First Comprehensive List of Phlebotomine Sand Fly Species (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Leishmaniasis Focus (Djelfa, Algeria), Including the First Record of Phlebotomus langeroni Females in Algeria.

Background: The wide distribution of phlebotomine vectors complicates the leishmaniasis situation in the world, with the risk of spreading from rural to urban areas. Our study investigates for the first time the ecology and distribution of sand fly populations in leishmaniasis focus (Djelfa, Algeria).

Methods: Sampling is performed using light traps from August 2021 to July 2022 at ten sites with different biotopes: two peri-urban stations (Ain Oussera and Hassi Bahbah), one urban station (Djelfa), and three rural stations (Ain El-Bel, Haniet Ouled Salem and Mlaga).

Results: A total of 2,866 specimens with 12 species belonging to Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia were identified with the first record of Phlebotomus langeroni female nationally, revealing a good diversity of up to 1.812 bits. The greatest richness of species was found in rural sites at Ain El Bel station, while the lowest richness was observed in the first peri-urban site of Ain Oussera station. Interestingly, the surveyed species were evenly distributed across all the study sites, in particular Phlebotomus papatasi with 57.29%. Statistical treatment revealed a strong positive relationship between temperature and species (p< 0.001, r= 0.91). Considering the other factors, there was a moderate link between species richness and altitude (p= 0.01 R²= 0.519). However, neither rainfall nor wind speed (p> 0.05) were correlated with sand fly fauna. Moreover, humidity showed a negative correlation (p< 0.001, r= -0.96).

Conclusion: The findings of this study on phlebotomine fauna in this endemic region for leishmaniasis provide valuable data to support the success of a vector control program.