[ study on the vectors of the cutaneous leishmaniasis in the northern part of Mashhad, Iran]

ABSTRACT

Phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of different forms of leishmaniasis in Iran. Study on their ecology is essential for suggestion of leishmaniasis control programs. Following annually new case reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis, at Hemat Abad an investigation on the fauna and monthly activating phlebotomines was carried out during Mar 2003. Nov. 2003 in this region. Phlebotomine sand-flies were collected every 10 days from outdoors and indoors with sticky traps, during Mar. 2003-Nov. 2003. In this study 521 sand-flies were collected from outdoors and indoors [2 species of phlebotomus genus and 2 species of sergentomyia genus], as follows, P. sergenti [74.7%], P. papatasi [1Ll %], S. sintoni [13.3%], S. sombarica [0.9%]. The sand flies active season begins from April till October in this region. P. sergenti was the predominant phlebotomines species in our investigation. Based on the results, P. sergenti is the probable vector of Cutaneous leishmaniasis in this region and P. Papatasi can transmit disease from rodents to humans