contain also the partial sequence of the cloning vector, which should be trimmed off before deposition. In general, raw data of forward and reverse sequences obtained from the sequencer should be aligned manually by cross-checking of the wave patterns because some 10-20 bases downstream from the forward primer and upstream from the reverse primer often contain erroneous base pairs [8]. Deposition of the reverse sequence means that those sequences were not aligned against forward sequence and not quite reliable. Since each sequence data in GenBank are opened for the public use, an accuracy of the sequence data is critically important for the mutual reliability of the scientists. The scientists should aware how to deposit accurate sequence data to the DNA data base. The reappraisal and correction of those sequences mentioned above is urgently necessary.

Background & objectives: Subalpine valley along the Sutlej River has been identified as an endemic focus for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). The present study was undertaken with aim to find out the climatic and ecological determinants responsible for distribution of sand flies and occurrence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Himachal Pradesh. Methods: Collections of sand flies were made in the Shimla, Kullu, and Nichar districts of H.P. during 2017 and 2019. The climatic data were procured from Indian Meteorological centre, Shimla (H.P). The satellite images (Indian remote sensing satellite (IRS)-Linear imaging self-scanner (LISS)-IV sensor multispectral data) having resolution of 5.8m were procured from National Remote Sensing Centre Hyderabad, India. The relationship between the incidence of CL and Land use was analysed. Results: A total of 332 sand flies were collected. The transmission of CL was favoured by temperatures exceeding 20°C over a period of six months, specifically from April to September. The valley with an elevation ranging between 1000 to 1250 meters reported 90% of the CL cases. The correlation between CL incidence and land use patterns revealed a notable rise in barren land (8%) and scrub land (5%) from 2013 to 2017. Interpretation & conclusion: The findings reveals that specific meteorological conditions and land cover play significant role in determining the presence of sand flies in Himachal Pradesh. To effectively control CL, it is recommended to implement control programs primarily between June and September, focusing particularly on regions with elevations ranging from 1000 to 1250 meters.

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the major invasive insect pests on solanaceous crops. T. absoluta distribution is observed in European, North African Mediterranean basin and Asian countries. The tomato leaf miner is spreading fast and affecting tomato production in both closed and open-field conditions. This insect pest has recently reported in various tomato growing regions of India and causing significant loss of production. In the present study, occurrence of a tomato leaf miner was studied by undertaking an extensive survey in tomato growing regions of India during September 2017 to May 2018. The infestation of T. absoluta was recorded in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Severe incidence of T. absoluta infestation was recorded in Maharashtra (Nashik district) and Telangana (Mahabubnagar district) followed by Karnataka (Kalaburgi and Raichur districts). The moths collected during the survey were characterized using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene analysis. The T. absoluta samples showed maximum genetic similarity with KU565720 Kenya, KT452897 Oman, KY212128 South Africa, KY619687 India, KP814057 India and KJ657679 Florida. Nine T. absoluta populations were grouped under a single clade revealing no genetic variation within populations and showed high genetic homogeneity thereby the ideal candidate for sterile insect technique application. Further studies are required on population dynamics, host range, local and area-wide biological control management strategies for the effective management of T. absoluta .

New sand fly (Diptera, Psychodidae) records and COI DNA barcodes in the state of Maranhão, Eastern Amazon, Brazil

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are tiny, blood-sucking insects that are of significant public and veterinary health importance for their role in the transmission of Leishmania parasites, bacteria, and arboviruses. Although sand flies have been documented in most Southeast Asian countries, there are no published records confirming their presence in Singapore. Here, we present this fauna with descriptions of new species.MethodsSand fly species identification was confirmed using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines morphological analysis with DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes.ResultsWe identified eight sand fly species, including four newly described species: Phlebotomus seowpohi n. sp., Sergentomyia leechingae n. sp.,Sergentomyia gubleri n. sp., and Sergentomyia retrocalcarae n. sp. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the new Phlebotomus species, belonging to subgenus Euphlebotomus, is closely related to Phlebotomus argentipes, an important vector of Leishmania donovani from the South Asian region.ConclusionsThe potential risk of leishmaniasis in Singapore is compounded by the recent detection of antibodies to Leishmania infantum in local free-roaming dogs. Therefore, continuous monitoring is essential to assess and manage the risk of disease agent transmission, support the development of an early warning system, and enable timely and targeted public health interventions. The findings of this study contribute to the global knowledge on sand flies and enhance our understanding of local fauna diversity and distribution.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-025-07021-5.

The OFF! Clip-On fan vaporizer device releasing metofluthrin was evaluated against phletobomine sand flies in the Judean Desert, Israel, in October, 2009. A total of 76,400 sand flies was collected, with male flies representing 98.3%Phlebotomus sergenti and 1.7%P. papatasi. Females comprised 43.0% of the total catch and included 6.7% blood-fed females. Similar proportions of flies were collected in both suction and sticky traps. In trials with unbaited suction traps, similar numbers of sand flies were collected in traps with a metofluthrin device, blank device, or no device (i.e., suction only). In suction traps baited with CO(2) , higher numbers of P. sergenti males and blood-fed females were collected in traps with a blank device compared to traps with a metofluthrin device. In sticky traps baited with CO(2) , there were no significant differences between catches in traps with a metofluthrin device, blank device, or no device. The results suggest metofluthrin from the device is not repellent against sand flies in a field environment despite showing insecticidal activity against flies collected in suction traps.