First report on natural Leishmania infection of Phlebotomus sergenti due Leishmania tropica by high resolution melting curve method in South-eastern Iran

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the Leishmania species in infected sand flies by Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis.@*METHODS@#Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis targeting the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA as the genetic marker was used to identify and distinguish Leishmania species in sand flies specimens.@*RESULTS@#Three out of 115 females of Phlebotomus sergenti (P. sergenti) (2.6%) were positive to Leishmania tropica (L. tropica).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This is the first report on P. sergenti as the main and proven vector of anthroponitic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Dehbakri County using Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis. This method is rapid, sensitive and specific for diagnosing of parasites in infected Sand flies and ideal for large scale genotyping projects.

Laboratory and field evaluation of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 against mosquito larvae in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012

Due to low efficacy in the field of a local commercial product of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 [Bioflash[registered sign]], a study was designed to assess its efficacy in laboratory, glass standard aquarium, semi-field and field conditions at both target and higher dosages against immature stages of Anopheles spp. and Culex spp. In laboratory conditions, the LC[50] values of wettable powder and granule formulations were 227 and 1031 ppm respectively against a susceptible strain of An. stephensi. Following application of wettable powder and granules at 56.1 mg/aquarium, the survival rates of the exposed larvae to the granule formulation were 65.6% and 54.2% on days 6 and 8 respectively. In the artificial ponds, the larval density was reduced to 38.9%, 39.3% and 65.1% at dosages of 2, 4 and 8 g/m[2] respectively. In rice fields, at a dosage of 2 kg/ha, the density of immature larvae were reduced to 33.1% and 28.6% 7-days post-treatment. Further investigations are needed for the reasons for the low efficacy of this larvicide

First detection of Leishmania infantum in Phlebotomus kandelakii using molecular methods in North-Eastern Islamic Republic of Iran

Shirvan district in north-eastern Islamic Republic of Iran is a new focus of visceral leishmaniasis. This study aimed to identify the vector [s], the parasite and the species composition of sand flies in the district during July-September 2009 using polymerase chain reaction techniques. In all, 2088 sand flies were collected from 3 villages. Nine sand fly species were identified: Phlebotomus kandeiakii [Shchurenkova], P. major [Annandale], P. halepensis [Theodor], P. popatasi [Scopoli], P. sergentl [Parrot], P. longidoctus [Parrot], P. caucasicus [Marzinovsky], Sergentomyia sintoni [Pringle] and S. sumbarica [Perfii'ev]. P. sergentl and P. kandetakii were the most prevalent Phlebotomus species at 31.3% and 10.0% respectively. Of 59 female P. kandelokll, 2 [3.4%] were naturally infected with L infantum. This is the first finding of natural infection of P. kandelakii by L infantum in this region suggesting P. kandelakii may be the vector of L infantum in the area although it is the second most prevalent phlebotomine species

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

[Determination of parasite species of cutaneous leishmaniasis using nested PCR in Damghan-Iran, during 2008]

Cutaneous leishmaniases with two forms of rural and urban is the endemic diseases and as a health problem in our country. Identification of parasite species and type of disease is very important for treatment of disease as well as for planning of control program. The microscopic observations by Giemsa-stained smears is the most common laboratory test for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, but the determination of parasite species is impossible and utilization of other ways such as biochemical and molecular methods is required. This study was carried out to determine the parasite species caused cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Nested PCR in Damghan, Iran. This descriptive study was performed on 67 patients with dermal lesions that referred to Damghan health center laboratory in Iran during 2008. The patient's information were recorded in questionnaire. DNA of Giemsa-stained slides from patients was extracted and evaluated by specific primers of kinetoplast DNA using Nested PCR. Leishmania parasites were observed in 57 patients under light microscope. The 10 patients were infected by other dermal diseases. The PCR result showed the parasite presence in lesions of 57 patients is Leismania major. 54% of patients were male and 46% were female. 72% of the patients were lived in rural areas. 50.9% of disease was observed in over 25 years old patients. Hands were the most common region of ulcer [44.7%]. 48% of the patients had one ulcer and the other patients had two or more ulcers. High prevalence [31.6%] of disease was observed in October. This study showed that zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to be prevalent in this area and Nested PCR method is a sensitive and accurate to leishmania species characterization

