Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Discrimination of Phlebotomus Perfiliewi Transcaucasicus, Ph. Major Sensu Lato and Ph. Tobbi (Diptera: Psychodidae) Using Morphometric and Dna Barcoding Methods in the Endemic Foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ardabil Province, North West of Iran Publisher



Barmaki A1, 2 ; Rassi Y1, 3 ; Absavaran A4 ; Akhavan AA1 ; Moradiasl E3, 5 ; Zahraeiramazani A1 ; Rafizadeh S6
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
  3. 3. Arthropod-Borne Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
  6. 6. Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, and prevalent in more than 70 countries and several regions of Iran. It is one of the main diseases transmitted by sand flies. In this work, geometric morphometrics and DNA barcoding were employed as novel techniques to enhance the diagnostic tools used in this study. Methods: Phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus, Phlebotomus major s.l., and Phlebotomus tobbi caught from three districts in the Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran. The right wings of 286 female sand flies were analyzed using geometric morphometric (GM) tools. Additionally, the COI gene was isolated from each of the three species, amplified using universal primers, and sequenced through the DNA barcoding method for classification. This sequencing data was then formatted to generate morphometric analyses. Results: The landmarks with the most variations were found in sets 10, 12, 13, and 14, whereas the first set's landmarks at 1 and 11, along with those from the second set at positions 2, 3, and 5 exhibited the greatest variations. Analysis of the size and shape variations in the wings indicates the presence of distinct populations (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the DNA barcoding results not only confirmed the findings from the geometric morphometric analysis but also revealed both interspecific and intraspecific distances. Conclusion: This study was the first attempt to assess whether wing geometry morphometrics, combined with DNA barcode techniques, can effectively distinguish the three mentioned species in the studied areas. Furthermore, the identification of Phlebotomus neglectus in this area prompted recommendations for additional research. Copyright © 2024 The Authors.
Other Related Docs
23. Mapping and Review of Leishmaniasis, Its Vectors and Main Reservoirs in Iran, Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences (2015)
49. Control of Phlebotomine Sand Flies in Iran: A Review Article, Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases (2016)
50. Visceral Leishmaniasis: Kala-Azar, Diagnostic Cytopathology (2021)