Mapping the distribution of phlebotomine sand fly species with emphasis on Leishmania vectors in Nepal and exploring the potential of DNA barcoding for their identification.

ABSTRACT: Nepal is committed to eliminating visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem by 2030. The scattered distribution of VL cases across wide geo-ecological regions, including areas previously considered unsuitable for the survival of vectors and the transmission of the pathogen, poses a major threat to Nepal's national VL elimination programme. Regular monitoring and accurate identification of sand fly species are essential for implementing tailored vector control interventions. Hence, this study aimed to update the distribution of sand fly species with a focus on Leishmania vectors and evaluate DNA barcoding as a complementary tool for their identification. Sand flies were collected from 43 districts with active VL cases across the country between 2017 and 2022. The mitochondrial COI g

SUBMITTER: Roy L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12534497 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature