Modulation of Leishmania infection in sand flies by insect ́s midgut microbiota

Abstract

The midgut microbiota of insect vectors has been recognized as a critical factor influencing the transmission dynamics of vector-borne pathogens1-3. Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae), tiny blood sucking insects, are best known for their role in the transmission of parasitic protists of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of leishmaniases, adisease ranked among the top 10 neglected tropical diseases globally4. Within sand flies, bacteria of genus Asaia constitute an integral part of both the insect s dietary intake and its midgut microbiome.