Population structure analysis of Phlebotomus papatasi populations using transcriptome microsatellites: possible implications for leishmaniasis control and vaccine development.

Background: Phlebotomus papatasi is considered the primary vector of Leishmania major parasites that cause zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in the Middle East and North Africa. Phlebotomus papatasi populations have been studied extensively, revealing the existence of different genetic populations and subpopulations over its large distribution range. Genetic diversity and population structure analysis using transcriptome microsatellite markers is important to uncover the vector distribution dynamics, essential for controlling ZCL in endemic areas.

Descriptive and Geometric Morphometry of the Wings of Populations in Central Morocco.

Background: , the proven vector of , the causative agent of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, is widely distributed in Morocco. Previous works using molecular markers (Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 rDNA and Cytochrome B mtDNA) hypothesized the existence of multiple closely related populations of sand fly species (cryptic species) that would exhibit distinct vectorial capacities. This work studies morphotypic diversity using traditional and geometric morphometry analyses carried out on 's wings from central Morocco, where active transmission occurs for 30 years.

Population Genetics of from Endemic and Nonendemic Areas for Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Morocco, as Revealed by Gene Subunit I Sequencing.

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Yakimoff & Shokhor and transmitted by (Scopoli) is a public health concern in Morocco. The disease is endemic mainly in pre-Saharan regions on the southern slope of the High Atlas Mountains. The northern slope of the High Atlas Mountains and the arid plains of central Morocco remain non-endemic and are currently considered high risk for ZCL.

Thirty years of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tadla-Azilal focus, Morocco.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to is a major health problem in Tadla-Azilal focus, Morocco, where the first case was registered, here, in one locality named Tanant in 1987. So far, CL remains endemic and largely widespread. The objective of this study was to analyze the current eco-epidemiological situation after thirty years of active transmission.

Wing size and shape variation of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) populations from the south and north slopes of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

The wing shape and size morphology of populations of the medically important phlebotomine sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi, were examined in two endemic (south of the Atlas Mountains) and nonendemic (north of the Atlas Mountains) foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis by using geometric morphometrics in Morocco. Although it is present in all of Morocco, P. papatasi is the main vector of Leishmania major in only southern part of the Atlas Mountains.