Discovery of the vector of visceral leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus (Artemievus) alexandri Sinton, 1928, in Kenya suggests complex transmission dynamics.

ABSTRACT: Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis are endemic to specific regions due to the ecological preferences of phlebotomine sand flies and Leishmania spp. transmission. Sand fly entomological data in northern Kenya are scarce due to limited studies and neglect of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to investigate: (i) sand fly diversity and distribution; (ii) occurrence of Leishmania DNA within sand flies; and (iii) blood-meal sources of sand flies in Laisamis, northern Kenya. We conducted an entomological survey during February and March of 2021 in five areas of Laisamis sub-county using standard CDC light traps. A total of 1009 sand flies (394 male and 615 female) were morphologically identified, and representative samples verified by PCR amplification and sequencing of the

SUBMITTER: Kiplagat S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10428034 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature