Could Phlebotomus mascittii play a role as a natural vector for Leishmania infantum? New data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The occurrence of phlebotomine sand flies in Central Europe was questioned until they were recorded for the first time in Germany in 1999, and ten years later also in Austria. The aim of this study was to investigate sand flies collected in Austria for their carrier status of Leishmania spp.

Findings

From 2012 to 2013 field studies were conducted in eastern Austria. Altogether, 22 individuals of sand flies were found, all morphologically identified as Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) mascittii Grassi, 1908. Twelve non-engorged female specimens with no visible remnants of a blood meal in their bodies were individually investigated for Leishmania spp. by ITS-1 real-time PCR. One out of these was positive for Leishmania, identified as Leishmania infantum by DNA sequenc

SUBMITTER: Obwaller AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4992248 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature