Molecular Detection of Trypanosoma (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)

摘要

Black flies transmit bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, and viruses to birds and mammals, but are poorly studied as vectors of these agents, relative to other biting flies. Using the polymerase chain reaction, we screened 133 wild-caught female black flies of 18 species for Coxiella burnetii, Leucocytozoon spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Wolbachia spp.. of filarial nematodes. We detected DNA of Trypanosoma avium in Metacnephia lyra and Simulium vernum from Finland. Further research is needed to determine the vectorial capacity of M. lyra and S. vernum in the transmission of T. avium to birds, We did not detect DNA of other agents.