Development of a next generation DNA sequencing-based multi detection assay for detecting and identifying Leishmania parasites, blood sources, plant meals and intestinal microbiome in phlebotomine sand flies

•A Multiple-Detection Assay (MDA) was developed based on Next Generation [DNA] Sequencing (NGS).•The metagenomics MDA was applied to phlebotomine sand flies, vectors of Leishmania parasites.•Diagnostic PCRs were performed to identify the sources of blood and plant meals as well as the prokaryotic microbiome.•Using NGS assured the results of the MDA were qualitative as well as quantitative.