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

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

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

Blood meal identification in field-captured sand flies: comparison of PCR-RFLP and ELISA assays

We aimed to develop a PCR-RFLP assay based on available sequences of putative vertebrate hosts to identify blood meals ingested by field female sand fly in the northwest of Iran. In addition, the utility of PCR-RFLP was compared with ELISA as a standard method. This experimental study was performed in the Insect Molecular Biology Laboratory of School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2006-2007. For PCR-RFLP a set of conserved vertebrate primers were used to amplify a part of the host mitochondrial cytochrome b [cyt b] gene followed by digestion of the PCR products by Hae III enzyme. The PCR-RFLP and ELISA assays revealed that 34% and 27% of field-collected sand flies had fed on humans, respectively. Additionally, PCR-RFLP assays could reveal specific host DNA as well as the components of mixed blood meals. Results of PCR-RFLP assay showed that the sand flies had fed on cow [54%], human [10%], dog [4%], human and cow [21%], dog and cow [14%], and human and dog [3%]. The results can provide a novel method for rapid diagnosis of blood meal taken by sandflies. The advantages and limitations of PCR and ELISA assays are discussed

Stability and wash resistance of local made mosquito bednets and detergents treated with pyrethroids against susceptible strain of malaria vector anopheles stephensi

We aimed to evaluate different fibres of bednets impregnated with various pyrethroids. The stability of insecticide on the bednet was measured using different methods of washings as well as local made detergents. The entire test was carried out according to the WHO-recommended methods. In addition, the impact of the numbers of washes on the stability of the insecticides was determined. Permethrin 10% [EC], deltamethrin 10% [SC], lambdacyhalothrin 2.5% [CS] and cyfluthrin 5% [EW] were used at the recommended dosages. Three different local detergents were used. Two kinds of washing methods [shaking, no shaking] were used and in each method four kinds of washings, i.e. no wash, one wash, two washes and three washes was done. The main malaria vectors, Anopheles stephensi, which is susceptible to all insecticides [BEECH strain], was tested with impregnated bednets in 3 minutes exposure time and the mortality was measured after 24 hours recovery period. Knock-down was measured as well using appropriate statistical methods. Lambdacyhalothrin has saved its insecticidal impact after being washed, whereas, deltamethrin has lost its activity faster than other insecticides. Tow other insecticides had moderate effect. Golnar soap detergent has least effect on the durability of insecticides, but the Shoma had the most. Whit increasing the times of washing, insecticidal effects was decreased, but shaking had no influence on the decreasing of the quality of insecticidal impact. Results will be useful for local people who wish to use pyrethroid-impregnated bednets with their own local made detergent and bednets

Study on ectoparasites of rhombomys opimus, the main reservoir of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in endemic foci in Iran

Ectoparasites of mammalian hosts play an important role for transmission of diseases from the host reservoirs to human. The aim of this study was to determine the species composition and infestation parameters for parasitic arthropods associated with Rhombomys opimus. Ectoparasites of R. opimus were collected from seven endemic district of ZCL in Iran including Shirvan and Sfaraysen in North Khorasan Province, Kalaleh in Golestan Province, Damghan and Shahrood in Semnan Province, and Badrood and Habibabad in Isfahan Province. The areas of study were mainly desert and plain. Rodents were captured using Sherman life traps during active seasons from May to November 2008. Captured rodents were transported to laboratory and their ectoparasites were picked up using brushing against the fur of the rodents. Ectoparasites were stored in 70% ethanol for their preservation and then identified based on morphological characters. Ectoparasites belonged to one flea species of Xenopsylla nuttalli and one mite species of Ornithonussus bacoti. The flea species with 75.3% was more common than the mite. O. bacoti might play an important role in transmission of rat mite dermatitis among R. opimus colony. Results will provide an essential clue for combating zoonotic diseases in the region

Identification of sand flies of the subgenus Larroussius based on molecular and morphological characters in North Western Iran

