The development of Leishmania infantum in Phlebotomus langeroni nitzulescu (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Abstract

The extrinsic development of Leishmania infantum was observed in Phlebotomus langeroni the potential vector of visceral leishmaniasis in El-Agamy, Egypt. Flies were infected with L. infantum isolated from the same area, using membrane feeding technique. Flies were examined for infection at 1-10 days post-infection. The initial establishment of the parasites was in the posterior midgut region beginning at sixth day post-infection. Parasites were first observed in the esophagus at day 8, and in the posterior armature region of the pharynx at day 9. The pattern of development of L. infantum in P. langeroni was typically suprapylarian.