Molecular detection of Trypanosoma sp. and Blastocrithidia sp. (Trypanosomatidae) in phlebotomine sand flies (Psychodidae) in the Federal District of Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: This study describes the occurrence of trypanosomatids in phlebotomines in Brasília, Brazil. Methods: Two hundred and ten females of 13 sand fl y species were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using different molecular markers (D7 24Sα rRNA, kDNA, and ITS1) and sequencing. Results: PCR revealed trypanosomatid-positive samples from Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia evandroi, which were negative by kDNA and ITS1 Leishmania-specifi c PCRs. DNA sequence analysis of D7 24Sα rRNA amplicons indicated the occurrence of Blastocrithidia sp. and Trypanosoma sp. in Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia evandroi, respectively. Conclusions: Two trypanosomatid species other than Leishmania sp. were found to circulate in sand flies in Central Brazil.