Geographical distribution and ecological features of the great gerbil subspecies in the main zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis foci in Iran

ObjectiveTo reveal subspecies composition of Rhombomy opimus (R. opimus) in Iran.MethodsIn this study, field specimens of the gerbil were collected from all its geographical rang in northeast and central parts of Iran and identified on basis of morphological characteristics.ResultsResults revealed presence of two subspecies of R. opimus sodalis and R. opimus sargadensis in the country. The first subspecies with brown to hazel-nut color and a size bigger than a typical R. opimus was found only in Golestan province, an isolated colony which is located in plains of north slopes of Alborz Chain Mountains of the country, connected with the Turkmenistan. The subspecies of R. opimus sargadensis with a yellowish color and similar size as a typical R. opimus was found in all other areas of the great gerbil distribution in Iran. There was a distinct topographic difference but similar ectoparasites between colonies of the two subspecies in the study area.ConclusionsFurther ecological and genetic investigations are required for more detailed description of the R. opimus subspecies range and structure. The R. opimus – Phlebotomus papatasi-Leishmania major association and the ZCL severity and outcome in hosts are discussed.