THE APPLICATION OF RANDOM AMPLIFIED POLYMORPHIC DNA FOR SANDFLY SPECIES IDENTIFICATION

We have applied the recently developed Random Amplified Polymorphic DN A (RAPD) method to produce species-specific, DNA profiles for two symp atric. Venezuelan sandfly species, thought to be the vectors responsib le for recent outbreaks of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis i n the Andean State of Tachira. Moreover, within the profile, it was po ssible to identify a diagnostic DNA band for Lu.youngi of 0.32 kb. Res ults showed that the size of this diagnostic DNA band remained constan t and did not vary with sex or geographical distribution.