Spatial distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in the Aydin Mountains and surroundings: the main focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in western TurkeyArchived

Ozbel Y 1, Balcioğlu IC 2, Olgen MK 3, Simsek FM 4, Töz SÖ 1, Ertabaklar H 5, Demir S 6, Alkan MZ 1.1 Ege University Medical School Department of Parasitology, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey2 Celal Bayar University Medical School Department of Parasitology, Manisa, Turkey3 Ege University Department of Geography, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey 4 Adnan Menderes University Arts and Science Faculty, Department of Biology, Aydin, Turkey 5 Adnan Menderes University Medical School Department of Parasitology, Aydin, Turkey6 Mustafa Kemal University Science Faculty Department of Biology, Hatay, TurkeyJournal of Vector Ecology Mar. 2011. 36(Suppl 1): S99-S105. doi: 10.1111/j.1948-7134.2011.00118.x.

An entomological survey was conducted to determine the spatial distribution of phlebotomine fauna and understand the effect of environmental factors. The entomological survey was carried out during 2006-2007 in a study area in the rural area of Aydin province, near the Kusadasi town where VL, CL, and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) are endemic. In 2006 and 2007, 132 locations were sampled using sticky traps mainly on embankments. Detailed environmental and meteorological information was also collected for each location. The results of entomological studies indicated that the probable vectors are Phlebotomus tobbi and P. neglectus for VL and CanL, and P. similis for CL in this western leishmaniasis focus. The data revealed a correlation between their presence and spatial variables such as altitude, sampling site location, and humidity. The distribution areas of probable vector species in this study area allowed the identification of risk levels, which may provide useful information to guide the leishmaniasis research in endemic regions.

VBORNET comment: 2010-04-12

The Journal of Vector Ecology has edited an interesting special issue on sand flies and sand fly transmitted diseases, of which several are related to public health in Europe. Among these, Ozbel et al. report an entomological survey carried out to determine the spatial distribution of sand fly fauna in a human and canine leishmaniasis endemic area of Turkey and analyses were done to understand effect of environmental factors on sand fly’s distribution. Only sticky paper traps were used and environmental and meteorological information was obtained for each location. Results suggest as probable vectors Phlebotomus tobbi and P. neglectus for VL and CanL, and P. similis for CL in this endemic focus. The authors pinpoint that altitude, humidity and sampling site location are significantly important spatial variables for the distribution of sand fly species. Meteorological data, remotely sensed images and vector distribution areas are used for identifying risk levels which is an important issue in terms of public health. Identification of risk levels and/or preparation of risk maps can guide policy makers and public health authorities for leishmaniasis control program. Moreover, analysis of different environmental factors without leishmaniasis or vector distribution data may also allow the prediction of potential risks.