Phlebotomine sand flies [diptera: psychodidae] in Iran and their role on Leishmania transmission

Sand fly research has a long history in Iran beginning with the work of Adler, Theodor and Lourie in 1930 and followed by Mesghali's foundational taxonomic work on sand flies in 1943. Since then, research has continued unabated throughout the country and official publications report the existence of at least 44 species of sand flies [26 of the genus Phlebotomus and 18 of genus Sergentomyia] in Iran. So far, seven Phlebotomus species and one Sergentomyia species have been collected and described by Iranian researchers for the first time. Natural promastigote infection have been repeatedly found in 13 species of sand flies and modern molecular techniques are used routinely to characterize Leishmania parasite isolates from endemic areas of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Because of anthropogenic environmental modifications or human population movements, data on phlebotomine sand flies should be regularly updated and verified at least every five years by fieldwork and taxonomy in foci of leishmaniasis, to incriminate vector species of relevance to the ecology of transmission and to support development and implementation of control programs

Comparative study on the effectiveness of coumavec and zinc phosphide in controlling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic focus in central Iran

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is an increasing health problems in many rural areas of Iran. The aim of this study was to introduce a new alternative rodenticide to control the reservoirs of ZCL, its effect on the vector density and the incidence of the disease in hyperendemic focus of Esfahan County, central Iran. The study was carried out from January 2011 to January 2012. In intervention areas, rodent control operation was conducted using zinc phosphide or Coumavec. Active case findings were done by house-to-house visits once every season during 2011-2012. To evaluate the effect of rodent control operation on the vector density, sand flies were collected twice a month using sticky traps. The reduction rate of rodent holes in intervention areas with Coumavec and zinc phosphide were 48.46% and 58.15% respectively, whereas in control area results showed 6.66 folds intensification. The Incidence of ZCL significantly reduced in the treated areas. Totally, 3200 adult sand flies were collected and identified in the intervention and control areas. In the treated area with zinc phosphide, the density of Phlebotomus papatasi was higher in outdoors in contrast with the treated area by Coumavec which the density of the sand fly was higher in indoors. Both rodenticides were effective on the incidence of ZCL and the population of the reservoirs as well. Coumavec seems to be effective on the outdoor density of the vector. This combination of rodenticide-insecticide could be a suitable alternative for zinc phosphide while bait shyness or behavioral resistance is occurred

Molecular detection of leishmania infantum in naturally infected phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus in bilesavar district, Northwestern Iran

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania infantum, transmitted to humans by bites of phlebotomine sand flies and is one of the most important public health problems in Iran. To identify the vector[s], an investigation was carried out in Bilesavar District, one of the important foci of the disease in Ardebil Province in northwestern Iran, during July-September 2008. Using sticky papers, 2,110 sand flies were collected from indoors [bedroom, guestroom, toilet and stable] and outdoors [wall cracks, crevices and animal burrows] and identified morphologically. Species-specific amplification of promastigotes revealed specific PCR products of L. infantum DNA. Six sand fly species were found in the district, including: Phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus, P. papatasi, P. tobbi, P. sergenti, Sergentomyia dentata and S. sintoni. Phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus was the dominant species of the genus Phlebotomus [62.8%]. Of 270 female dissected P. perfiliewi transcuacasicus, 4 [1.5%] were found naturally infected with promastigotes. Based on natural infections of P. perfiliewi transcaucasicus with L. infantum and the fact that it was the only species found infected with L. infantum, it seems, this sand fly could be the principal vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the region

Susceptibility status of phlebotomus papatasi and P. sergenti [diptera: psychodidae] to DDT and deltamethrin in a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis after earthquake strike in Bam, Iran

The cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] has been occurred in Dehbakri County, located 46 km of Bam District, Kerman Province since 2004-2005. Phlebotomus papatasi is an important vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmanisis [ZCL] as well as sand fly fever and P. sergenti is considered as main vector of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ACL] in Iran. There are several measures for vector control with emphasizing on insecticides. The objective of this study was to determine the baseline susceptibility of leishmaniasis vectors to the DDT and deltamethrin in an endemic focus of CL in southern Iran. Baseline susceptibility tests were carried out on field collected strains of P. papatasi and P. sergenti and tested with WHO impregnated papers with DDT 4.0% and deltamethrin 0.05% in the focus of disease in Dehbakri County during summer 2010. The values of LT[50] and LT[90]0 were determined using probit analysis and regression lines. The LT[50] value of DDT 4.0% and deltamethrin 0.05% against P. papatasi was 20.6 and 13.6 minutes respectively. The same data for P. sergenti were ranged between 21.8 and 17.7 minutes. The results of tests will provide a guideline for implementation of vector control using pesticides such as impregnated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and fogging

Production and purification of anti-rhombomys opimus immunoglobulins

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is an increasing public health problem in some endemic regions. Horseradish peroxidase [HRP] conjugated rabbit anti-Rhombomys opimus [R. opimus] Ig is needed for immunoblotting and ELISA tests used to explore the immune response of the rodents against the sand fly saliva. In this study, the production of HRP conjugated rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig was conducted for the first time. Rhombomys opimus Ig was purified from serum by protein G affinity chromatography column and injected into rabbit to produce anti-R. opimus Ig antibody. The titration of antibody against R. opimus Ig in rabbit serum was checked using indirect ELISA. Rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig was purified by Sepharose-4B-R. opimus Ig column. Reactivity of this antibody was assessed by indirect ELISA and was conjugated to HRP by periodate method. Approximately 3.5 mg Ig was purified from 1 ml R. opimus serum using protein G affinity chromatography column. The molecular weight of purified R. opimus Ig was estimated about 150 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Nearly 2.3 mg rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig was purified from 1 ml immunized rabbit serum. The purified antibody was conjugated to HRP and the optimum titer of HRP conjugated rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig was determined as 1:8000 using direct ELISA. HRP conjugated rabbit anti-Gerbil IgG has been produced by a few companies, but to our knowledge HRP conjugated rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig is not commercially available. Production of HRP conjugated rabbit anti-R. opimus Ig is considerably helpful for immunological studies of R. opimus, the main reservoir host of ZCL in Iran as well as some other countries

Species composition and diversity of mosquitoes in neka county, mazandaran province, Northern Iran

Regarding to the significant of the possibility of the malaria epidemic and nuisance of mosquitoes during the active season, the fauna and some ecological activities of mosquitoes in related to tree holes were investigated from April to December 2009 in Neka county of Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Larval collection was carried out from natural, artificial breeding places, and tree holes inside the forest in Neka County, Mazandaran Province in 2009. In addition, human bait net trap collection was conducted using suction tube several times during this investigation. Four genera and five species were found in tree holes. Anopheles plumbeus, Culiseta annulata Culex pipiens, and Ochlerotatus geniculatus were collected by larval collection whereas, Ochlerotatus pulcritarsis was found by adult collection. Overall Cx.pipiens.44.6%., Oc. Geniculattus 32.6%. An. Plumbeus 22.5% and Cs. annulata 0.3% were collected by larval collection. During the bait net collection five specie were identified including: Oc. Geniculatustts 55.8%. Oc. Echinus 1.33%, Qs.pulcritarsis 8.8%, Cx.pipiens 33.8% and An plumbeus 0.2%. Cs. annulata larvae was detected for the first time with a low abundance in tree cavity. Tree holes were found the main habitat for the species of Oc. geniculatus. The species of Cs. annulata was found in tree holes

Differential responses of anopheles stephensi [diptera: culicidae] to skin emanations of a man, a cow, and a guinea pig in the olfactometer

