Modeling Spatial Distribution of Sergentomyia minuta (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Its Potential Implication in Leishmaniasis Transmission in Morocco

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases caused by Leishmania species and transmitted by the bite of sand flies. The genus Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus of sand flies are known to be the responsible vector for transmitting almost all Leishmania species to humans. The detection of Leishmania DNA in species of the genus Sergentomyia, in different regions, suggests their likely role in Leishmania transmission. METHODS: Our objective was to determine the potential geographical distribution of Sergentomyia minuta, the most dominant Sergentomyia species in Morocco, using ecological niche modeling. RESULTS: The results showed the widespread geographical distribution of S. minuta in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco where visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis foci occur. There were six abiotic factors affecting the distribution of S. minuta whose annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and precipitation of driest month as the most important ecological variables of the model. CONCLUSION: A positive statistical correlation between human leishmaniasis cases and S. minuta abundance was noted suggesting the potential involvement of S. minuta in local Leishmania transmission cycles.