The infections transmitted by Sand flies in Turkey

Abstract

Summary: Vector-borne diseases are a group of infections transmitted by the bite of arthropod species such as mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies infected with a pathological agent. Certain species of Phlebotomine sand flies can transmit protozoon parasite Leishmania, a bacteria Bartonella and a group of viruses called phleboviruses worldwide. Two clinical forms of leishmaniasis in human, visceral and cutaneous, and canine leishmaniasis are seen in Turkey. Several phleboviruses and a particular Turkish strain are circulating in certain endemic areas of Turkey. Among 22 species of sand flies recorded in Turkey, 7 are proven or suspected vectors of human leishmaniases and phlebovirus infections. Here, sand fly-borne infections are seen in Turkey, leishmaniases and sand fly fever were briefly reviewed.