Diversity and Dynamics of Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Two Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Foci in the Fes-Boulemane Region of Northern Morocco

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infectious disease caused by various species ofLeishmaniaand transmitted by several species of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). In order to evaluate the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in Fes-Boulemane, an investigation was carried out in two localities, Aichoun and Bouasseme, during 2011. From January to December, 1120 specimens were collected in Aichoun comprising six species belonging to two genera:Phlebotomus sergenti(76.07%),Phlebotomus longicuspis(9.01%),Phlebotomus perniciosus(8.48%),Phlebotomus papatasi(4.82%),Sergentomyia minuta,andSergentomyia fallax. For Bouasseme, seven species were identified withPhlebotomus sergenti(60.39%) dominating, followed byPhlebotomus perniciosus(20%) andPhlebotomus longicuspis(12.15%). The remaining species,Phlebotomus papatasi,Phlebotomus ariasi,Sergentomyia minuta,andSergentomyia fallax,were less prevalent. The activity of sand flies in both localities is marked by the dominance ofPh. sergentiwith two peaks occurring in June and September. In order to obtain a better understanding of sand fly diversity among their species, results were analyzed by the ecological indices determinant: specific richness, the relative abundance, and Shannon-Weiner index (H′). Further studies of sand fly diversity should employ statistical tests and molecular analyses. This study can be useful in the implementation of appropriate future control measures.

Taxonomic and Ecological Interaction of Leishmaniasis Vectors (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Sefrou Province (Middle Atlas Morocco)

“…In this respect, the typical morphotype of P. perniciosus is primarily distributed in the northen part of the country. However, the atypical morphology is found specifically in the South, where only 1 in 100 males has bifid penises [ 26 ].…”

Cartography and Epidemiological Study of Leishmaniasis Disease in Sefrou Province (2007–2010), Central North of Morocco

“…In addition, our observations are in line with the typical aspect of the transmission of this type of leishmaniasis (CL), whose infestation phase dates back to the summer-autumn period of the past year, which is closely related to the dynamics of the vector Phlebotomine, Ph. sergenti [38][39][40].…”

Hydrogeology of a Complex Aquifer System in Semi-Arid Mountainous Region: The Eastern Upper Guir Basin in the High Atlas (Morocco)

“…From an economic standpoint, Figure 1. Climatic zone boundaries of Northern Morocco on both sides of Atlas ranges under mountainous climate influence (modified from [12][13][14][15]). Located in Northeast Morocco, along the Algerian border, the hydrographic basin of the Upper Guir includes, respectively, the occidental and oriental parts of the administrative regions of Errachidia and Figuig (Figure 1).…”