Identification of the Vector and Leishmania Species in Endemic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Communities in the Ho Municipality

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic neglected tropical disease which is caused by protozoan parasites. These parasites are transmitted by the bite of infected female sand flies (vectors) that feed on blood. Monitoring of these sand flies is significant for leishmaniasis control. This study assessed the relationship of species of sand flies, Leishniania spp. and human host in endemic communities of the Ho Municipality. Structured questionnaires were administered to individuals in the selected endemic communities. Sand flies were collected, and morphologically identified using Centre for Disease Control light and sticky paper traps and taxonomic keys respectively. Cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene was used to confirm the sand flies that were morphologically identified. Initial PCR amplification of cytochrome b and mincircle genes were carried out. DNA sequencing was carried out to identify blood meal source and Leishniania DNA in sand flies. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and a pairwise heat map was generated to examine the patterns of relatedness/ similarity amongst the Leishmania spp. detected. The results obtained from the knowledge, attitude and practice analysis showed that 88.29% of the study participants had a reasonable knowledge of the disease and its local name. The study participants were of the view that the disease was mainly treated with a particular type of herb - Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit. Eleven different species of sand flies were morphologically identified. Of the female sand flies species identified, 23.14% had taken a blood meal. DNA sequencing results indicated that four of the female sand flies had fed on house mouse {Mils nuiscuhts) and human blood. It can be concluded that L. major, L. amazonensis and L. donovani were identified as the possible parasites circulating in the endemic communities.