Integrated surveillance of sandflies as vectors of leishmaniasis reveals the presence of a newLeishmaniaspecies with possible implication in human health in Europe

Abstract

AbstractLeishmaniasis, endemic in Spain, displays rising incidence rates, notably in the Region of Murcia. Sandfly surveillance andLeishmaniascreening in 2021 uncoveredLeishmania infantumandL. adleri. While currentLeishmaniadiagnostic methods primarily targetL. infantum, our study underscores the importance of broaderLeishmaniaspecies surveillance for accurate diagnosis and understanding of disease dynamics. The detection ofL. adleri, previously undescribed in Europe, highlights the need for expanded research to investigate its presence and implications for human and animal health.