The Phlebotomus papatasi systemic transcriptional response to trypanosomatid-contaminated blood does not differ from the non-infected blood meal

Abstract Background Leishmaniasis, caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania , is a disease that affects up to 8 million people worldwide. Parasites are transmitted human and animal hosts through bite an infected sand fly. Novel strategies for control require better understanding key step transmission, namely establishment infection inside Methods The aim this work was identify fly systemic transcriptomic signatures associated with infection. We used next generation sequencing describe transcriptome whole Phlebotomus papatasi flies when fed blood alone (control) or containing one three trypanosomatids: major L. donovani Herpetomonas muscarum latter being parasite not humans. Results Of trypanosomatids studied, only able successfully establish in host P. . However, transcriptional observed after each parasite-contaminated meal were specific success failure they did differ from other. also indistinguishable non-contaminated meal. Conclusions results imply perceive as just feature their microbiome landscape any strategy tackle transmission should focus on response towards rather than establishment. Alternatively, could suppress responses. These will generate new thinking around concept stopping controlling insect. Graphical