Ecology and pathogenicity of sandfly vectors in Romania-review

Abstract

The risk of vector-borne disease transmission has been increasing due to climate changes observed in recent decades. While most studies on vector-borne diseases focus on identifying their etiological agents, fewer address the vectors responsible for transmission. These vectors are typically arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, or sandflies. In the case of sandflies, information about these often-overlooked vectors is limited and difficult to find. Sandflies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis, a widespread zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. However, they are also responsible for transmitting other diseases, such as viral infections (e.g., Toscana virus infection, Pappataci fever) and bacterial infections (e.g., bartonellosis). In Romania, eight species of sandflies have been reported in various regions, contributing to an increased risk of disease transmission within the country. These species include Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. neglectus, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. papatasi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. sergenti, Ph. longiductus, and Sergentomyia minuta. Regarding the pathogenicity of sandfly species in Romania, indigenous cases of Toscana virus infection, sandfly fever, and leishmaniasis have been identified in the country. Among the listed species, those responsible for transmitting leishmaniasis are Ph. neglectus, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. papatasi, Ph. perfiliewi, Ph. alexandri, and Ph. sergenti. Ph. perfiliewi is responsible for transmitting Toscana virus, while Ph. papatasi is responsible for transmitting the phleboviruses that causes sandfly fever. This review highlights the pathogenic potential of sandfly species identified in Romania, their ecology, and their significance for both public and animal health.