Modeling Spatial Distribution of Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Its Potential Implication in Leishmaniasis Transmission in Morocco

Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases caused by species and transmitted by the bite of sand flies. The genus and of sand flies are known to be the responsible vector for transmitting almost all species to humans. The detection of DNA in species of the genus , in different regions, suggests their likely role in transmission. Our objective was to determine the potential geographical distribution of the most dominant species in Morocco, using ecological niche modeling. The results showed the widespread geographical distribution of in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco where visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis foci occur. There were six abiotic factors affecting the distribution of whose annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and precipitation of driest month as the most important ecological variables of the model. A positive statistical correlation between human leishmaniasis cases and abundance was noted suggesting the potential involvement of in local transmission cycles.