Aim: Zoonotic rodents (Rodentia: Muridae: Gerbillinae) and phlebotominae sand flies are the major reservoir hosts and vectors of Leishmania major causing Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) respectively. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniosis (CL) in Tangestan county; Southwest Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on human cases, probable reservoirs and vectors of CL at Tangestan County in 2017. The data of patients were taken on Health Centers and analyzed. In order to determination faunestic of sand flies, they were collected using sticky paper traps, and identified using identification keys. The rodent samples were captured using Sherman live traps and determined for amastigote infection.
Results: Totally, 436 cases were occurred during 2005-2017 and the incidence rate of disease was (0.2 12/100,000 people). Six species of sand flies including three species of Phlebotomus and three species of Sergentomyia were identified. From 185 trapped rodents 9 species were identified. We founded, 2 out of 132 T. indica (1.53%) were positive with leishmania spp. using microscopic method.
Conclusion: According to existence of leishmaniasis human cases as a host, T. indica with high abundance and infected to leishmania as a reservoir, and existence of P. papatasi with high abundance as a suspected vector of disease; There is a potential for transmission of disease in the area. Design of exact control and prevention strategies is highly recommended.
Key words: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Rodents, Sand flies, Iran
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