Molecular detection of Leishmania donovani, Leishmania major, and Trypanosoma species in Sergentomyia squamipleuris sand flies from a visceral leishmaniasis focus in Merti sub-County, eastern Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) are of public health concern in Merti sub-County, Kenya, but epidemiological data on transmission, vector abundance, distribution, and reservoir hosts remain limited. To better understand the disease and inform control measures to reduce transmission, we investigated the abundance and distribution of sand fly species responsible for Leishmania transmission in the sub-County and their blood-meal hosts.

Methods

We conducted an entomological survey in five villages with reported cases of VL in Merti sub-County, Kenya, using CDC miniature light traps and castor oil sticky papers. Sand flies were dissected and identified to the species level using standard taxonomic keys and PCR analysis of the cyto

SUBMITTER: Owino BO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7812738 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature