Phlebotomus major Syracuse: a possible vector of visceral leishmaniasis in western black sea region of Turkey

Two clinical forms of leishmaniasis have been observed in Turkey [cutaneous [CL] and visceral [VL]]. VL cases were firstly reported from 2 villages of Karabuk [Western Black Sea region of Turkey]. These villages have high humidity due to long rain period. Initial entomological study was carried out in July 1996. A total of 123 sand flies [males and females] were captured using CDC light and sticky paper traps. Sand flies were collected from around wells and walls of houses and of animal shelters. Phlebotomus m. syriacus, found in rocky areas of high altitude and water bodies, is the only species identified in the area and can be incriminated as the possible vector