Sand Fly Surveillance for Molecular Identification and Characterization of Leishmania and Bartonella Species in Peru.

This article focuses on the entomological surveillance of phlebotomine sand flies as vectors of leishmaniasis and Carrion's disease in Peru. It details the identification of 149 sand fly species across Peru, highlighting their role in transmitting Leishmania species and Bartonella bacilliformis, the causative agent of Carrion's disease. Surveillance efforts, particularly by the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit SOUTH (NAMRU SOUTH), have expanded knowledge of sand fly diversity and pathogen infection in both Andean and Amazonian regions, with molecular techniques enhancing detection sensitivity. The Amazon region shows higher sand fly species diversity and pathogen presence, including multiple Leishmania species and Bartonella genotypes, suggesting it as a potential hotspot for emerging sand fly-borne diseases. Overall, the review underscores the importance of ongoing vector surveillance to understand disease transmission dynamics and identify emerging pathogens in Peru.