Cutaneous leismaniasis in Bastak, Hormozgan province, 2003

Introduction: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis cases have recently increased in Bastak
area in Hormozgan province. There is no practical information on the causes and
vectors of this disease in the region. This study was designated in order to focus
on various aspects of the vectors in Bactak area.
Methods: In this descriptive study, sand flies were collected biweekly from
human dwellings and rodent burrows using sticky (oil) paper trap. Some bloodfed
and gravid female sand flies were dissected and examined for the presence of
leptomonad. When leptomonad was seen, a few drops of sterile saline were added
and fixed by methanol. Blood films were stained by gimsa.
Results: A total number of 729 sand flies were collected in which ten species
were identified. They consisted four species from the genus phlebotomies
(P.alexandri 62.28%, P. papatasi 12.62%, P. bergeroti 5.21%, P.sergenti
3.43%) and six species from the genus sergentomyia (S. sintoni 5.48%, S.clyder
3.57%, S.tiberiadis 3.57%, S.baghdadis 1.78%, S.dentata 1.1% and S.iranica
96%). S.iranica was reported for the first time from Hormozgan province. The
predominant species was P.alexandri indoors (68.84%) and in rodent burrows
(63%) in the area. Fifty one bloodfed and gravid sandflies (20 P.alexandri, 17
P.papatasi, 3 P.sergenti, 7 S.clyderi, 4 S.sitoni) were dissected, but all were
found to be negative.
Conclusion: Most probably P.papatasi is the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in
Bastak. Nevertheless, more studies are recommended.