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Sand Flies and Their Interactions With Leishmania and Other Pathogens

Publication at Faculty of Science |
2022

Abstract

Phlebotomine sand flies are best known as vectors of Leishmania parasites that cause leishmaniasis but can transmit bacteria and viruses. Leishmaniasis, a multi-spectrum disease, is a serious health threat to millions of people throughout the world, with 700,000 to 1 million cases occurring yearly (1).

Among the different clinical manifestations, visceral leishmaniasis is deadly if left untreated. On the other hand, cutaneous and mucocutaneous manifestations, which generally are not fatal, can lead to lifelong scars, disability, and stigma.