PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2021) 15 (8 - e0009586)

Sofia Balaska, Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis, Alexandra Chaskopoulou and John Vontas (2021)
Chemical control and insecticide resistance status of sand fly vectors worldwide
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 15 (8 - e0009586)
Abstract:
Background
Phlebotomine sand flies are prominent vectors of Leishmania parasites that cause leishmaniasis, which comes second to malaria in terms of parasitic causative fatalities globally. In the absence of human vaccines, sand fly chemical-based vector control is a key component of leishmaniasis control efforts.
Methods and findings
We performed a literature review on the current interventions, primarily, insecticide-based used for sand fly control, as well as the global insecticide resistance (IR) status of the main sand fly vector species. Indoor insecticidal interventions, such as residual spraying and treated bed nets are the most widely deployed, while several alternative control strategies are also used in certain settings and/or are under evaluation. IR has been sporadically detected in sand flies in India and other regions, using non-standardized diagnostic bioassays. Molecular studies are limited to monitoring of known pyrethroid resistance mutations (kdr), which are present at high frequencies in certain regions.
Conclusions
As the leishmaniasis burden remains a major problem at a global scale, evidence-based rational use of insecticidal interventions is required to meet public health demands. Standardized bioassays and molecular markers are a prerequisite for this task, albeit are lagging behind. Experiences from other disease vectors underscore the need for the implementation of appropriate IR management (IRM) programs, in the framework of integrated vector management (IVM). The implementation of alternative strategies seems context- and case-specific, with key eco-epidemiological parameters yet to be investigated. New biotechnology-based control approaches might also come into play in the near future to further reinforce sand fly/leishmaniasis control efforts.
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Database assignments for author(s): John Vontas

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pesticide resistance of pest

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Phlebotomus papatasi		Italy
	Phlebotomus papatasi		Sudan
	Phlebotomus sergenti		Morocco
	Lutzomyia longipalpis		Brazil (south)
	Phlebotomus perniciosus		Italy