Author/Authors :
Rassi, Y. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Institute of Health Research, School of Public Health, تهران, ايران , Gassemi, M.M. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Institute of Health Research, School of Public Health, تهران, ايران , Javadian, E. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Institute of Health Research, School of Public Health, تهران, ايران , Rafizadeh, S. Ministry of Health and Medical Education - Centre of Disease Control, Genetics Office, ايران , Motazedian, H. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Institute of Health Research, School of Public Health, تهران, ايران , Vatandoost, H. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Institute of Health Research, School of Public Health, تهران, ايران
Abstract :
An epidemiological study was made of vectors and reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural regions of Marvdasht, Fars province, southern Islamic Republic of Iran during 2003-04. Using live traps, 126 rodents were collected: 75.4% were Meriones libycus, 14.3% Cricetulus migratorius and 10.3% Microtus arvalis. Eight out of 95 Meriones libycus (8.4%) were found to be infected with Leishmania major, identified by nested-PCR; none of the other rodents were positive. Female sandflies were collected from indoor locations: 75% were Phlebotomus papatasi and only 2.7% were found naturally infected with L. major. This is the first report of P. papatasi as a proven vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in this area.
