Experimental feeding of Sergentomyia minuta on reptiles and mammals: comparison with Phlebotomus papatasi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Phlebotominae) is an abundant sand fly species in the Mediterranean basin and a proven vector of reptile parasite Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae. Although it feeds preferentially on reptiles, blood meal analyses and detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum DNA in wild-caught S. minuta suggest that occasional feeding may occur on mammals, including humans. Therefore, it is currently suspected as a potential vector of human pathogens.

Methods

A recently established S. minuta colony was allowed to feed on three reptile species (i.e. lizard Podarcis siculus and geckos Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus) and three mammal species (i.e. mouse, rabbit and human). Sand fly mortality and fecundity were studied in bloo

SUBMITTER: Ticha L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10103492 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature