Survey of sand fl ies and Leishmania infection in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Abstract

Objectives To survey sand fl ies in areas near the residence of a leishmaniasis patient’s home in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand and examine the Leishmania DNA. Methods Sand fl ies were collected using CDC light traps for two consecutive nights between 6 PM and 6 AM from February through September 2016. The study areas included rice fi elds, banana trees, chicken coops, and stacks of fi rewood. The Leishmania DNA was examined using a PCR method. Results A total of 863 adult sand fl ies were collected. Among the 425 females, fi ve species were morphologically identifi ed, i.e., Phlebotomus stantoni, Sergentomyia gemmea, S. barraudi, S. indica, and S. hivernus. Sergentomyia indica was the predominant species. Most of the fl ies were collected from chicken coops. The highest density of sand fl ies captured was in May with an average temperature of about 29 ºC and relative humidity of approximately 61%. No Leishmania DNA was detected in any of the sand fl ies collected in this study. Conclusions This study provided information on the different distribution patterns of sand fl y species in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand where the leishmaniasis case was located. No Leishmania DNA was detected in the sand fl ies collected in this study. Further study is required to better understand the vector status of sand fl ies in Thailand.