Sand Fly Genome Project - Lutzomyia

The genomes of two different phlebotomine sand flies, P. papatasi and Lu. longipalpis, that exhibit distinct distributions, behavior, and pathogen specificity were sequenced and assembled. P. papatasi is a restrictive vector, transmitting only Le. major parasites and is widely distributed in the Old World. Lu. longipalpis is distributed throughout Central and South America and although considered a permissive vector in laboratory conditions, only transmits Le. infantum naturally. The population structure of P. papatasi collected over a large geographical range in the Middle East and North Africa and Lu. longipalis incipient species from Brazil was also assessed.