Tatera indica (Rodentia: Muridae) as the Prior Concern and the Main Reservoir Host of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis on the Border of Iran and Iraq

Abstract

Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is increasing in many parts of the world including Iran. Rodents are the most important reservoirs of Leishmania parasites in many remote areas of ZCL. Identification and molecular characterization of Leishmania parasites in reservoir hosts (rodents and dogs), potential vectors (sandflies), and suspected patients in leishmaniasis foci should be clarified for different controlling measurements and treatments. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the main reservoir hosts of ZCL in Khuzestan province bordering Iran and Iraq. Methods: Rodents were captured and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Leishmania species were sampled from both ears of rodents and DNA was extracted. Leishmania detection was based on PCR and sequencing of ITS-rDNA of infected rodents. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to understand the relationship, homology, and haplotype variations among Leishmania major parasites and identify the causative agents of leishmaniasis in the area. The maximum likelihood and neighbor-Joining with alternative Kimura 2-Parameter models were employed for phylogenetic analyses. Results: Leishmania major was firmly recognized by conducting molecular analysis on 121 captured rodents, from which 45 samples unequivocally were identified as Tatera indica. Leishmania parasites obtained from T. indica were sequenced to analyze genetic polymorphism and/or similarity using ITS-rDNA genotype. Phylogenies revealed that one common haplotype of L. major (GenBank accession no. EF413075) was the most haplotype variant dominated among seven infected T. indica. Conclusions: The widespread distribution of L. major parasites in human suggests not only T. indica was the main reservoir but also other rodents and mammalian hosts might be the reservoir hosts of ZCL in the region. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the strength of haplotype variation maintaining the circulation of Leishmania species in their reservoir hosts.