Nested PCRs and sequencing of nuclear ITS‐rDNA fragments detect three <i>Leishmania</i> species of gerbils in sandflies from Iranian foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract

Past conclusions about the transmission cycles of L. major in Iran should be treated with caution. Careful molecular eco-epidemiological investigations are essential for modelling the roles of different sandfly species in maintaining and spreading ZCL foci. Even if non-pathogenic to humans, frequent inoculations of L. turanica by sandflies might alter the efficacy of vaccines against L. major. Phlebotomus papatasi is probably the key vector in many ZCL foci because of its abundance and high infection rates with both L. major and L. turanica.