Summary
Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) due to Leishmania
tropica is spreading to new areas. Exposure to the vector,Phlebotomus sergenti , is the only proven risk factor. Our
objective was to compare the densities and genetic characteristics ofP. sergenti populations in two nearby localities in Morocco, one
within an ACL endemic area (El Borouj) and another undamaged (Sidi
Hajjaj). Statistically significant differences were detected betweenP. sergenti densities with a higher density of P. sergentiin the endemic town (p≤ 0.032). A different main P. sergentimitochondrial lineage was evidenced in each one of the 2 localities, and
for the first time, the lineage of P. sergenti specimens that are
acting as a vector of L. tropica has been identified. Bioclimatic
differences were detected between both localities. In conclusion,
between an ACL endemic locality and another ACL free there are
differences in both the density of P. sergenti and the
mitochondrial lineage that may explain the different epidemiological
situation. Given that the density of P. sergenti in the locality
without ACL cases seems sufficient to allow transmission, the main
factor that would justify its ACL undamaged character could be the
absence of P. sergenti Lineage IV, which seems to prefer warmer
and drier climates.