The role of sand flies as vectors of viruses other than phleboviruses

Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are proven vectors of various pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Although mostly known for their pivotal role in the transmission of parasitic protists of the genus Leishmania that cause leishmaniases, they are also proven or suspected vectors of many arboviruses, some of which threaten human and animal health, causing dis-orders such as human encephalitis (Chandipura virus) or serious diseases of domestic animals (vesicular stomatitis viruses). We reviewed the literature to summarize the current published information on viruses detected in or isolated from phle-botomine sand flies, excluding the family Phenuiviridae with the genus Phlebovirus, as these have been well investigated and up -to -date reviews are available. Sand fly -borne viruses from four other families (Rhabdoviridae, Flaviviridae, Reoviridae and Peribunyaviridae) and one unclassified group (Negevirus) are reviewed for the first time regarding their distribution in nature, host and vector specificity, and potential natural transmission cycles.

Automated summary

Sand flies are vectors of various pathogens and can transmit parasitic protists and arboviruses, posing a threat to human and animal health. This review summarizes the published information on viruses detected in or isolated from sand flies, excluding Phenuiviridae with the genus Phlebovirus which have been well investigated.