Studies on the morphological variations among different populations of Phlebotomus alexandri in western regions of Iran

Background: Leishmaniasis is considered as the most prevalent vector borne diseases in Iran. Phlebotomus alexandri is one of the important vectors of the disease.Objectives: This study was conducted to highlight the taxonomic status of P. alexandri in 2011- 2012 in western regions of Iran.Materials and Methods: Sand flies were collected by sticky and CDC light traps; examined under light microscope and identified using valid morphological keys Results: Five morphotypes (A, B, C, D and E) were found among the females of P. alexandri based on the shape of spermatheca and three morphotypes based on the pharynx. Three palpal formulas were also observed among the female sand flies. In male sand flies, based on the shape of style 3 morphotypes were observed and also 4 palpal formulas were identified. The samples of C, B and D morphotypes were similar to the samples from Syria, Pakistan and Iraq respectively. Spermathecal similarities among these 3 morphotypes of Iran and those reported from the mentioned countries strengthen the hypothesis that this sand fly vector may be a complex species.Conclusion: The results strengthen this hypothesis that Phlebotomus alexandri could be species complex.

Keywords:

Phlebotomus alexandri , Morphology , Sandflies , Taxonomic , Iran