ZSI Study & DNA Barcoding: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) used DNA barcoding to accurately identify blackfly species in the central Himalayas, the vectors of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasitic worm that causes river blindness.
Why it matters: Accurate blackfly identification is crucial for effective disease control and vector management strategies, particularly in vulnerable areas like the Himalayas.
River Blindness (Onchocerciasis): It’s a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through blackfly bites.
Symptoms & Impact: Causes intense itching, skin disfigurement, and can lead to permanent blindness. It’s second only to trachoma as a cause of infection-related blindness globally.
Global Impact: Primarily affects rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen, and parts of Latin America.
Treatment: Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin is the primary treatment.
WHO Focus: The World Health Organization (WHO) considers river blindness one of the most neglected tropical diseases.
Identification Challenges: Blackfly species are tiny and difficult to distinguish based on external characteristics alone.
Himalayan Region: The study focused on blackflies collected from the Kalimpong and Darjeeling areas in West Bengal, where the flies are known locally as “pipsa” or “potu”.
Risk to Visitors: The risk of river blindness transmission exists not only for locals but also for visitors to areas like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
