Article
Immunology
Mahmud Usman, Audu Joseph Natala, Isa Danladi Jatau, Ndudim Isaac Ogo, Ghulam Jeelani, Yasuyuki Goto, Tomoyoshi Nozaki, James H. Mckerrow, Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
Summary: This study investigated the species of sand flies and the Leishmania species they transmit in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that P. papatasi and sand flies belonging to the genus Sergentomyia are the most prevalent sand flies in the area, and they solely harbor and transmit L. infantum. This sheds light on the predominance of visceral leishmaniasis in the region.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Esayas Aklilu, Solomon Yared, Araya Gebresilassie, Behailu Legesse, Asrat Hailu
Summary: Phlebotomine sandflies have a long history of association with humans and are the natural vectors of Leishmania species that cause leishmaniases in humans and animals. In Ethiopia, different forms of leishmaniases are endemic, and the distribution of sandflies and their role in transmission have been extensively studied. This review provides an updated list of phlebotomine sandfly species in Ethiopia and their geographical distribution, with a total of 65 reported species belonging to the genus Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia.
Article
Zoology
Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, Rosa Estrada Pena, Javier Lucientes, Sarah Delacour-Estrella
Summary: This study compiles data on the presence and distribution of sand flies in Spain, identifying 13 different species and highlighting several potential vectors of Leishmania infantum.
Article
Microbiology
Nariman Shahhosseini, Sarah-Jo Paquette, Mohammad Hassan Kayedi, Mohammad Reza Abaei, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
Summary: This study provides new insights into the molecular epidemiology of phleboviruses, specifically Tehran virus (TEHV), sandfly fever Sicilian viruses (SFSVs), and Karimabad viruses (KARVs) in Iran.
Article
Parasitology
Laura Posada-Lopez, Bruno Leite Rodrigues, Ivan Dario Velez, Sandra Uribe
Summary: This study assesses the usefulness of COI DNA barcoding for sand fly species identification, correct assignment of isomorphic females, and detection of cryptic diversity. By sequencing the COI gene of sand flies from different countries, cryptic diversity within species was detected, and isomorphic females were correctly associated with males identified by morphology. Nine sand fly species were DNA barcoded for the first time.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Alice Michelutti, Federica Toniolo, Michela Bertola, Marika Grillini, Giulia Simonato, Silvia Ravagnan, Fabrizio Montarsi
Summary: The northeastern plain of Italy is a potential risk area for sand fly-borne diseases, with the monitoring of insects revealing a variety of sand fly species capable of transmitting pathogens such as Leishmania parasites. Although the density of sand flies in the plain areas is lower, the presence of these potential vectors could lead to epidemic outbreaks of diseases.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Jirayu Buatong, Vit Dvorak, Arunrat Thepparat, Kanaphot Thongkhao, Surachart Koyadun, Padet Siriyasatien, Theerakamol Pengsakul
Summary: This study investigates the potential transmission of Leishmania and Trypanosoma by sand flies in southern Thailand and analyzes the blood sources of engorged sand fly females. It was found that Trypanosoma DNA was present in certain species of sand flies, but no Leishmania DNA was detected. Blood meal analysis revealed that some sand flies fed on dogs and humans. The findings contribute to the understanding of leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis presence and sand fly feeding behavior in southern Thailand.
Review
Parasitology
Bruno Leite Rodrigues, Eunice Aparecida Bianchi Galati
Summary: The taxonomy and systematics of sand flies are crucial for identifying vector populations and the diseases they transmit. Traditional methods of classification relying on morphological traits have been complemented with DNA sequencing, particularly using the coi gene as a DNA barcoding marker. However, only a limited number of sand fly species have been sequenced, and there is a lack of sequences for certain genera, limiting our understanding of these groups. More efforts should be made to sequence sand fly species using multiple markers to improve phylogenetic analyses.
Article
Parasitology
Sinh Nam Vu, Hai Son Tran, Vu Phong Tran, Cong Tu Tran, Nhu Duong Tran, Duc Anh Dang, Thi Yen Nguyen, Thi Lieu Vu, Khanh Phuong Ngo, Viet Hoang Nguyen, Cecile Cassan, Jorian Prudhomme, Jerome Depaquit, Nil Rahola, Anne-Laure Banuls
Summary: The study investigated sandfly populations in six provinces of Vietnam, exploring the diversity of species and updating public health information in light of reported leishmaniasis cases. Variation in sandfly density and species richness was observed across provinces, with specimens mainly collected in rock caves and outdoors, but also in residential sites. The main species found in different environments were highlighted, with particular attention to Phlebotomus stantoni in a leishmaniasis patient's house.
Article
Fisheries
Chona Camille VinceCruz-Abeledo, Kenneth Jay Solis, Anthony D. Angeles, Joseph Emmanuel C. Valdez, Courtney Anne Ngo, Ma Carmen Ablan-Lagman
Summary: Morphological species identification in juvenile Scylla is possible through image analysis of frontal lobe spines, with distinct features still needed for easy differentiation. This study identified the most distinguishable ratio for S. olivacea and highlighted its emerging market potential in the soft-shell crab industry. Ongoing tests are exploring visual detectability of the ratio and alternative features based on local practices.
