PCR Based Identification Of Five Indian Phlebotomine Species From New Foci

Abstract

Phlebotomine sandflies are key vectors in the transmission of leishmaniasis, and their accurate identification is essential for effective vector surveillance. Traditional morphological methods often fail to differentiate closely related species, especially in newly emerging foci where species diversity is high. The present study employs PCR-based molecular techniques to identify five Indian phlebotomine species collected from new endemic areas. Species-specific primers targeting mitochondrial and ribosomal gene regions were used to amplify diagnostic fragments. Distinct PCR profiles successfully differentiated Phlebotomus argentipes, P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. major and P. salehi. The findings demonstrate that PCR assays are reliable, rapid and highly sensitive tools for species identification, contributing significantly to early vector detection, mapping of new foci and improved leishmaniasis control strategies in India.

Keywords- Phlebotomine sandflies, PCR-based identification, Phlebotomus species, Molecular diagnostics, New endemic foci, Vector surveillance, Leishmaniasis, Species-specific primers