Title : Co-circulation of Leishmania, Phlebovirus in Kala-azar resurgence area in China
Abstract:
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-azar, is a zoonotic disease caused by leishmania and transmitted by the bite of vector sand fly, which has already been listed as one of the neglected tropical diseases by World Health Organization. In recent years, the canine VL has been reemerged significantly in many regions of China, posing a serious threat to local people and society. The resurgence of VL is mainly for the expansion, and increasement of population density of sand fly. To clarify the pathogen spectrum of sandflies in Leishmaniasis epidemic area, Phlebotomus chinensis were collected in both Shanxi, and Henan Provinces to detect the presence of Leishmania, Bartonella, Phlebovirus, and Trypanosoma. The infection rate of L. infantum ranged from 1.39% to 4.98%. Both Wuxiang virus, and Hedi virus, belonging to Phlebovirus were observed, with the infection rate of up to 4.59%, and 2.84%, respectively. Attentionally, Trypanosoma was firstly detected in P. chinensis, and even showing biodiversity with the presence of T. lewisi, T. conorhini, and Trypanosoma sp.. This study shows the co-circulation of zoonotic parasite and virus transmitted by sand fly in Leishmaniasis resurgence areas. The silent transmission of zoonotic pathogen in P. chinensis can not be neglected. With the view of One Health, further sero-epidemiological survey to evaluate the prevalence status of Phlebovirus, and explore the nature reservoir is necessary.
