Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Characterization of its Habitats Using Satellite Images in Fez City, North Central Morocco

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 30,000 new cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and more than one million cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) annually. Geographically, these diseases are more widespread, and cases are now reported in areas where the disease was not previously endemic. 9 As in most Mediterranean countries, leishmaniasis represents a severe public health problem in Morocco. 11 It is the first group of vector-borne diseases, whether they are zoonotic or anthroponotic, visceral or cutaneous. 12 Leishmaniasis is among the infectious diseases that must be reported according to Ministerial Order No. 683-95 of March 31, 1995. 13,14 Zoonotic leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum, is rife throughout the Mediterranean region. Species of the subgenus Larroussius, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) Perniciosus, and Phlebotomus (Larroussius) longicuspis, are the proven and suspected vectors of visceral leishmaniasis. 15 The distribution and transmission of the disease are closely linked with the vector, ecological, and bioclimatic factors. 16,17,18 These disease vectors and their relationship to environmental factors (such as temperature, humidity, and vegetation cover) must be explored and studied to conduct appropriate monitoring and control strategies. In this context, this research was conducted to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and characterize its habitats using satellite images in the city of Fez.