A survey of sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) along recurrent transit routes in Serbia


Vaselek S., Dvorak V., Hlavackova K., Ayhan N., Halada P., Oguz G., ...More

ACTA TROPICA, vol.197, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 197
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105063
  • Journal Name: ACTA TROPICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Serbia was a country endemic for leishmaniasis with rich and abundant sand fly fauna during the middle of the 20th century. After 1968, the disease was considered as eradicated, and as a consequence, all research on vectors and pathogens was neglected. The recent detection of Leishmania infantum in sand flies and confirmed cases of leishmaniasis in humans and dogs indicated the risk of re-emergence in Serbia. Also, for millions of refugees/immigrants, Serbia is a transit route between East-Mediterranean and Middle-East countries, and Central/North Europe, and it is under constant risk of vector and disease introduction.