Phlebotomus major syriacus: 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) Unitl now, VL cases were firstly reported from two villages of Karabük (western Black Sea region of Turkey). These villages have population of 300, 1030 m altitude and high humidity due to long rain period. Initial entomological study was carried out in July 1996. A total of 123 sandflies (males and females) were captured using CDC light and sticky paper traps. Sandflies 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.