Endosymbionts
Approximately 1 million new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are diagnosed each year. This disfiguring disease is caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus, which are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. In Ethiopia, the recognized vectors include Phlebotomus pedifer and Phlebotomus longipes. In an effort to contribute to control strategies, this study investigates the microbiome of Phlebotomus longipes and a suspected vector, Phlebotomus ashfordii.