The adult female sand flies [Diptera: Psychodidae] of the subgenus Larroussius are important vectors of Leishmania infantum [Kinetoplastida: Tripanosomatidae] in Meshkinshahr district, Northwest of Iran. Four Phlebotomus [Larroussius] species are present in this area, i.e. Phlebotomus [Larroussius] kandelakii, P. [La] major, P. [La] perfiliewi and P. [La] tobbi. The objective of the present study was to identify and distinguish the females of P. perfiliewi, P. major and P.tobbi, in this district. Adult sand flies were collected with sticky papers, CDC light traps, and aspirator in 2006. Individual sand flies of this four species from thirty different locations were characterized morphologically and by comparative DNA sequences analyses of a fragment of mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b [Cyt b] and nuclear gene Elongation Factor 1- alpha [EF -1 alpha]. PCR amplification was carried out for all three species P. major, P. perfiliewi, and P. tobbi in the sub-genus Larroussius. Phylogenetic analyses of P. major populations in this study displayed two different populations and genetic diversity. Spermathecal segment number, pharyngeal armature and other morphological characters of these three species were examined and found to present consistent interspecific differences. According to our findings, the phylogeny of Cyt b and EF-1 alpha haplotypes confirms the relationships between P. major, P. tobbi and P. perfiliewi as already defined by their morphological similarities

[Efficacy of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars against sandflies at endemic focus of Bojnord district, North Khorasan province]

Domestic dogs are the most important reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis [VL] at the endemic foci of Iran. The disease are transmission to others dogs and human by sandflies, the logic of VL prevention in world is: dogs vaccination, chemical treatment dogs, diagnosis and eliminating of infected dogs, impregnated dogs with soaps that have been reported different degrees of success. Now using deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars have been pointed, because of its impacts good in prevents of infected dogs to VL. In this study, the Efficacy of indexs of dog collars [Scalibor Registered] was evaluated in North-Khorasan province.For this aim,6 dogs selected as well as had similar age, weight, race and not have VL. and randomly classified in two groups as treated and untreated In the beginning of the transmission season, three DMC was separately fitted to 3 dogs and the other ones were considered as control [collarless] group. Two weeks after collar fited and any 15 days from June 2006 to September 2007 in evening one of collar and collarless dogs with their regard replacement in any shift in. separate were exposed to wild-caught sandflies during night time [2 h after sunset] using two separate bed nets. At the end of exposure time, the sand flies were re-captured and transferred to inside netted caps and maintained at optimal condition for 24 hours in order to assess the mortality. Data analysis revealed that the blood-feeding index was 13.4% - 27.6% for DMS fitted dogs, and 54.2% - 59.3% for control [collarless] dogs which the difference is statistically significant [p<0.005]. Also the index of blood-feeding inhibition were 51.3% - 66.2% and 37% - 44.8% for collared and collarless dogs respectively and showed a significant difference [p<0.01]. The mortality was 20.42%- 21.88% for sand flies fed on collared dogs, and 1.04% - 6.17% for those fed on control dogs [p<0.004]. The range of combined effects [inhibition of blood-feeding and mortality] was found 72.37% - 86.62% for collared dogs, and 40.74% - 45.83% for control dogs. The findings of this study indicate the considerable effects of DMC on inhibition of blood-feeding as well as mortality of wild-caught sandflies

Molecular detection of leishmania major in the vectors and reservoir hosts of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kakaleh district, Golestan province, Iran

An epidemiological study was carried out on the vector[s] and reservoir[s] of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural areas of Kalaleh District, Golestan Province during 2006 - 2007. Totally 4900 sand flies were collected using sticky papers and were subjected to molecular methods for detection of leishmanial parasite. Phlebotomus papatasi was the common species in outdoor and indoor resting places. Employing PCR technique showed only 1 out of 372 P. papatasi [0.3%] was positive to parasite due Leishmania major. Sixteen rodent reservoir hosts were captured by Sherman traps and identified as Rhombomys opimus. Microscopic investigation on blood smear of the animals for amastigote parasites revealed 6[37.5%] infected rodents. Infection of these animals to L. major was then confirmed by PCR against rDNA loci of the parasite. This is the first molecular report of parasite infection of both vector [P. papatas] and reservoir [R. opimus] to L. major. The results indicated that P. papatas was the primary vector of the disease and circulating the parasite between human and reservoirs, and R. opimus was the most important host reservoir for maintenance of the parasite source in the area

[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

seminested PCR based detection of Leishmania infantum infection in asymptomatic dogs in a new endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran

