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 blood-fed 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