First molecular evidence of Leishmania parasites in sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from Slovenia.

IF 3.5 2区医学 Q1 PARASITOLOGY

Parasites & Vectors Pub Date : 2025-08-22 DOI:10.1186/s13071-025-07006-4

Gioia Bongiorno, Katja Adam, Ilaria Bernardini, Claudia Mangiapelo, Eleonora Fiorentino, Trentina Di Muccio, Vladimir Ivović

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of Leishmania spp., protozoan parasites that cause leishmaniasis, a zoonosis endemic in the Mediterranean region. Although Slovenia is not considered endemic, its proximity to affected areas and the presence of competent vectors underscore the importance of entomological surveillance. As part of the CLIMOS project, we investigated sand fly species composition, seasonal abundance, and the presence of Leishmania parasites at two sites in southwestern Slovenia: Cetore and Velike Žablje.

Methods: From May to October 2023, adult sand flies were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps. Specimens were morphologically identified and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted kinetoplast DNA, followed by species confirmation with ITS-1 nested PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Results: A total of 274 sand flies were collected, predominantly Phlebotomus neglectus, P. perniciosus, and P. mascittii. Abundance peaked in July in Cetore and August in Velike Žablje, likely reflecting local climatic differences. Among 25 pools of female sand flies analyzed, Leishmania DNA was detected in three pools (12.0%), specifically in P. neglectus and P. mascittii. The cycle threshold values (Ct 35-37) indicated low parasite DNA loads. ITS-1 amplification was unsuccessful, likely due to low DNA concentration.

Conclusions: This study provides the first molecular evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies from Slovenia. The detection of Leishmania in P. mascittii, a species with uncertain vector competence, is particularly noteworthy and warrants further investigation. Although species identification of the parasite was not possible, the findings suggest potential for autochthonous transmission and highlight the need for continued surveillance and research in the region.

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斯洛文尼亚沙蝇（双翅目：白蛉科）中利什曼原虫的首次分子证据。

背景：沙蝇（双翅目：白蛉科）是利什曼原虫的媒介，利什曼原虫是引起利什曼病的原生动物寄生虫，利什曼病是地中海地区的一种人畜共患病。虽然斯洛文尼亚不被认为是流行病，但它靠近疫区，并且存在有能力的病媒，强调了昆虫学监测的重要性。作为CLIMOS项目的一部分，我们在斯洛文尼亚西南部的两个地点（Cetore和Velike Žablje）调查了沙蝇的种类组成、季节丰度和利什曼原虫的存在。方法：2023年5 - 10月，采用美国疾病预防控制中心（CDC）微型诱蚊灯采集成年沙蝇。采用定量聚合酶链式反应（PCR）对标本进行形态鉴定，筛选利什曼原虫DNA，然后采用ITS-1巢式PCR和限制性片段长度多态性（RFLP）分析进行物种鉴定。结果：共捕获沙蝇274只，以疏漏白蛉、黑皮沙蝇和mascittip为主。在塞托雷和威莱克分别于7月和8月达到峰值Žablje，这可能反映了当地气候的差异。在25个雌性沙蝇库中，有3个库（12.0%）检出利什曼原虫DNA，其中尤以忽略沙蝇和马西蒂沙蝇居多。周期阈值（Ct 35-37）表明寄生虫DNA负荷较低。ITS-1扩增不成功，可能是由于DNA浓度低。结论：本研究首次提供了斯洛文尼亚沙蝇利什曼原虫DNA的分子证据。在媒介能力不确定的马西蒂疟原虫中发现利什曼原虫特别值得注意，值得进一步调查。虽然无法确定该寄生虫的种类，但研究结果表明可能存在本地传播，并强调需要在该地区继续进行监测和研究。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Parasites & Vectors 医学-寄生虫学

CiteScore

6.30

自引率

9.40%

发文量

433

审稿时长

1.4 months

期刊介绍： Parasites & Vectors is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal dealing with the biology of parasites, parasitic diseases, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Manuscripts published in this journal will be available to all worldwide, with no barriers to access, immediately following acceptance. However, authors retain the copyright of their material and may use it, or distribute it, as they wish. Manuscripts on all aspects of the basic and applied biology of parasites, intermediate hosts, vectors and vector-borne pathogens will be considered. In addition to the traditional and well-established areas of science in these fields, we also aim to provide a vehicle for publication of the rapidly developing resources and technology in parasite, intermediate host and vector genomics and their impacts on biological research. We are able to publish large datasets and extensive results, frequently associated with genomic and post-genomic technologies, which are not readily accommodated in traditional journals. Manuscripts addressing broader issues, for example economics, social sciences and global climate change in relation to parasites, vectors and disease control, are also welcomed.