A global first: new guideline for studying disease-carrying sand flies published in 35 languages
- Details
- Published on 08 April 2026
Paris, France 08 April 2026. A major new article recently published in Parasite sets out a comprehensive, standardised guideline for the processing and mounting of phlebotomine sand flies, insects that transmit a range of serious diseases, including leishmaniasis, arbovirus infections and bartonellosis.
Designed for both field and laboratory use, the guideline brings together established and emerging techniques to support accurate species identification, pathogen detection and long-term specimen preservation.
Why this matters
“For years, I have been asked by colleagues from all over the world how to process and mount sand flies. This document simply did not exist in the scientific literature, because there is not one single method but many, depending on the objective,” said Professor Jérôme Depaquit, corresponding author of the article.
Phlebotomine sand flies play a critical role in the transmission of pathogens affecting millions of people worldwide. Their identification relies on precise microscopic examination and careful specimen preparation, making robust and accessible methodologies essential for both research and public health efforts.
This new guideline provides detailed, practical instructions covering the full workflow, from collection and handling to dissection, mounting, and molecular analysis, helping to improve consistency and reliability across studies.
A truly global resource
“I was being contacted by technicians who did not always speak English well, or at all. Even though AI tools exist, it is far better to have translations prepared by experts to remove that barrier. By combining major languages, we can already reach a large part of the world’s population,” Depaquit added.
In an unprecedented effort, the article has been made available not only in English but also in 34 additional languages, ensuring accessibility for researchers and practitioners across diverse regions and settings.
By addressing the needs of scientists working in varied field conditions, including those with limited laboratory infrastructure, the guideline is intended to support wider adoption of best practices and strengthen global research capacity.
The international nature of the project is also reflected in the collaboration behind it. Depaquit highlighted the importance of bringing together researchers across different regions and backgrounds: “I am particularly proud to have brought together authors and translations in both Farsi and Hebrew. The work involved colleagues from very different contexts, and despite challenging circumstances, everything was completed on time.”
From field to laboratory: a complete methodological reference
The guideline outlines a wide range of techniques adapted to different research contexts, including:
- Collection and handling of sand flies in field environments
- Safe and effective specimen preservation methods
- Detailed dissection procedures for key anatomical structures
- Mounting techniques optimised for both rapid identification and long-term conservation
- Integration of molecular and proteomic approaches, including DNA sequencing and MALDI-ToF analysis
It also highlights the importance of adapting protocols depending on research objectives, such as morphological identification, pathogen detection, or downstream molecular analysis.
Bridging traditional and modern approaches
Depaquit stressed the importance of standardisation in a field where identification remains particularly challenging: “The study of vectors is essential for a sound epidemiological approach, particularly within a One Health framework. Identifying sand flies is often the most challenging step, which is why standardising protocols is so important to make identification easier, or at least less difficult,”
While microscopic observation remains the most widely used method for identifying sand flies, the guideline reflects the growing role of molecular and proteomic techniques in the field. By combining these approaches, the work supports more comprehensive and reliable analysis of vector species and the pathogens they carry.
Supporting the global scientific community
Short video demonstrations and multilingual translations accompany the guideline, further extending its reach and practical value. Together, these elements are designed to meet the needs of a broad and diverse scientific community working on vector-borne diseases worldwide.
Looking ahead
Depaquit also emphasised the importance of sharing expertise across the community: “A high-quality preparation makes correct identification possible. Too often, people work in isolation without drawing on the experience of others. I hope this paper helps to share that experience, which is often missing for beginners and sometimes even for more experienced researchers.”
By providing a shared reference framework, the authors aim to support more consistent methodologies, facilitate collaboration, and strengthen research into diseases transmitted by sand flies.
ENDS
Further information:
Article details:
A guideline for processing and mounting phlebotomine sand flies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2026009
Published in Parasite
Corresponding author: Professor Jérôme Depaquit This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.