SHORT REPORT: DISTRIBUTION AND FEEDING PREFERENCE OF THE SAND FLIES PHLEBOTOMUS SERGENTI AND P. PAPATASI IN A CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS FOCUS IN SANLIURFA, TURKEY

Abstract

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and rodents were collected in the endemic focus of urban cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Phlebotomus sergenti and P. papatasi represented 99% of the sand fly population. These flies were trapped in highest numbers in animal sheds, followed by cellars. However, P. sergenti was relatively more abundant in rooms. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the gut contents from blood-fed females detected immunoglobulins specific to birds and mammals, suggesting that both species are opportunistic feeders, although poultry is a frequent blood source of P. sergenti. Blood sources include black rats (Rattus rattus) and house mice (Mus domesticus); these rodents are abundant inside houses, and might have a role in parasite circulation.