Enzyme electrophoresis as an alternative method for separating the sympatric Leishmania vectors Phlebotomus papatasi and Phlebotomus langeroni (Diptera : Psychodidae)

Trials were conducted to determine the accuracy of separating the sympatric sand fly species Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) and P. langeroni Nitzulescu by means of cellulose acetate enzyme electrophoresis. Malic enzyme, phosphoglucomutase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and fumarate hydratase were each evaluated in laboratory-reared and field-collected populations of the two species. Each of the four enzyme-based identifications was highly sensitive (greater than 97%) and specific (greater than 93%). Identifications based upon fumarate hydratase were in perfect agreement with morphological identifications, and evidence was obtained which indicates that this enzyme may be the most stable of the four enzymes tested. The application of enzyme-based vector identification is discussed in relation to classical and novel survey procedures for Leishmania promastigote detection in sand flies.