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

Abstract

An entomological survey was carried out in the locality of Aichoune to conduct a study on sand flies, species composition, and monthly relative abundance. This study is essential for the implementation of integrated vector management control. Insects collection was carried out twice a month from January 2013 to December 2014 by means of adhesive and CDC-type light traps. A total of 5441 sand flies were collected with the predominance of males (a sex ratio = 1.89). The sampled specimens consist of seven species divided into two genera: Phlebotomus (99.55%) and Sergentomyia (0.44%). Phlebotomus sergenti was the dominant species with an average annual proportion of 47.38%, followed by P. perniciosus (37.32%), P. longicuspis (8,56%), P. papatasi (6.23%), and P. ariasi (0.05%). The genus Sergentomyia was less common (0.44%). S.minuta was represented only by 0.36% and S. fallax by 0.07%. The species dynamics showed a unimodal evolution for P. sergenti and P. papatasi. They were active from May to October. P. perniciosus presents a trimodal trend showing the most relevant peak in August. The highest number of specimens was collected in June, when the temperature reaches an annual average value of 25.5°C. The obtained results will help us better understand the leishmaniasis transmission dynamics in the Aichoune locality and will contribute to the design of a surveillance strategy.

Influence of Basic Environmental Factors on Seasonal Variation and Distribution of Sand Flies at Ben Slimane Sites in Fez City, Morocco

“…The results agree with those obtained in the same region of Fez Meknes, 24,31, especially in the Province of Sefrou. 23,29,30 It was confirmed that the temperature parameter is strongly correlated with the distribution of the seven species of sand flies captured in the Aichoun locality. On the other hand, relative humidity and precipitation do not have a positive effect on the existence and abundance of these species; rather, the correlation is strongly negative.…”

“…On the other hand, relative humidity and precipitation do not have a positive effect on the existence and abundance of these species; rather, the correlation is strongly negative. 23,29,30 The impact of climatic factors on the abundance of this fauna was researched on another biotope in Meknes prefecture, revealing a strong positive correlation between temperature and the different species of phlebotomine, and a negative correlation between humidity and phlebotomine activity was also confirmed. 24 Correlations between the studied parameters According to Table 3, the majority of correlation coefficients are positive, indicating a direct and significant relationship between the above variables in the study area.…”

“…Sand fly abundance is influenced by climatic conditions, as peaks were reported in June, July, and August for all three species when these two criteria are combined. According to studies carried out in the central region of Morocco, [27][28][29][30] climatic factors such as temperature (between 16 and 30°C), humidity (56 to 82%), and poor hygiene (existence of caves, rodent burrows, and uncontrolled dumps) contribute to sand fly population proliferation. This result is consistent with that obtained in Ben Slimane, while the recorded temperature (between 23 and 30°C) and relative humidity (30 to 70%) constitute the climatic zone favorable to the development of sand flies.…”

Ecological Survey of the Peridomestic Sand Flies of an Endemic Focus of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the South-East of Morocco

“…In Morocco, Ph. sergenti is known as a widespread species throughout the country and predominant in the arid and Saharan areas [45][46][47]. Te vector is abundant in rural areas as well as in the habitats of the urban population [48].…”

Distribution and Abundance of Sand Flies in Five Selected Communities in Fez, Morocco, and Impact of Climatic Factors

“…In the same region of Fez Meknes (ex. Fez-Boulmane), particularly in Moulay Yakoub province, 31, and Sefrou Province, 32,33 temperature and humidity are the main parameters of the biological evolution of the disease. The phlebotomine density in Ouled Aid reaches its maximum when the temperature is between 30 and 35°C.…”