Investigation of sandfly species (Psychodidae: Phlebotomine: Phlebotomus sp.), the vectors of visceral Leishmaniasis, in Manisa province

Leishmaniases are widespread in most countries in the Mediterranean Basin, including Turkey. Two forms are observed in Turkey; Leishmania infantum is responsible from visceral leishmaniasis (VL), and L. tropica causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Phlebotomus neglectus and P. syriacus are considered to be the probable vectors, and dogs are the main reservoir of L. infantum, while P. similis is the main suspected vector of L. tropica in western part of Turkey. VL is sporadically seen mainly in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia Regions, but CL is endemic, especially in the Southeastern, Mediterranean and Western Regions. In Turkey, P. sergenti, P. papatasi, P. neglectus, P. alexandri, P. tobbi, P. perfiliewi, and P. simici have been found in Aegean Region and they are considered as the probable vectors of Leishmania parasite causing VL and CL leishmaniasis. Manisa province is located in the western part of Turkey and endemic for both diseases.The study was performed in 11 villages of Manisa province, in the transmission season of 2009 and 2010. We collected 964 (631 ? and 333 ?) sand fly specimens using 114 light traps and 500 sticky paper in 12 nights. The identification of the species was done using several keys and previous drawings. A total of 7 Phlebotomus species and 2 Sergentomyia species were identified as followed; P. papatasi (32.4%), P. alexandri (4.8%), P. similis (6.4%), P. neglectus/syriacus (26.5%), P. tobbi (15.8%), P. perfiliewi (12%), P. simici (0.8%), S. dentata and S. minuta (0.6%). In general and in all individual settlements, P.papatasi was found to be dominant species. And, seven species (P. similis, P. neglectus/syriacus, P. tobbi, P. perfiliewi, P. simici, S. dentata, S. minuta) were reported first time in Manisa province.Keywords: Manisa, sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi, Sergentomyia, leishmaniasis, vector.