Biting habit of mosquitoes plays an important role in the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes use a set of elaborate sensory modalities to find their preferred hosts by exploiting cues emanating from a nearby host. It has been suggested that the chemical profile of skin can provide further support for anthropophilic mosquito species to find their suitable hosts. This study aimed at revealing the value of skin emanation for a zoophilic species like Anopheles stephensi as a model. Skin emanations of a man, a cow and a Guinea pig were collected by ethanol soaked cottons. Upwind responses of mosquitoes to 100 and 200 micro L of filtered skin materials were non-competitively explored in a dual-choice olfactometer. L-lactic acid and other chemical content of the skin samples were identified by an enzymatic kit and GC-MS, respectively. Unexpectedly, only human skin emanation was resulted in the statistically significant activation and attraction responses of Anopheles. stephensi in the wind tunnel. L-lactic acid content of this skin sample was 10 and 29 times more than the cow and the Guinea pig, respectively. The possible role of lactic acid and a few other identified compounds have been discussed here. An. stephensi showed higher and more specific upwind responses to human skin emanation in the olfactometer. Undoubtedly, the thorough explanation of this unexpected finding needs further investigation. But, if new data verify this result, then, it may be necessary to reconsider the role of skin emanation and thence the human blood index and vectorial capacity of this zoophilic mosquito

Sand fly surveillance within an emerging epidemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major has become a hot topic in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine some ecological aspects of sand flies in the study area. Sand flies were collected biweekly from indoors and outdoors fixed places in the selected villages, using 30 sticky paper traps from the beginning to the end of the active season of 2006 in Kerman Province, south of Iran. The flies were mounted and identified. Some blood fed and gravid female sand flies of rodent burrows and indoors were dissected and examined microscopically for natural promastigote infection of Leishmania parasite during August to September. In total, 2439 specimens comprising 8 species [3 Phlebotomus and 5 Sergentomyia] were identified. The most common sand fly was P. papatasi and represented 87.1% of sand flies from indoors and 57.2% from outdoors. The activity of the species extended from April to end October. There are two peaks in the density curve of this species, one in June and the second in August. Natural promastigote infection was found in P. papatasi [12.7%]. Phlebotomus papatasi is considered as a probable vector among gerbils and to humans with a high percentage of promastigote infection in this new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The Bahraman area which until recently was unknown as an endemic area seems now to represent a focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in Iran

Molecular epizootiology of rodent leishmaniasis in a hyperendemic area of Iran

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is an expanding disease and public health problem in Iran. In the current study, natural Leishmania infection rate and seasonal fluctuation of the infection in Rhombomys opimus population of a hyperendemic focus of ZCL in Iran was investigated. The study was conducted from October 2006 to October 2008 in Esfahan Province, central part of Iran. An extensive sampling of rodents using Sherman traps was done in different seasons. Nested PCR assay was used for detection and identification of Leishmania species and the results were confirmed using PCR-RFLP. Leishmania infection rate was 58.6% [34 of 58] using nested PCR. 44.8% of the gerbils were infected only with L. turanica and 1.7% with L. gerbilli alone. A mixed natural infection with L. major and L. turanica was seen in 12.1% of the rodents. L. major infection alone was not seen in R. opimus population in the study area. The highest and lowest Leishmania infection rates were observed in fall and spring respectively. L. turanica infection was observed throughout the year whereas mixed infections with L. major and L. turanica was not seen in spring. It is concluded that in the study area, L. major, L. gerbilli and L. turanica circulate in the population of R. opimus. Leishmania major infection usually accompanied by L. turanica in naturally infected gerbils with the highest rate in fall. It is recommended that the role of L. turanica in the epidemiology and transmission of ZCL be revisited

Human extensive head skin myiasis

Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve is the most important fly, which produces myiasis, exists as an obligate ectoparasite in the animals, and afflicts human. Poor hygiene and working in contaminated areas particularly during warm seasons provide a situation to infest by this parasite. Infestation in human and livestock are often observed in wounds, normal body orifices such as eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The manifestations include pruritus, pain, inflammation, redness, eosinophilia, and secondary bacterial infections and rarely death. A 5-year-old boy with severe headache and agitation symptoms was followed up. After physical examination and endoscopy, larvae of third instar fly were obtained from his scalp. Our precise identification indicated that the flies were the C. bezziana. This is the second report of the human scalp myiasis caused by C. bezziana in Iran. This study confirmed that the old world screwworm fly was distributed in the southern of Iran and probably could be one of the most important agents of myiasis in this area

