Species Composition of Phlebotominae Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Mashhad City, an Endemic Focus of Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Northeastern Iran Publisher



Shahidihakak F ; Zahraeiramazani A ; Azarm A ; Motaharinezhad M ; Abbassian H
Source: Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Phlebotomine sand flies are the primary vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis. We conducted a field survey and comprehensive literature review to investigate the species composition and bionomics of sand flies in Mashhad, a major pilgrimage and tourist city in northeastern Iran. This location is critical due to its high population mobility, which can influence disease dynamics. Methods: Sand flies were collected monthly from spring to winter 2022 using sticky paper traps at 108 sites across Mashhad's diverse ecological zones. Species were identified, and population densities were calculated. Climatic data for 2022 were sourced from the Mashhad Meteorological Station. Using SPSS version 26, we employed ANOVA to compare seasonal species densities and Pearson correlation to analyses relationships between climatic parameters and sand fly abundance. Result: A total of 3,270 sand fly specimens were collected, representing two genera. The majority (98%) belonged to the genus Phlebotomus, while the remaining 2% were classified under Sergentomyia. The identified species and their respective relative abundances were as follows: Ph. sergenti (76.29%), Ph. papatasi (18.53%), Ph. alexandri (1.10%), Ph. ansari (1.00%), Se. sumbarica (1.31%), Ph. caucasicus (0.73%), Ph. major group (0.61%), and Se. sintoni (0.42%). Statistical analysis revealed significant seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of sand fly species, which were strongly associated with environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity. Conclusion: The bionomics, diversity, and population density of sand flies vary across different locations and times, a factor that must be considered in advanced studies, prevention, and control programs. Copyright © 2025 The Authors.