Overview of microbial studies in sandflies and their progress toward development of paratransgenic approach for the control of Leishmania sp.

Abstract

During their whole life insects are exposed to the impact of different microbes from various sources. The role of microbes in the life of insects is of immense importance, and there is an ample of evidence showing that microbes can affect different aspects of insect physiology, behaviors as well as their potential and capacity to transmit pathogens. Sandflies are main vectors of Leishmania parasites – causative agent of leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a difficult, disfiguring and if not treated deadly disease ranked among the top 10 neglected tropical diseases. In comparison to other medically and veterinary important insect vectors where microbial investigations already progressed toward field studies and practical application of paratransgenic approach, in the field of sandflies and leishmaniasis control microbial investigations are at their beginning. This mini review provides a summary of the key moments in the overall microbial studies in sandflies and highlights the urgency of detailed microbial investigations to progress toward the development of paratransgenic approach.