High performance thin layer chromatography analysis of deltamethrin residue on the impregnated bed nets during a leishmaniasis control program in Iran

The control of leishmaniasis, a tropical neglected disease, has been concern of Iranian health authorities due to the increasing number of cases during the last two decades. The objective of this study was to determine deltamethrine residue on the impregnated bed nets using HPTLC technique in a leishmaniasis control program in Iran. During this experimental study, a total of 130 small pieces of polyester netting were sewn to top, upper, and lower sides of some bed nets and then were impregnated with deltamethrin .The treated bed nets were distributed in Isfahan and Mashhad areas in April 2003. The samples were cut randomly after impregnation intervals. Deltamethrin was extracted using acetone from samples and the extract was applied for spotting onto plates. The plates were developed with n-hexane: ethyl acetate, 90+10[v/v], as a mobile phase in a Camage chamber. The qualifying of residue was observed in UV cabinet with lambda =254 nm wavelength. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. and Stata Version 8. A three way ANOVA was used to compare the means of deltamethrin residue in each area, group and measuring time. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the means of residue for each of these factors with the control separately. The retardation factor of deltamethrin was calculated 0.50 +/- 0.02. The residues of deltamethrin persisted well on impregnated nets at least for 15 weeks after impregnation. No significant difference could be detected in the loss of residue of insecticide in comparison to measuring times and positions of sampling pieces on the bed nets in these areas. Based on the results of the present study the use of HPTLC technique is recommended instead of other chromatographic methods for analysis of insecticide residue on the impregnated bed nets

Study of certain epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khatam County, Yazd Province, Iran

Zoonotic Cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is one of the most important parasitic diseases in Iran and common in rural districts of half of the 30 provinces of the country. In recent years, ZCL has become a serious and increasing public health problem in Yazd province. Following the epidemic of CL in Khatam county of Yazd province, this study was carried out to determine the animal reservoir hosts and human infection in 2005-2006. 300 households were examined in February 2006 and corresponding forms were completed for each household during a house-to-house visit. Rodents were caught by 20 live traps, biweekly from late August to late November 2006. The rodents were identified morphologically and 4 impression smears were prepared from the edge of their ear lobes. The causative agent of the disease was isolated from humans and rodents characterized by RAPD-PCR method. The rate of ulcers and scars of ZCL among the inhabitants was 4.8% and 9.8%, respectively. Leishmania major was also isolated from human indigenous cases in Khatam County. In the study, Meriones libycus, Tatera indica and Rhombomys opimus were recorded and all of them were infected with leishmaniasis. Leishmania major was isolated and identified from R. opimus, too. Regarding the results of the present study, ZCL is prevalent in Khatam. It seems that R. opimus is the main reservoir host of the disease and M.libycus and T.indica also maintain this ZCL focus

[Phlebotomus [Paraphlebotomus] alexandri, the probable vector of visceral leishmaniasis [kalaazar] in southern Iran]

Visceral leishmaniasis [kala-azar], the most dangerous form of leishmaniasis, is endemic in some parts of Iran, e.g. Ardabil, Fars, East Azerbaijan, Bushehr and Qom provinces. In recent years, the incidence of VL has increased in the Nourabad-Mamassani district in Fars Province. This study was carried out to detect VL vectors and infection rates in this region over the 2003-2004 period. Sand flies were captured in the selected villages by means of sticky traps, aspirators and CDC miniature light traps. Heads and distal abdominal segments were used for species identification and other body parts were used for DNA extraction. We employed a semi-nested PCR technique to detect Leishmania, with specific kDNA primers [LIN R4 - LIN 17 - LIN19]. Some specimens were dissected for leptomonad infection. A total of 12688 sand flies were collected. Phlebotomus [Paraphlebotomus] alexandri was the second most prevalent species [17.34%]. The anthropophilic index of this species was 32.5%. Five cases [4.17%] of L. infantum infection were detected among the 120 P. alexandri examined by PCR method. We also observed two cases of leptomonad infection among the 112 dissected specimens. High prevalence rates and anthropophilic index of P. alexandri plus its natural infection with L. infantum provide enough evidence to implicate this species as the main vector species of VL in the region and the second proven kala-azar vector in Iran. Besides, the Mahoor-Milaty district of Noorabad-Mamassani was identified as a new endemic focus