Article
Entomology
Francis Schaffner, Cornelia Silaghi, Niels O. Verhulst, Jerome Depaquit, Alexander Mathis
Summary: A investigation of sand flies in Switzerland revealed changes in species composition, altitude distribution, abundance, and seasonality. The study identified four species, including the first report of Phlebotomus neglectus in Switzerland. The low density of sand flies suggests a low risk of canine leishmaniosis in Switzerland.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Tharaka Wijerathna, Nayana Gunathilaka, Kithsiri Gunawardena, Wasana Rodrigo
Summary: In this study, the population dynamics of sand flies in Sri Lanka were investigated through continuous entomological surveillance and analysis of climatic data. The findings showed that wind speed reduces sand fly abundance, while rainfall increases it. The higher prevalence of leishmaniasis in certain areas may be attributed to the higher density of sand flies. The study recommends systematic surveillance of sand flies as part of general healthcare services to prevent outbreaks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stanislav Kolencik, Kevin P. Johnson, Avery R. Grant, Michel P. Valim, Kamila M. D. Kuabara, Jason D. Weckstein, Julie M. Allen
Summary: This study evaluates the status of different genera within the avian feather louse Philopterus-complex using DNA sequence data. The analysis suggests that some genera are monophyletic while others are not. This is the largest phylogenetic reconstruction of avian lice in the Philopterus-complex to date and highlights the need for further revision of genera in the group.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Jonas M. Eliassen, Bjarte H. Jordal
Summary: This study provides a detailed molecular phylogeny of the ambrosia beetle genus Xyleborinus in the Afrotropical region, particularly focusing on the Malagasy radiation. The analysis revealed a single colonization event in Madagascar approximately 8.5-11.0 million years ago, leading to the recent radiation and the emergence of at least 32 new species on the island. The molecular data strongly supported two recolonization events of the African mainland, as well as several intraspecific dispersals, resulting in taxonomic changes and the description of 12 new species.
INSECT SYSTEMATICS AND DIVERSITY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orsolya Barabas, Phoebe A. A. Rice
Summary: CRISPR-Cas is a bacterial defense system that can either protect host cells by attacking invading DNA or assist in the safe insertion of DNA into the genome. The structures of this specific type of CRISPR-Cas system have been successfully visualized.
Article
Entomology
Jean-Philippe Martinet, Hubert Ferte, Pacome Sientzoff, Eva Krupa, Bruno Mathieu, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: Geometric morphometrics is an effective and efficient tool for the rapid classification of mosquito species in France, with successful differentiation of six Aedes species. This method could improve the speed and accuracy of mosquito identification in the field during viral outbreaks.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Astrid Cruaud, Veronique Lehrter, Guenaelle Genson, Jean-Yves Rasplus, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: This study explored the phylogeny and biogeographical history of the subgenus Paraphlebotomus, a group of sand flies transmitting Leishmania parasites, using next-generation sequencing techniques. The subgenus was found not to be monophyletic, leading to a revision in taxonomy and the creation of a new subgenus. The study suggested that Paraphlebotomus originated around 10 million years ago and its historical biogeography can be summarized into three phases.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Narissara Jariyapan, Pongsri Tippawangkosol, Sriwatapron Sor-Suwan, Chonlada Mano, Thippawan Yasanga, Pradya Somboon, Jerome Depaquit, Padet Siriyasatien
Summary: In this study, the morphological characteristics of eggshells from three species of sand flies were examined and described for the first time. Results showed that these characteristics can be useful in developing morphological identification keys and distinguishing sand fly species.
Article
Microbiology
Antoine Huguenin, Bernard Pesson, Matthieu L. Kaltenbach, Adama Zan Diarra, Philippe Parola, Jerome Depaquit, Fano Jose Randrianambinintsoa
Summary: Leishmania infantum is the agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin, transmitted by sandflies of the subgenus Larroussius. MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool for rapid and accurate identification of field-caught sandflies, with the application of machine learning to distinguish similar species.
Article
Entomology
Ifhem Chelbi, Amani Abdi, Jerome Depaquit, Wasfi Fares, Mohammed Abdo Saghir Abbas, Khalil Dachraoui, Elyes Zhioua
Summary: Phlebotomus perfiliewi is a major vector of the zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis pathogen Leishmania infantum in the Western Mediterranean basin, including Tunisia. It is abundant and genetically variable in both humid and irrigated arid bioclimatic zones in Tunisia. Surveillance and control of sandfly vectors are crucial to limit the incidence of sandfly-borne diseases.
