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

Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by Phlebotominae sand flies. An entomological survey was carried out in different localities of Zagora Province. Our work allowed us to establish an inventory of sand flies to study potential vectors of leishmaniasis and to compare the composition and the specific abundance of different endemic stations. The sand flies were collected using CDC miniature light traps during the month of July 2019 in the ten studied villages. The results indicate the presence of thirteen species, belonging to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Phlebotomus papatasi was the predominant species (46.65%) followed by Ph. alexandri (17%), Ph. longicuspis (11.55%), Ph. bergeroti (1.53%) and Ph. sergenti (1.27%). Phlebotomus kazeruni (0.03%) was rare, and only one female was captured in Ifred. Sergentomyia schwetzi (8.69%) was the most prevalent species in the Sergentomyia genus followed closely by Se. fallax (6.84%). Sergentomyia africana was present with a proportion of (3.86%) followed by Se. clydei (1.96%). Sergentomyia dreifussi (0.46%), Se. antennata (0.08%), and Se. minuta (0.08%) were very limited. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. bergeroti, Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Se. schwetzi, Se. clydei, and Se. fallax are constant species, being present at least in 50% of the stations (occurrence> 50%). Common species (25%-49%) were Se. minuta and Se. africana and rare species were Ph. kazeruni and Se. antennata with a very limited distribution (occurrence <12%). The greatest species richness was found in Ksar Mougni and Ifred with the occurrence of 11 species, but overall, it was high (>9 species) in most of the villages. The Shannon-Wiener index was high (H' > 1) in eight localities (Ksar Mougni, Tassaouante, Bleida, ZaouiteLeftah, Ifred, Timarighine, Ait Oulahyane, and Ait Ali Ouhassou). The high value of this index is in favor of the ZaouiteLeftah locality (Shannon-Wiener index = 1.679) which is explained by the presence of a stand dominated by Ph. papatasi. In order to avoid exposure to infections, a good epidemiological surveillance and vector with rodent control measures must be well maintained. Awareness campaigns are also required and must be conducted for better knowledge of the disease.

Diversity and Bionomics of Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of an Endemic Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Zagora Province, Southeast of Morocco.

The diversity and seasonality for sandflies were studied in 2019 at a focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Zagora province, southern Morocco. Standardized sampling with CDC light traps was used. A total of 4504 sandflies (4024 Phlebotomus and 480 Sergentomyia) was collected during the study period. Seven species belonging to genus Phlebotomus and six species of genus Sergentomyia were identified. The most abundant species were Ph. papatasi (33.6%) and Ph. longicuspis (25.7%), highlighting the risk for local disease transmission foci. The seasonal activity of sandflies extended from April to November, showing two peaks, one in June-July and one, less important, in late-September-October. Abundance was highest during the months May, June, and July and lowest in August, September, and October. Results of this study provide important baseline data for planning control interventions.

The Current Insecticide Resistance in Main Malaria Vector Anopheles arabiensis in Yemen.

Control of malaria vectors in Yemen relies on both indoor residual spraying using carbamate (bendiocarb) and long-lasting pyrethroids-treated nets. This paper reports the results of studies conducted to monitor the insecticide resistance of the main malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, to the insecticides currently used in the vector control in four different locations. Susceptibility tests were performed following the WHO test procedures. Two pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin 0.05% and deltamethrin 0.05%) and one carbamate (bendiocarb 0.1%) were tested at diagnostic doses (DD). The five-fold DD of lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin (0.25%) were also used to yield information on the intensity of resistance. Besides, tests with synergists were performed to assess the involvement of detoxifying enzyme in the phenotypic resistance of the populations of An. arabiensis to pyrethroids. The results of the performed susceptibility bioassay showed that the vector is susceptible to bendiocarb and resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin in the four studied areas. The pyrethroids resistance is solely metabolic. This information could help policy-makers to plan insecticide resistance management. Bendiocarb is still an effective insecticide in the form of IRS. Concerning LLINS, it would be interesting to assess their effectiveness, combining a pyrethroid with PBO for the control of the pyrethroid-resistant malaria vector.