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Potential vectors of leishmaniases in southeastern Asia
Mandysová, Adéla ; Dvořák, Vít (advisor) ; Vojtková, Barbora (referee)
Leishmaniasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. They are transmitted by blood feeding phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae). The disease occurs in many parts of the world, including southeastern Asia. Recently, the number of human leishmaniasis cases have been increasing in this region. Leishmania martiniquenis and L. orientalis of the subgenus Mundinia are the causative agents of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, L. donovani and L. infantum are the causative agents only of visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar) here. Domestic animals may serve as natural reservoirs, suggesting their role in zoonotic cycle. Although the fauna of phlebotomine sandflies in this area is rich, no species has yet been proven as a vector of the disease. Recent studies suggest that other groups of insects in the southeastern Asia could transmit the diasease. The potential vectors could be females of the genus Sergentomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae) and also biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Key words: sand fly, leishmaniasis, vector, southeastern Asia, Thailand
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