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.
