Seasonal Changes of sandflies: A study of the Endemic Outbreak of Leishmania Major in Zagora, Southeast Morocco

Leishmaniasis is endemic in the province of Zagora and presents a real danger to the health situation. It is manifested by endemic morbidity. The objective of this study is to assist in vector control measures by providing information on the richness, abundance, seasonal trend, presence and sex ratio of sand fly species in this active epidemic. The study was conducted in Bleida locality in the province of Zagora, during an outbreak of L. major. The results of this study, undertaken in 2019, showed the predominance of Ph. papatasi (44.8%), followed by Ph. longicuspis (26.3%) and S.schwetzi(8.2%).The analysis supports the involvement of P. papatasi as a vector of L. major in Bleida locality. which indicates the increase of cutaneous leishmania in the province of Zagora.