Natural Infection of Phlebotomus sergenti by Leishmania tropica in Libya
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

In Vivo Infection with Leishmania amazonensis to Evaluate Parasite Virulence in Mice
Published on: February 20, 2020
Mostafa Ramadhan Dokhan1,2, Kaouther Jaouadi3,4, Sadok Salem4,3
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Sabratha, Sabratha, Libya.
Abstract:
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a public health concern caused by Leishmania (L.) major and L.tropica in Libya. Information on sandfly vectors, as well as their associated Leishmania species, is of paramount importance because vector dispersion is one of the major factors responsible for pathogen dissemination. A number of 515 sandflies (275 males and 240 females) were collected during June-November 2012 using the Centers for Disease Control miniature light traps from Al Rabta, northwest of Libya. Two hundred and forty unfed females were identified; Phlebotomus (Ph.) papatasi (N = 97), Ph. sergenti (N = 27), Ph. longicuspis (N = 32), Sergentomyia (Se.) minuta (N = 38), and Se. fallax (N = 46). These flies were screened for Leishmania DNA using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 and sequencing. Two Ph. sergenti were found positive to L. tropica DNA. This finding should be considered for any further vector surveillance and epidemiological studies of CL in endemic areas across Libya.
Related Concept Videos
What is Natural Selection?
Nature and Nurture
Chirality in Nature
The Wave Nature of Light
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Beyond physical adaptations,...
Natural and Artificial Concepts

