Opportunistic feeding behaviour and Leishmania infantum detection in Phlebotomus perniciosus females collected in the human leishmaniasis focus of Madrid, Spain (2012–2018)

Background An outbreak of human leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum has been registered in an urban area southwestern Madrid, Spain, since 2010. Entomological surveys carried out the municipalities Fuenlabrada, Leganés, Getafe and Humanes de Madrid showed that Phlebotomus perniciosus is only potential vector. In this work, intensive molecular surveillance was performed P . females captured region between 2012 2018. Methodology/Principal findings A total 1805 were analyzed for infection, 1189 them also bloodmeal identification. Eleven different species vertebrate detected by amplification subsequent sequencing 359 bp cyt b fragment. The most prevalent blood source identified hare (n = 553, 46.51%), followed rabbit 262, 21.95%). Less frequent cat 45, 3.80%), 34, 2.90%), pig 14, 1.20%), horse 11, 0.93%), sheep 3, 0.25%), rhea partridge 1, 0.09%) chicken 0.09%). distribution meal sources varied locations. Regarding L detection, PCR a fragment kDNA, cpb gene ITS1 162 positive specimens (8.97%). highest infection rate found municipality Leganés (15.17%). Conclusions results survey , vector occurred region, its opportunistic blood-feeding behaviour, high rates differences points. This study essential part plan obtained have supported implementation control measures outbreak.