Effects of multiple feedings on sensitized rabbits on the fitness of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Malek Trimèche (1, 2) , Thouraya Boussoffara (1, 2) , Ifhem Chelbi (1, 2) , Saifedine Cherni (1) , Sami Zhioua (3) , Nourhen Msallem (1) , Imen Labidi (1) , Elyes Zhioua (1, 2)

1 Laboratory of Vector Ecology
2 LR11IPT02 - Laboratoire de Transmission, Contrôle et Immunobiologie des Infections - Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infection
3 LR11IPT09 - Laboratoire de Bioinformatique, biomathématiques, biostatistiques (BIMS)

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of antibodies anti-sandfly saliva on the fecundity of Phlebotomus papatasi, vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World. Rabbits were repeatedly exposed to sandfly bites. Immune sera showed increased levels of anti-sandfly saliva antibody compared to the pre-exposition period. The analysis of biological parameters revealed no decline on the feeding success of females P. papatasi fed on rabbits repeatedly exposed to sandfly bites. Our results showed that anti-sandfly saliva antibodies of rabbits are not detrimental to the fitness of females P. papatasi. Thus, rabbits did not acquire resistance to sandflies following repeated exposures, and that contribute in maintaining a high density of P. papatasi. To control sandfly infestations and Leishmania transmission, more studies are needed for a better understanding of the mechanisms governing the resistance of hosts to bites of sandflies.

Mots clés: multiple feedings; Phlebotomus papatasi; rabbits; Antibodies anti-sandfly saliva; Fitness; Rabbits

Domaines: Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]

Malek Trimèche, Thouraya Boussoffara, Ifhem Chelbi, Saifedine Cherni, Sami Zhioua, et al.. Effects of multiple feedings on sensitized rabbits on the fitness of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae). Acta Tropica, 2022, 228, pp.106303. ⟨10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106303⟩. ⟨pasteur-03528309⟩