Emergence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major in a New Focus of Southern Iran

Reports from the health center of Kerman Province, southern Iran showed an increasing of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Orzuieh Rural District, southwest of the province in 2003. The report encouraged the team to carry out an epidemiological survey in the district during 2003-2004. The objectives were to determine the ecology of sand flies, potential reservoir hosts and human infection. A total of 1075 sand flies were collected by sticky traps and 7 species of sand flies were identified. They comprised 3 species of the genus Phlebotomus [P. papatasi, P. mongolensis and P. bergeroti] and 4 species of the genus Sergentomyia [S. sintoni, S. clydei, S. tiberiadis and S. Baghdadis]. P. papatasi was the predominant species of the genus Phlebotomus in indoors [90.3%] and outdoors [50.2%]. Susceptibility tests on P. papatasi with DDT 4%. Showed that the species was susceptible to this insecticide. A total of 13 rodents consist of Tatera indica [76.9%] and Nesokia indica [23.1%] were collected. A study of prevalence among 2441 inhabitants in four villages showed a rate of 1.1% for active lesions and 10.4% for scars during November- December 2003. In a separate study examination of 1662 school children aged 6-12 years old showed 1.14% for ulcers and 14.7% for scars at the same time. The Leishmania parasites were isolated from man and characterized as Leishmania major using RAPD-PCR method. It seems that cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. major [CLM] has been prevailed in the district

Some ecological aspects of phlebotomine sand flies in an endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Following annual report of new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis from different areas of Kuhpayeh district, Esfahan County, an investigation was carried out on some ecological aspects of Phlebotomine sand flies during 2000-2002. Sand flies were collected biweekly from outdoor and indoor resting places with the aid of 30 sticky traps from the beginning to the end of the active season. Female sand flies from rodent burrows were dissected and examined for the presence of pro-mastigote infection. Blood meals of engorged sand flies were identified by ELISA method. Totally, 4993 sand flies were collected and identified. The following species were found indoors: P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. mongolensis, P. alexandri, P. ansarii, P. major, P. kandelakii, S. sintoni, and the subsequent species were found outdoors: P. papatasi, P sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. mongolensis, P. ansarii, P. major, S. sintoni, S. dentata, S. pawlowskyi. The sand flies active season began from May till October in this region. Natural promastigote infections observed in 1.06% of P. papatasi and also in one out of four of P. caucasicus. The human and rodent blood indices in P. papatasi were 61.9% and 20.69%, respectively. It seems that P. papatasi is the probable vector among rodents and also transmit Leishmania major, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to man, and P. caucasicus transmit the agent of the disease among rodents

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in nonendemic quarters of a centeral city in Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the status of the cutaneous leishmaniasis in some nonendemic quarters in the city of Isfahan, Isfahan Province, central Iran. A total of 16380 primary school students aged 6-17 years old and a total population of 2892 persons in 700 households in four nonendemic quarters were questioned and examined for the presence of ulcer or scar. Sand flies were collected using sticky paper traps. A rate of 4.18% for scars and 0.3% for active lesions in the primary school children were showed. The households showed a prevalence of 11.3% for scars and 0.5% for ulcers. Two thousand and seventy four sand flies were collected and 10 species were identified. The most common sand fly species in indoor and outdoor resting places was P.sergenti. The present investigation revealed that Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is in an epidemic status in these quarters. Human is considered the main reservoir and transmission is believed to be from human to human by P.sergenti

Effect of fipronil on permethrin sensitive and permethrin resistant strains of blattella germanica

