Typing of sandflies from Greece and Cyprus by DNA polymorphism of 18S rRNA gene.

A simple and reliable technique was developed to distinguish Phlebotomine sandflies by restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR-amplified (PCR-RFLP) 18S rDNAs. Seven morphologically identified sandflies species from several localities of Greece and Cyprus were studied, and specific patterns were developed by double digesting amplified 18S rDNAs with HpaII and RsaI. Three additional species of the subgenus Larroussius were distinguished by a second double digestion with AccI and BanI. We have successfully applied the method on samples in which morphological characters were badly distinguished due to poor storage conditions and in larval stages.