Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) transmitting visceral leishmaniasis and their geographical distribution in China: a review.

After the existence of phlebotomine sand flies was first reported in China in 1910, the distribution of different species and their role in the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been extensively studied. Up until 2008, four species have been verified as vectors of VL, namely, Phlebotomus chinensis (Ph. sichuanensis), Ph.

[Identification of three common sandfies in southern Xinjiang with multiplex PCR].

Based on the variable part of mtDNA CO I gene sequence, a multiplex PCR method was developed for the identification of the three common sandflies (Phlebotomus longiductus, Ph. wui, and Ph. alexandri) in southern Xinjiang.

[Investigation on transmitting vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Jiashi County, Xinjiang].

Objective: To investigate sandfly vectors transmitting visceral leishmaniasis, including species and seasonal distribution in Jiashi county of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Methods: Sandflies were collected in the field, counted and identified. The specimens were dissected to analyze the gonotrophic cycle and to find infection of promastigotes.

[Field test of sandfly-catching by light traps and attractants].

Three kinds of light traps, attractants and their combination were used to collect sandflies in Andier township, Minfeng County of Xinjiang. The combined use of carbon dioxide and tungsten lamp showed better attraction effect to sandflies, also an easier way for the separation of insects collected.

[A newly identified endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis in Minfeng county of south Xinjiang II. Investigation on phlebotomine vectors].

Objective: To investigate the transmitting phlebotomine sandfly in Minfeng County, a newly-identified endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis in the south of Talim Pendi of Xinjiang.

Methods: Sandflies were collected using routine methods in and around the Yatonggusi village of Andier Township. The sandflies were identified to get their composition.

[A newly identified endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis in Minfeng county of South Xinjiang I. epidemiological survey].

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological status of visceral leishmaniasis in Minfeng county, a newly identified endemic area in south Xinjiang, China.

Methods: Based on a hint of possible existence of patients, a retrospective survey was carried out house by house in Andier Township of the county to find cases with suspected signs/symptoms of the disease in the past 20 years including those died. Meanwhile, a survey on current status was conducted, including physical examination(liver and spleen palpation) to those under 15 years-old, leishmanin skin test and rk39 immunochromatographic strip test for part of the residents.

[Asymptomatic Leishmania infection in human population of Wenxian County, Gansu Province].

Objective: To analyze the status of Leishmania infantum asymptomatic infection in human population of a Kala-azar endemic area in Wenxian County, Gansu Province, and to evaluate the tests used.

Methods: Blood samples were tested by PCR using two pairs of primers, RV1-RV2 and K13A-K13B, for detecting Leishmania-specific DNA. ELISA and rK39-dipstick were used to detect Leishmania-specific antibodies.

[Preliminary test of phlebotomus surveillance by light-traps].

Different light-traps were tested in Wenxian of Gansu Province, including the light-traps without lamp and with glucose solution as attractant. Results showed that the light-traps attracted more mosquitoes and other insects than sandflies, and it became difficult to pick up the sandflies from gathering packet; the light-trap without lamp captured smaller amount of sandflies but much less other insects; glucose showed no significant effect in attracting sandflies. The existing light-traps are not so effective for Phlebotomus surveillance, and it is suggested that more effective attractants be tried.

[Research progress on the resting habits of major sandflies and control strategy].

Based on the comprehensive studies in the past years, the authors reviewed important findings on biology, especially the resting habits, of the four major species of sandflies transmitting visceral leishmaniasis. The effective ways for sandfly control were also discussed.

[The effect of sandfly control on the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis].

Objective: To observe the effect of Phlebotomus chinensis control including insecticide residual spraying in the habitats and bathing for dogs on the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in Nanping of Sichuan Province.

Methods: Alpha-methrin with a dosage of 50 mg/m2 was sprayed in the wild caves and 2.5% deltamethrin wettable power at a concentration of 250 mg/L was applied for dog bathing in the villages.

[Ultrastructural study on pharyngeal armature of seven species of sandflies in china by scanning electron microscopy].

Objective: To observe the ultrastructure of pharyngeal armature of 7 species of sandflies in China.

Methods: The pharyngeal armature of various sandflies were studied by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: The pharyngeal armature of sandfly consisted of pointed-teeth with various shape, number and arrangement among different species.