Abstract:
Background: Vector incrimination is of utmost importance in the transmission of Leishmania species identified in
the Volta region of Ghana. The feeding preference of sand flies provides valuable information about the vector-host interactions,
including reservoir host. Objective: The main aim of this study was to identify the blood meal in collected sand flies and its
source from three villages in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area in the Ho Municipality. Method: Sand flies was collected
using CDC light straps and sticky paper traps from Lume Atsiame, Dodome Dogblome and Dodome Awuiasu. They were
morphologically identified by taxonomic keys. DNA was extracted from the individual sand flies using the potassium acetate
extraction method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of cytochrome b gene (cyt b) fragment was carried out and
subsequently DNA sequenced. Results: Of a total of three hundred and sixty-three (363) female sand flies that were analysed,
eighty-four (84) representing 23.14% were positive for blood meal presence with an amplified DNA of the expected size, 359bp.
Out of the number that was sequenced, the cyt b sequencing revealed that four (4) blood fed females fed on bloodmeal from
human (Homo sapiens) and house mouse (Mus musculus). Conclusion: The blood meal presence was more predominant in
Sergentomyia ghesquierei and least in Sergentomyia schwetzi. This may aid in the development of effective strategies to control
cutaneous leishmaniasis in the endemic areas.
