A review of investigations on leishmaniasis vectors in Kenya

Abstract

Investigations on vectors of leishmaniases in Kenya started only in the last 35 years when the visceral leishmaniasis assumed importance as a result of a major disease epidemic outbreak. Since then detailed investigations on vectors of visceral leishmaniasis as well as vectors of newly found species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis have resulted in identification of their main vectors. Synphlebotomus complex were shown to be the main vectors in Kitui focus while in the other foci Phlebotomus martini has been incriminated as the main vector and Sergentomyia garnhami as a suspected vector. The vectors of L. major are P. duboscqi and P. martini with Sergentomyia garnhami and S. ingrami as suspected vectors. Phlebotomus gusggisbergi has already been demonstrated as vector of L. tropica.