Article
Entomology
Latifa Remadi, Najla Chargui, Jerome Depaquit, Fano Jose Randrianambinintsoa, Raja Chaabane-Banaoues, Hamouda Babba, Najoua Haouas
Summary: Abnormal specimens of Ph. perniciosus with a multifurcated parameral sheath were found in central Tunisia. Genetic analysis confirmed that this new phenotype is only an original morphotype of Ph. perniciosus.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Francis Schaffner, Cornelia Silaghi, Niels O. Verhulst, Jerome Depaquit, Alexander Mathis
Summary: A investigation of sand flies in Switzerland revealed changes in species composition, altitude distribution, abundance, and seasonality. The study identified four species, including the first report of Phlebotomus neglectus in Switzerland. The low density of sand flies suggests a low risk of canine leishmaniosis in Switzerland.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marie-Charlotte Renaux Torres, Coline Pellot, Puckavadee Somwang, Pathamet Khositharattanakool, Khamsing Vongphayloth, Fano Jose Randrianambinintsoa, Bruno Mathieu, Padet Siriyasatien, Frederick Gay, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: This study conducted an inventory of the sand fly fauna in a cave in Thailand and discovered two new sand fly species. Further research is needed to determine if these species can act as vectors for Leishmania parasites, Trypanosomatids or Phlebovirus.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Khamsing Vongphayloth, Fano Jose Randrianambinintsoa, Khaithong Lakeomany, Nothasine Phommavanh, Nalia Mekarnia, Mohd Shahar Khadri, Matthieu L. Kaltenbach, Antoine Huguenin, Jean-Philippe Martinet, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: Through the study of sandflies from a cave in Laos, two closely related and new species to the scientific community were discovered and described, namely, Ph. breyi Vongphayloth & Depaquit n. sp. and Ph. sinxayarami Vongphayloth & Depaquit n. sp., which were closely related to Ph. betisi Lewis & Wharton, 1963. These species were characterized using morphological, morphometric, geomorphometric, molecular, and proteomic (MALDI-TOF) approaches. Furthermore, the particular position of the spines of the gonostyle coupled with molecular phylogeny led to the reclassification of these three species into a new subgenus: Lewisius Depaquit & Vongphayloth n. subg.
Article
Parasitology
Sonia Zapata, Eunice A. B. Galati, Jaime A. Chaves, Patricio Artigas, Jean-Charles Gantier, Maria Dolores Bargues, Santiago Mas-Coma, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: New World sandflies are vectors of leishmaniasis, bartonellosis, and some arboviruses. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on combined sequences of two genes supports the morphologic classification of Psychodopygina, a subtribe that includes the majority of American vectors of tegumentary Leishmania. The study indicates the monophyly of the genera Psychodopygus and Psathyromyia, but suggests that Nyssomyia and Trichophoromyia may not be monophyletic.
Article
Parasitology
Jean-Philippe Martinet, Issam Aatif, Jerome Depaquit
Summary: Nine female mosquitoes from Northern France, including Aedes cantans, Ae. communis, and Ae. rusticus, were found parasitised by mermithid nematodes. Sequencing of partial 18S rDNA revealed 100% sequence homology among all specimens, with close relation to mermithids previously recorded from Anopheles gambiae in Senegal. However, the 18S sequences did not provide enough information for genus or species identification of the nematodes. The specimens could potentially belong to Strelkovimermis spiculatus or other unsequenced genera such as Empidomermis, which is the only mermithid genus recorded from mosquitoes in France.
Article
Parasitology
Charles Jeannin, Yvon Perrin, Sylvie Cornelie, Andrea Gloria-Soria, Jean-Daniel Gauchet, Vincent Robert
Summary: Control of invasive species relies on surveillance at international entry points. In July 2018, a female Aedes aegypti mosquito, absent from Europe for 70 years, was captured in Marseille, France. Genetic analysis indicated that the mosquito originated from Cameroon, and it is believed to have arrived on a merchant ship from Douala to Marseille. This interception highlights the importance of preventing the establishment of invasive species.
Article
Parasitology
Audric Berger, Gilbert Le Goff, Philippe Bousses, Nil Rahola, Jean-Baptiste Ferre, Diego Ayala, Vincent Robert
Summary: This study designated a neotype for the mosquito species Ae. coluzzii using molecular identification from pupal exuvia and provided specimens for additional studies on phylogeny and morphology.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Etienne Ferlet, Jean-Philippe Martinet, Fano Jose Randrianambinintsoa, Christophe Ravel, Jerome Depaquit
JOURNAL OF VECTOR BORNE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Sinh Nam Vu, Hai Son Tran, Vu Phong Tran, Cong Tu Tran, Nhu Duong Tran, Duc Anh Dang, Thi Yen Nguyen, Thi Lieu Vu, Khanh Phuong Ngo, Viet Hoang Nguyen, Cecile Cassan, Jorian Prudhomme, Jerome Depaquit, Nil Rahola, Anne-Laure Banuls
Summary: The study investigated sandfly populations in six provinces of Vietnam, exploring the diversity of species and updating public health information in light of reported leishmaniasis cases. Variation in sandfly density and species richness was observed across provinces, with specimens mainly collected in rock caves and outdoors, but also in residential sites. The main species found in different environments were highlighted, with particular attention to Phlebotomus stantoni in a leishmaniasis patient's house.
