A pictorial identification key for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Phlebotomus sand flies.

ABSTRACT: Given the significance of leishmaniasis as a neglected parasitic disease-ranking second in mortality and fourth in morbidity among vector-borne diseases-and the prominence of the Mediterranean and Middle East regions as key areas for leishmaniasis incidence, the study and precise morphological identification of sand flies, the proven vectors of the disease, is crucial. Unfortunately, despite this importance, there are few reliable references or identification keys for the morphological identification of sand flies in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Some are outdated and no longer valid or remain local (restricted to a country). To date, no comprehensive study has been conducted on the sand fly fauna and their morphological characterization across these regions. In response to th

SUBMITTER: Akhoundi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11876346 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature