Entomological Investigations in Chichaoua: An Emerging Epidemic Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Morocco

Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica Wright seems to be an emerging disease in Chichaoua, a province located in southwestern Morocco. In this study, sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) were collected from 12 stations. Sticky traps were placed in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic sites. In total, 3,787 specimens consisting of 10 species (seven Phlebotomus and three Sergentomiya) were identified. Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, the predominant species, was abundant, especially in mountainous areas. Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot (12%) was found in all studied villages where it was associated with domestic and peridomestic habitats. On the basis of its abundance, distribution, and notable anthropophily, P. sergenti, a proven vector of L. tropica elsewhere, is considered the cutaneous leishmaniasis vector in this emerging focus.