Comparative analysis of bacterial communities in Lutzomyia ayacuchensis populations with different vector competence to Leishmania parasites in Ecuador and Peru

Differences in gut microbial content of Lutzomyia (Lu.) ayacuchensis, a primary vector of Andean-type cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ecuador and Peru, might influence the susceptibility of these sand flies to infection by Leishmania. As a first step toward addressing this hypothesis, comparative analysis of bacterial compositions from Lu. ayacuchensis populations with differential susceptibility to Leishmania was performed.