First molecular evidence of Leishmania parasites in sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from Slovenia
This study provides the first molecular evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies from Slovenia. The detection of Leishmania in P. mascittii, a species with uncertain vector competence, is particularly noteworthy and warrants further investigation. Although species identification of the parasite was not possible, the findings suggest potential for autochthonous transmission and highlight the need for continued surveillance and research in the region.
Authors
- Katja Adam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8969-7382)
- Vladimir Ivović (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1562-9528)
- Trentina Di Muccio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6452-8902)
- Gioia Bongiorno
- Eleonora Fiorentino
- Ilaria Bernardini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9383-7413)
- Claudia Mangiapelo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7044-4284)
Institutions
- University of Primorska (SI)
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Parasites & Vectors
- Published
- 2025-08-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-025-07006-4
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Research on Leishmaniasis Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.76
Funders
- European Commission