Identification of Algerian Field-Caught Phlebotomine Sand Fly Vectors by MALDI-TOF MS.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phlebotomine sand flies are known to transmit Leishmania parasites, bacteria and viruses that affect humans and animals in many countries worldwide. Precise sand fly identification is essential to prevent phlebotomine-borne diseases. Over the past two decades, progress in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as an accurate tool for arthropod identification. The objective of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS as a tool for identifying field-caught phlebotomine.

Methodology/principal findings

Sand flies were captured in four sites in north Algeria. A subset was morphologically and genetically identified. Six species were found in these areas and a total of 28 stored f

SUBMITTER: Lafri I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4714931 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature