Identification of Leishmania Species in Naturally Infected Sand Flies from Refugee Camps, Greece

Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Feb;25(2):361-364. doi: 10.3201/eid2502.181359. Epub 2019 Feb 17.

Abstract

High infection rates of Leishmania donovani and L. tropica were detected in Phlebotomus spp. sand flies collected from refugee camps in Greece, indicating increased risk of infection among local populations. Detection and treatment of leishmaniasis, community education, and vector control are essential measures to prevent pathogen transmission and protect public health.

Keywords: Greece; Leishamania tropica; Leishmania donovani; parasites; refugee camps; sand flies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors
  • Leishmania / classification*
  • Leishmania / genetics
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification
  • Leishmania donovani / classification
  • Leishmania donovani / genetics
  • Leishmaniasis / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis / parasitology*
  • Leishmaniasis / transmission
  • Molecular Typing
  • Phylogeny
  • Psychodidae / parasitology*
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
  • Refugee Camps*

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S