Trypanosomes are parasitic flagellate protozoans that are important disease causing agents in humans and animals including economically significant livestock. Many blood-sucking insects are known to be vectors of trypanosomes but there is no data for the haematophagous black fly species in Asia. In this study, a molecular approach based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was used to detect trypanosomes in black flies from Thailand. A total of 470 wild-caught adult black flies representing nine morphological species were examined. Ten (2%) specimens of two ornithophilic black fly species, Simulium asakoae complex (n = 4) and S. chumpornense (n = 6), were positive for trypanosomes. The SSU rRNA sequences revealed that all trypanosome DNA found in black flies from Thailand is closely related to Trypanosoma avium with >99% sequence similarity. This is also supported by a phylogenetic analysis in which all trypanosomes from Thai black flies were resolved in the clade of T. avium. This is the first report for trypanosomes in Asian black flies and it is suspected that these insects are potential vectors of avian Trypanosoma.
Keywords: Gomphostilbia; Ornithophily; Simulium; Trypanosomes.
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