Entomological Exploration of Sand Flies in Human Communities Affected by Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis in El Hajeb Province, Morocco

Abstract

Sand flies are the exclusive vectors of leishmaniasis. This group of parasitic diseases is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The aim of this study was to investigate the sand fly fauna, mainly the species composition, biodiversity, and seasonal activity of sand flies in El Hajeb in central Morocco. A total of six stations (Aït Naaman, Aït Rbaa, Aït Brahim, Ain Taoujdate, Sidi Mbarek, and Aït Oufella) were studied, five of which had recently recorded cases of leishmaniasis. Sand fly bimonthly captures were carried out using a sticky paper trap in different biotopes from March to December 2019. A total of 14590 adult sand flies were collected. The activity of the sand fly started in April and declined in November. The periods of high abundance were July, September, and November. Morphological identification of sand flies shows the presence of twelve species: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. longicuspis, P. perniciosus, P. sergenti, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. dreyfussi, P. ariasi, Sergentomyia fallax, S. minuta, S. schwetzi, and S. antennata. The analysis showed that species belonging to the genus Phlebotomus were the most dominant (93.3%) and the risk periods were spread during the summer and autumn seasons. The present study provides for the first time information on the species of sand flies in El Hajeb. It, therefore, provides decision makers with an important tool to conduct vector control actions during peak periods in order to limit the transmission of leishmaniasis. A preprint was made available by the research square in the following link: “https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1409330/v1/dfef7013-0327-4a54-897f-214924a2d950.pdf?c=1646838874.”

Perception and use of Medicinal Plants and Chemical Products in the Traditional Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Morocco

“…Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a group of neglected tropical diseases of parasitic origin caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies, insects of the genus Lutzomyia in the New World; and the genus Phlebotomus in the Old World. [1][2][3][4][5] These insects are a health problem in many countries around the world. 6,7,8 They are skin lesions that produce loss of self-esteem, anxiety, and social stigma.…”

Effect of Thyme Essential Oil on Serum Lipid Profile and Renal Function in Meleagris gallopavo

“…19,20 Studies have also shown the therapeutic effects of thyme on skin ulcers caused by leishmaniasis in rats, and also as a traditional herbal treatment to combat the insect vectors that transmit leishmaniasis, providing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activities. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Since the 1990s, several studies have been carried out on the effects of essential oils on the zootechnical performance of poultry especially…”