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Global Health and Tropical Medicine

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Molecular detection of Leishmania DNA and identification of blood meals in wild caught phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera Psychodidae) from southern Portugal

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum which is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. The main objectives of this study were to (i) detect Leishmania DNA and (ii) identify blood meal sources in wild caught female sand flies in the zoonotic leishmaniasis region of Algarve, Portugal/Southwestern Europe. Phlebotomine sand flies were […]
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Exploring the utility of phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I as a complementary tool to classical taxonomical identification of phlebotomine sand fly species (Diptera, Psychodidae) from southern Europe

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are known to be vectors of several pathogens such as Leishmania and Phlebovirus genera. The identification of phlebotomine sand fly species is currently based on morphological characters, and requires considerable taxonomic expertise and skilfulness, but may be complemented by DNA-based analyses for (i) accurate species identification and (ii) for estimating […]
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Mitochondrial DNA Intraspecific Variability in Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Recently, there has been growing interest in analysis of the geographical variation between populations of different Phlebotomus spp. and American sand flies by comparing the sequences of various genes. However, little is known about the genetic structure of the genus Sergentomyia França & Parrot. No study has been carried out on Sergentomyia minuta Rondani. Most […]
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Rotation of the external genitalia in male Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in laboratory conditions and in captured specimens in Algarve, Portugal

Protozoal parasites are the causative agents of many insect-borne infectious diseases worldwide with impact on human and animal health. Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania spp. and transmitted by female Phlebotomine sand flies. In Portugal, two species of Phlebotomus (Larroussius), namely Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi are the proven vectors of Leishmania infantum. Phlebotomine females and […]
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First molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera, Psychodidae) in Alentejo, southern Portugal

Protozoan parasites, such as Leishmania spp., are the causative agents of many insect-borne infectious diseases with medical and veterinary importance. Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania spp., is transmitted by female phlebotomine sand flies. In the Alentejo region of Portugal, located at the north of Algarve, cases of human and canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum have […]
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GHTM is a R&D Unit that brings together researchers with a track record in Tropical Medicine and International & Global Health. It aims at strengthening Portugal's role as a leading partner in the development and implementation of a global health research agenda. Our evidence-based interventions contribute to the promotion of equity in health and to improve the health of populations.

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