Integrated surveillance of sandflies as vectors of leishmaniasis reveals the presence of a new Leishmania species with possible implication in human health in Europe

Leishmaniasis, endemic in Spain, displays rising incidence rates, notably in the Region of Murcia. Sandfly surveillance and Leishmania screening in 2021 uncovered Leishmania infantum and L. adleri. While current Leishmania diagnostic methods primarily target L. infantum, our study underscores the importance of broader Leishmania species surveillance for accurate diagnosis and understanding of disease dynamics. The detection of L. adleri, previously undescribed in Europe, highlights the need for expanded research to investigate its presence and implications for human and animal health.