Diversity and occurrence of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the area of Biskra (Middle Eastern of Algeria)

Abstract

Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of leishmaniasis. Both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) exist in Algeria and are increasingly becoming a serious public health problem. This work aims to study the diversity and the occurrence of leishmania vectors in different parts of the region of Biskra. The study period was over a year with sampling, from May 2012 to April 2013 at 15 sites. The diversity of sand flies recorded showed the present ten species belong to two genera namely; Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. The occurrence of the sand fly species revealed that P. papatasi and S. minuta were constantly present in all sites during the study period. S. fallax and P. sergenti were frequently occurring in the study areas. A moderate presence was observed for P. bergeroti, P. perniciosus and P. alexandri were recorded infrequently in the sites. S. christophersi and P. chabaudi were present sporadically in the study areas.