Visceral Leishmaniasis [Kala-azar] is a serious health problem in some northern and south western parts of Iran. The incidence of kala-azar caused by Leishmania infantum has recently increased in Nourabad-Mamassani district of Fars Province, in the south of the country. This study was designed to determine the role of asymptomatic dogs as host reservoir of L. infantum in this new formed focus and detection of prevalence of infection near them. A total of 20 asymptomatic stray and sheep dogs were randomly sampled. The Buffy coat layer of their peripheral blood was used for DNA extraction and PCR. A species specific seminested PCR was used for DNA amplification using LINR4, LIN17 and LIN19 primers. These primers amplified variable area of the minicircle kDNA of Leishmania parasites. Of the 20 sampled dogs checked for leishmanial kDNA, six [30%] were found naturally infected. It is concluded that, dogs [Canis familiaris] even if asymptomatic, is considered as the domestic host reservoir of kala-azar in this endemic focus

Distribution of soft ticks and their natural infection with Borrelia in a focus of relapsing fever in Iran

Tick-borne diseases such as relapsing fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] are of public health importance in Iran. There are 471 reported cases of relapsing fever in 2003, according to the Ministry of Health of Iran. The number of cases has been increased in recent years. Its distribution is more or less prevalent in different parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to find out the fauna and natural infection of soft ticks with Borrelia in Qazvin Province, during their seasonal activity. The province covers 15821 km[2] between 48-45 to 50-50 east of Greenwich Meridian of longitude and 35-37 to 36-45 north latitude of the equator. For this purpose a field study was carried out in the region. A total of 54 villages from 19 districts were selected randomly and ticks were collected from their habitats according to the standard method. A total of 3197 Argasidae ticks were collected from human dwellings, poultry and animal shelters. They belonged to Argas and Ornithodoros genera which 36.8% were Argas persicus, 4% A. reflexus, 6.4% O. canestrini, 45.5% O. lahorensis and 7.3% O. tholozani. It should be noted that 12 ticks of O. erraticus were collected from 12 rodents borrows. We found that 8.82% of O. tholozani ticks were infected with Borrelia persica and half of the O. erraticus were infected with Borrelia microti. All the people who are involved with veterinary activities should be aware of disease transmission by the ticks. In the endemic area of the disease tick control is recommended

[Determination of reservoir[s] and vector[s] of cutaneous leishmaniasis by nested-PCR in Marvdasht District, Fars Province, Southern Iran]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] is an increasing public health problem in several parts of Iran. In southern parts, the incidence of CL has been doubled over the last decade. This epidemiological study was done for determination of reservoir[s] and vector[s] of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural regions of Marvdasht, Fars province, southern Iran during 2003 and 2004. A total of 126 rodents were collected from three villages using live traps and their Giemsa-stained smears were studied for leishmania infection. After DNA extraction from positive smears, Nested-PCR was used for the identification of parasite species. In another procedure, 200 sand flies were collected by aspirator and after species identification DNA extraction and PCR was done. The collected samples included Meriones libycus [75.4%], Cricetulus migratorius [14.3%] and Microtus arualis [10.3%]. Eight out of 95 Meriones libycus [8.4%] were found to be infected with Leishmania major. None of the other species were positive. Among the collected female sandflies 75% were identified to be Phlebotomus papatasi and 2.7% of them were found with L.major infection. Only 2.7% of Phlebotomus papatasi were found naturally infected with Leishmania major. This is the first report of detection of L.major by Nested-PCR in P.papatasi as a proven principal vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Fars province, south of Iran

Vectors and reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Marvdasht district, southern Islamic Republic of Iran

An epidemiological study was made of vectors and reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural regions of Marvdasht, Fars province, southern Islamic Republic of Iran during 2003-04. Using live traps, 126 rodents were collected: 75.4% were Meriones libycus, 14.3% Cricetulus migratorius and 10.3% Microtus arvalis. Eight out of 95 Meriones libycus [8.4%] were found to be infected with Leishmania major, identified by nested-PCR; none of the other rodents were positive. Female sandflies were collected from indoor locations: 75% were Phlebotomus papatasi and only 2.7% were found naturally infected with L. major. This is the first report of P. papatasi as a proven vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in this area