Strategies to manage resistance to insecticides have usually been designed when resistance has already been developed. However, if the likelihood of resistance development to novel insecticides can be predicted before their use, it should be possible to establish an effective resistance management program. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of fipronil against permethrin sensitive and permethrin resistant strains of Blattella germanica [L.] for effective control of this pest in Iran in the future. In order to conduct this study eleven feral German cockroach strains were collected from infested student dormitories of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Sanatee Sharif, Tarbiat Modares and Tehran Universities and also residential Saman Apartments, and two infested hospitals in Tehran. Their sensitivity to permethrin and fipronil were compared with that of a standard susceptible strain. Tests were conducted on newly emerged adult males [ultimately 21 years old] by topical application. LD[50]'s of permethrin and fipronil for the susceptible strain were 0.43/micro g and 0.96 ng respectively. The resistance of feral strains to permethrin was 8.6 to 17.7 times as much as that of the susceptible strain. According to this investigation all strains are resistant to permethrin, whereas resistance rates of the strains from Bustan-10, Zanjan Fatemiyeh dormitories and residential Saman Apartments were 2 to 2.6 times more than that of the susceptible strain. Other strains were completely susceptible to fipronil. According to the results of this study and considering ever-increasing infestation of human habitations by German cockroach and the resistance to insecticides; fipronil especially its toxic bait formulations can be regarded as the appropriate candidate to control this pest in Iran

Comparison of Permethrin and Fipronil toxicity against German cockroach [Dictyoptera: Blattellidae] strains

Control of insect pests of agriculture, economic, and medical importance usually focuses on the use of insecticides. The susceptibility levels of eleven strains of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica [L.], were compared with a standard susceptible strain against permethrin and fipronil. The strains were collected from nine infested students' dormitories and two infested hospitals in Tehran, capital of Iran. The susceptible strain showed LD50 of 0.43 micro g and 0.96 ng for permethrin and fipronil respectively. Comparison of the resistance ratio of collected strain with susceptible strain showed resistance ratios of 8.6 to 17.7-folds for permethrin and 1.5 to 2.6-folds for fipronil, respectively. The result of this investigation indicated that the all strains were resistant to permethrin. Resistance spectrum of fipronil to permethrin showed different pattern of susceptibility to fipronil, indicating that there was no relationship between resistance to permethrin and fipronil

Repellency effect of myrtle essential oil and DEEt against phlebotomus papatasi, under laboratory conditions

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] is an increasing and important public health problem in Iran. The use of repellents is recommended as one of the important means of personal protection against vectors of ZCL. This paper reports the repellency effect of the plant Myrtle, Myrtus communis [Myrtaceae], essential oil for protection against 3-7-day-old unfed females of the sandfly, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli for the first time in Iran. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions, using dose-response testing procedure on white rabbits and the results were compared with commonly used repellent, diethyl-3-methylbenzamid [DEET]. The modified Wirtz method using K and D apparatus was employed. Effective Dose [EDs] values were estimated from the probit regression line. ED50 was measured as 0.1140 and 0.0006 mg/cm2 for Myrtle essential oil and DEET, respectively. The laboratory tests showed that both Myrtle essential oil and DEET had repellency effects against P.papatasi. In addition, the insecticidal action of Myrtle oil was also observed. We concluded that the two repellents could be used as a mean of personal protection against sand flies

Characterization of Leishmania infection in rodents from endemic areas of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Between 1991-2000, Leishmania species were isolated and characterized by isoenzyme and molecular analysis from rodents caught in various parts of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In areas endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis, parasites were observed by direct microscopy in smears from 18.6% of 566 specimens. L. major was isolated from 4 species: Rhombomys opimus, Meriones libycus, Tatera indica and Mer. hurrianae. L. turanica was isolated from R. opimus for the first time in this country. In endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis, parasites were observed in liver and spleen from 13.7% of 504 rodents. Two species were positive on culture; promastigotes isolated from Mer. persicus were characterized as L. donovani zymodeme LON50 and from Mesocricetus auratus as L. infantum LON49