Entomological Survey of Sandfly Vectors and Molecular Screening for Leishmania Parasite in Refugee Camps in Ethiopia

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is transmitted by infected female sandflies. Entomological data in refugee settings remain limited. This study aimed to describe sandfly fauna and assess natural Leishmania infection in refugee camps in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in four refugee camps. Sandflies were collected using standard techniques. Sand flies identified morphologically. Female sandflies dissected, mounted for species confirmation, and preserved for PCR analysis. A total of 2,196 sandflies representing eight species (one Phlebotomus , seven Sergentomyia ) were collected. Phlebotomus rodhaini , the only Phlebotomus species detected, accounted for 1.7% of captures. Sergentomyia antennatus was the most abundant (50.8%), followed by S. africanus (15.7%), S. schwetzi (14.3%), and S. bedfordi (10.9%). Species richness was greatest in Terkidi camp, while diversity was highest in Sherkole. Indoor captures were scarce (< 2.3% of specimens), confirming exophilic resting behavior. Termite hills and peridomestic habitats harbored the highest sandfly densities. PCR screening showed no evidence of Leishmania infection. This first entomological survey in refugee camps in Ethiopia documents a sandfly fauna dominated by outdoor collection very low abundance of Ph. rodhaini and no detectable Leishmania infection. These findings suggest a low vector risk during the survey period but underscore the need for longitudinal monitoring to capture seasonal variation.