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Development of a Diagnostic Marker for Phlebotomus papatasi to Initiate a Potential Vector Surveillance Program in

Austin Merchant1, Tian Yu2, Jizhe Shi3

  • 1Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA. ajme232@g.uky.edu.

Insects
|November 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

A new ribosomal DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay can detect one Phlebotomus papatasi sand fly, a leishmaniasis vector, among 255 other species. This rapid diagnostic tool aids in U.S. public health surveillance for sand fly-borne diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Medical entomology
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Public health

Background:

  • Phlebotomus papatasi is a key vector for leishmaniasis, a dangerous disease.
  • International travel increases the risk of P. papatasi introduction to new regions, including the U.S.
  • Identifying P. papatasi is difficult due to its small size and similar morphology to other sand flies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a sensitive and specific diagnostic assay for P. papatasi detection.
  • To create a tool for identifying P. papatasi in mixed sand fly populations.
  • To support public health surveillance programs in the U.S.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a ribosomal DNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic assay.
  • Testing the assay's sensitivity using serial dilutions of P. papatasi samples.
  • Validating the assay's specificity against native sand fly species from the Americas.

Main Results:

  • The PCR assay successfully detected P. papatasi genomic DNA.
  • The assay demonstrated high sensitivity, identifying one P. papatasi among 255 non-target sand flies.
  • The diagnostic tool proved effective in detecting P. papatasi in mixed samples.

Conclusions:

  • The developed ribosomal DNA-PCR assay is a simple, sensitive, and specific tool for P. papatasi identification.
  • This assay is suitable for long-term surveillance programs to monitor P. papatasi presence in the U.S.
  • The tool can help identify regions vulnerable to sand fly-borne diseases, enhancing public health preparedness.
Keywords:
PCR-based diagnostic assayPhlebotomus papatasisand fly-borne diseasessensitivity and specificityvector surveillance

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