Short report: distribution and feeding preference of the sand flies Phlebotomus sergenti and P. papatasi in a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus in Sanliurfa, Turkey

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2003 Jan;68(1):6-9.

Abstract

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and rodents were collected in the endemic focus of urban cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Phlebotomus sergenti and P. papatasi represented 99% of the sand fly population. These flies were trapped in highest numbers in animal sheds, followed by cellars. However, P. sergenti was relatively more abundant in rooms. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the gut contents from blood-fed females detected immunoglobulins specific to birds and mammals, suggesting that both species are opportunistic feeders, although poultry is a frequent blood source of P. sergenti. Blood sources include black rats (Rattus rattus) and house mice (Mus domesticus); these rodents are abundant inside houses, and might have a role in parasite circulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Gerbillinae
  • Goats
  • Horses
  • Housing
  • Housing, Animal
  • Humidity
  • Insect Vectors / physiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / transmission
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Muridae
  • Phlebotomus / physiology*
  • Poultry
  • Rats
  • Rodentia
  • Sheep
  • Shrews
  • Temperature
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Urban Health