Estimation of vector competence of Moroccan Sand fly Populations Using a Proteomic Approach

Abstract Background Phlebotomine vector born disease are distributed throughout the world, and different pathogens are associated with varying degrees of disease severity. In Morocco, sand fly populations are incriminated in the transmission of several pathogens, such Leishmania spp. and phlebovirus, in particular the most relevant sand fly species as the case of Phlebotomus papatasi . This species is the main vector of Leishmania major in Morocco, and incriminated in phlebovirus transmission. Not to pass over without investigating its possible role on the transmission of entomopathogenic parasite already reported in literature. Methodology and finding The present study focused on proteomic analysis in Phlebotomus papatasi from four localities in Morocco. Proteomic analysis in female P. papatasi was performed with Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 239 identified proteins for Leishmania spp ., 26 identified proteins for phlebovirus and 1132 identified proteins for nematode were detected in the 20 pools of P. papatasi from investigated localities. The microscopic examination of 1752 sandflies collected showed, the infection of two specimens of female’s P. sergenti with Tetranematid Didilia spp . and potential Microfilariae in Imintanout locality (Z2). Conclusion This study presents the first report of nematodes in sand flies of Africa. Also, the first use of proteomic tools for estimation of vector competence of P. papatasi which could be a specific tool to a better understanding of the vectorial capacity of Moroccan sandflies population.