A summary of the evidence for the change in European distribution of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of public health importance

The phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) are vectors of several infectious pathogens. The presence of a sand fly vector is considered to be a risk factor for the emergence of leishmaniasis in temperate Europe. Hence, the occurrence of phlebotomine sand flies and any changes in their distribution is important in determining the potential change in distribution of leishmaniasis in Europe. Therefore, published evidence for a changing distribution of the important phlebotomine sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis and phlebovirus infection in Europe is reviewed. This paper presents evidence of an increasing risk of establishment by sand fly species, especially for the Atlantic Coast and inland parts of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. In addition to detection in potentially appropriate areas, the findings show areas of potential future establishment of the species. The most important and urgent necessity within the community of entomologists working on phlebotomines is the need to record the extremes of distribution of each species and obtain data on their regional presence/absence along with increased sharing of the data throughout European projects.

Distribution of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Andorra: first finding of P. perniciosus and wide distribution of P. ariasi

During July 2007 sand fly captures were carried out in Andorra using sticky castor oil traps set in sand fly resting places for four consecutive nights. The sampling stations were located between 800 and 2400 m above sea level. The specimens captured belong to two species of the genus Phlebotomus subgenus Larroussius, Phlebotomus ariasi and Phlebotomus perniciosus. The results shed new light on the wide geographical and altitudinal distribution of P. ariasi in Andorra, where it was located between 800 and 2200 m a.s.l. The study also identified P. perniciosus in Andorra for the first time, with captures below 1000 m a.s.l. The finding of these species, both proven vectors of human and canine leishmaniasis in the bordering areas of France and Spain, is considered in terms of a possible emergence of leishmaniasis in Andorra, as has occurred in other parts of Europe.

Epidemiological patterns of canine leishmaniasis [correction of leishmaniosis] in Western Liguria (Italy)

An epidemiological survey was carried out on the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in Western Liguria (Northern Italy). Blood sera from 21146 dogs collected from 1990 to 1996 were subjected to the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). From 1990 to 1994 (16690 dogs), only monthly seroprevalences were calculated (min 14%-max 60.5%). Dog sera sampled from October 1994 to May 1996 (4456 dogs) were divided into two subgroups (I: October 1994-May 1995; II: October 1995-May 1996). Seroprevalence was 30.3% and 22.1% in these two groups, respectively. Data analysis by log-linear models revealed that serological positivity to Leishmania sp. was significantly associated with a dog's outdoor lifestyle, with a rural environment and with the male sex. Of the 218 dogs which were tested twice seroconversion rates were also higher in outdoor, rural and male dogs while negativization rates were lower in the same groups. Basic reproductive numbers (R0) were 1.53 (subgroup I) and 1.28 (subgroup II).