Pilot study to assess the impact of feed-through insecticide on the sand fly density in an endemic area of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Morocco.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a significant public health concern in Morocco. Leishmania major, the principal cause of zoonotic CL (ZCL) in Morocco, is transmitted by the female sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi, with the great gerbil (Meriones shawi) serving as the primary reservoir host. Current control strategies predominantly rely on strychnine-treated bait targeting gerbils. Recently, insecticide-treated rodent bait has emerged as a promising alternative for ZCL control. This study evaluated the village-level impact of feed-through insecticide, involving two intervention villages and two control villages, with outcomes assessed through female sand fly density and Leishmania infection rates.

Methodology/principal findings

The study was conducted in the Prov

SUBMITTER: Van Bortel W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747434 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature