Characterization of leishmaniasis vectors in selected areas in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, caused by parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania and transmitted by vector sandflies, is a major health concern in Sri Lanka. Majority of the cases detected at present are cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) though a few cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are also reported. Though there are several species of sandflies reported in Sri Lanka, the sandflies that belong to Phlebotomus argentipes complex is presumed as the probable vector of Sri Lankan CL, through preliminary studies on distribution of sandflies in the country.