Evaluation of Rodent Fauna of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Reservoir in East Azerbaijan Province of Iran During 2018-2019

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases that represents a serious health problem worldwide. This disease exists in three forms: cutaneous (rural, urban), visceral, and mucocutaneous. In the rural type, some rodents play the role of a reservoir. In our country, many people are infected with this disease every year. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is now common in some parts of East Azerbaijan province. Considering that no comprehensive study on the general condition of cutaneous Leishmaniasis reservoirs in this province has been done so far, this research was very necessary. This study was conducted to investigate the fauna, distribution, and frequency of rodents in East Azerbaijan province from 2018 to 2019. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Cluster sampling was performed on rodents. Rodents were caught each week by 30 live traps from different parts of East Azerbaijan province and were determined in the laboratory after examining their morphological characteristics. In order to identify Leishmaniasis, 2 samples were prepared from each rodent ear on a laboratory slide and after fixation with methanol and staining by Giemsa method, they were examined by light microscope. Results: A total of 100 rodents were found in this study, which included 5 species of Rhombomys opimus, Meriones libycus, Mus musculus, Nesokia indica, and Tatera indica. In this study, a total of 3 rodents infected with Leishmania parasite were caught, 2 of which were from Meriones libycus from Azarshahr and Sarab counties and 1 from R. opimus from Kalibar. Conclusion: Infection of R. opimus and M. libycus species was identified in Azarshahr, Sarab, and Kalibar counties. These two species are the most important reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. It is suggested that rodents be controlled in areas where there are cases of disease and rodents have been infected with Leishmania parasite in order to control the disease.