Molecular surveillance of sandfly-borne phleboviruses in Robat Karim County, Tehran
Ebrahim Abbasi
Abstract
• Papatasi fever, or three-day fever, is transmitted by the female sandfly species Phlebotomus papatasi, with symptoms resembling influenza. Robat Karim County's climate and high sandfly population create an ideal environment for P. papatasi. The study aims to conduct molecular monitoring of the Papatasi fever virus in the sandflies of this region. • In Robat Karim County, 679 sandflies were collected using traps and aspirators across seven selected areas. A random selection of 500 samples was transferred to the Medical Entomology Department laboratory. Species identification and frequency were determined, followed by molecular examination for Papatasi virus using Real-time PCR at Tehran Pasteur Institute. • Out of the 679 sandfly samples, 310 (45.65%) were males and 369 (54.35%) were females. Seven species were identified, including three species of the genus Phlebotomus and four of the genus Sergentomyia, with Phlebotomus sergenti being the most prevalent (28.57%). None of the 500 samples tested for Papatasi virus infection via Real-time PCR were positive. • Robat Karim is an endemic area for infectious diseases such as leishmaniasis. Climate change in the region favors the growth and reproduction of Phlebotomus papatasi, a vector for sandfly fever. Since there is no vaccine for sandfly fever, preventive measures are crucial for controlling and reducing sandfly-transmitted diseases. Papatasi fever, also known as three-day fever, is a viral illness transmitted by the sandfly species Phlebotomus papatasi , characterized by symptoms similar to influenza. This study focused on Robat Karim County in Tehran Province, a region where climate change and the high prevalence of sandflies create an ideal environment for transmitting this virus. Researchers conducted a molecular survey of the Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) in sandflies from seven selected areas within the county. A total of 679 sandflies were collected using traps and aspirators, with 500 samples randomly selected for analysis at the Medical Entomology Department. These samples were examined at the Tehran Pasteur Institute using real-time PCR to detect the presence of the Papatasi virus. The results showed no positive cases of the virus among the samples tested. Despite the absence of current infections, the study underscores the importance of preventive measures due to the conducive conditions for sandfly proliferation driven by climate change and the lack of a vaccine for sandfly fever. Efforts to control sandfly populations and reduce the risk of disease transmission remain critical in this region.