Abstract
The diversity and seasonality for sandflies were studied in 2019 at a focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Zagora province, southern Morocco. Standardized sampling with CDC light traps was used. A total of 4504 sandflies (4024 Phlebotomus and 480 Sergentomyia) was collected during the study period. Seven species belonging to genus Phlebotomus and six species of genus Sergentomyia were identified. The most abundant species were Ph. papatasi (33.6%) and Ph. longicuspis (25.7%), highlighting the risk for local disease transmission foci. The seasonal activity of sandflies extended from April to November, showing two peaks, one in June-July and one, less important, in late-September-October. Abundance was highest during the months May, June, and July and lowest in August, September, and October. Results of this study provide important baseline data for planning control interventions.
Highlights
Leishmaniasis is endemic in Morocco with three distinct parasitic species, Leishmania major, L. tropica, and L. infantum, and 2 disease forms, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by L. major and anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) caused by L. tropica are the most widespread manifestations of the disease [1]
In 2018, the National Leishmaniasis Control Program (NLCP) reported, respectively, 8901 and cases caused by both L. major and L. tropica [1]
The data presented in this paper provide information on the ecology of the most common phlebotomine sand flies in the municipality of Tinzouline, the most important ZCL
Summary
Leishmaniasis is endemic in Morocco with three distinct parasitic species, Leishmania major, L. tropica, and L. infantum, and 2 disease forms, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by L. major and anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) caused by L. tropica are the most widespread manifestations of the disease [1]. Major epidemics have occurred recently, according to the National Leishmaniasis Control Program (NLCP); CL cases were reported between 2008 and 2017 nationwide. ZCL and ACL account, respectively, for 56%. This figure does not reflect the real epidemiological situation since the proportion of the cases detected relative to the estimated cases does not exceed. In 2018, the NLCP reported, respectively, 8901 and cases caused by both L. major and L. tropica [1]
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