First Detection and Molecular Analysis of Leishmania infantum DNA in Sand Flies of Kosovo.

ABSTRACT: Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the principal vectors of phleboviruses and Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniases. The Mediterranean sand fly fauna is diverse, and leishmaniasis, mainly caused by Leishmania infantum, is endemic in the Balkan countries. Despite recent entomological surveys, only some districts of Kosovo have been sampled for sand flies, with no proof/confirmation of L. infantum. This study aimed to gain further insights into the species composition of natural sand fly populations in previously unsampled districts and areas in Kosovo without reports of leishmaniasis and to detect Leishmania DNA in sand flies. A sand fly survey was conducted in 2022 in all seven districts of Kosovo. Collected females were screened

SUBMITTER: Xhekaj B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10610191 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature