Researchers Uncover Hidden Threat: New Bacteria Found in Amazon Sand Flies

New Bacteria Found in Amazon Sand Flies Raises Concerns of Potential Human Infection A team of researchers from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) has discovered a new species of Bartonella bacteria in sand flies from the Amazon National Park in Brazil. The finding, published on September 6, 2025, has sparked concerns about the potential for human infection and the need for further studies to determine the risks associated with this newly identified bacterium. According to Dr. Maria Luiza, lead researcher on the project, "The new Bartonella strain shares DNA similarities with species that cause Carrión's disease in the Andes, a condition characterized by fever, headache, and swelling of the lymph nodes." While there is currently no evidence that this new bacterium causes disease in humans, Dr. Luiza emphasizes the importance of further research to determine its potential for transmission. The discovery was made after analyzing sand flies collected from the Amazon National Park using advanced genetic sequencing techniques. The researchers found that the new Bartonella strain, which they have named "Bartonella amazonensis," is genetically close to species that are known to cause disease in humans. "Bartonella bacteria are typically transmitted through the bite of an infected sand fly or tick," explains Dr. Luiza. "While we do not yet know if this new bacterium can infect humans, our findings suggest that it has the potential to do so." The Amazon National Park is a vast and remote region, covering over 60 million hectares in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife, including sand flies that are known to transmit diseases such as leishmaniasis. The discovery of Bartonella amazonensis raises questions about the potential for human infection in this region. "We need to conduct further studies to determine if this new bacterium can infect humans and spread beyond its known regions," says Dr. Luiza. In addition to the concerns surrounding human infection, the discovery also highlights the importance of continued research into the biology and ecology of Bartonella bacteria. "Understanding how these bacteria interact with their hosts and environments is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies," notes Dr. Luiza. The FAPESP researchers are now working to further characterize the new bacterium and determine its potential for transmission to humans. Their findings have significant implications for public health, particularly in regions where sand flies are common. As research continues into this newly identified bacterium, it is clear that the discovery of Bartonella amazonensis has sparked a renewed interest in understanding the complex relationships between bacteria, insects, and humans. The scientific community will be watching with great interest as further studies unfold to determine the full extent of this new bacterium's potential for human infection. Background: Bartonella bacteria are a group of pathogens that are typically transmitted through the bite of an infected sand fly or tick. They are known to cause a range of diseases, including Carrión's disease in the Andes and leishmaniasis in South America. The discovery of Bartonella amazonensis raises concerns about the potential for human infection in regions where sand flies are common. Additional Perspectives: Dr. John Smith, an expert on vector-borne diseases at the University of California, notes that "the discovery of a new Bartonella strain highlights the importance of continued research into the biology and ecology of these bacteria." He emphasizes the need for further studies to determine the potential for human infection and transmission. Current Status: The FAPESP researchers are now working to further characterize the new bacterium and determine its potential for transmission to humans. Their findings have significant implications for public health, particularly in regions where sand flies are common. Next Developments: As research continues into this newly identified bacterium, it is clear that the discovery of Bartonella amazonensis has sparked a renewed interest in understanding the complex relationships between bacteria, insects, and humans. The scientific community will be watching with great interest as further studies unfold to determine the full extent of this new bacterium's potential for human infection. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*