A conceptual model for understanding the zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission risk in the Moroccan pre-Saharan area

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The AuthorsLeishmanioses are of public health concern in Morocco, mainly the Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) endemic in the Moroccan pre-Saharian area. Transmission of this disease depends on eco-epidemiological and socio-economic conditions. Therefore, a multivariable approach is required to delineate the risk and intensity of transmission. This will help outline main disease risk factors and understand interactions between all underlying factors acting on disease transmission at a local and regional scale. In this context, we propose a new conceptual model, the Biophysical-Drivers-Response-Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (BDRZCL), adapted to the Pre-Saharian area. The proposed model highlights how the physical and human drivers affect the environment and human health. The incidence of ZCL is linked to human activity and biophysical changes or by their interactions. The human response added to risk drivers are the main components that influence the biophysical part. This model improves our understanding of the cause-effect interactions and helps decision-makers and stakeholders react appropriately.publishersversionpublishe

Analysis of the Vulnerability of Agriculture to Climate and Anthropogenic Impacts in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra Region, Morocco

peer reviewedClimate change (CC) is a significant concern for many climate-sensitive socio-economic sectors, such as agriculture and food production. The current study aimed at analyzing the current vulnerability of the Moroccan agricultural sector to CC and anthropogenic impact and identifying the relevant vulnerability factors in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region. In this regard, a multidisciplinary approach was used to assess the vulnerability. To do this, an index based on five components was designed, including climate, plant production, animal production, geography, and anthropogenic aspects. The numerical model has benefited from data retrieved from three recognized indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and from the reported data of the agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic governmental departments. The results showed that there was a significant vulnerability of all the five components to CC. Particularly, the province of Azilal was the most vulnerable, followed by Khénifra, Fquih Ben Salah, and Beni Mellal, while Khouribga was the least vulnerable. These components might help to determine the mechanisms and priority sectors, the most vulnerable to CC and anthropogenic effects, to take urgent measures. These may guide decision makers to carry out effective actions, namely, the amounts to be spent to mitigate this vulnerability. It will also make it possible to know where, when, and how the adaptation should take place

Drought and desertification in Moroccan Pre-Sahara, Draa valleys: exploring from the perspective of young people

Abstract Background Worldwide, the arid regions have been experiencing cyclical droughts and devastation due to land desertification. A multi-criteria approach was proposed to establish the relationship between these pressures and assess their impact on the socio-economical, physical, and biological resources. This method was applied at local scale in the palm grove of Draa valley in southeastern Morocco. This paper aims to assess the socio-ecological impacts of drought and desertification, to develop a set of impact indicators of each phenomenon, and explore the relationship between drought and desertification. A framework of analysis was developed based on data collected from a survey using samples of 580 questionnaires: 290 for desertification and 290 for drought. A Likert scale data analysis was applied and rating scales varies from Low, Middle, High, and Very High impact. Results The results depict that drought is considered a first-rate threat in this region. The findings indicated also a very strong link between drought and desertification. The area is currently suffering from drought followed by desertification and then inundation. Natural and human factors are in the origin of desertification. Conclusions A set of variables and common variables of drought and desertification were proposed to understand their impacts on well-being

Responses to Drought and Desertification in the Moroccan Drâa Valley Region: Resilience at the Expense of Sustainability?

Dryland and oasis communities in developing countries are considered to be among the most threatened by climate change impacts and the consequences of increasing human pressure on the environment. For centuries nomads and oasis communities have been demonstrating their adaptive capacities and resilience by coping with tough environmental conditions. In the Moroccan Drâa Valley, we explore different top-down, bottom-up, regional and local adaptation strategies, applied in response to increasing droughts and desertification rates. The adaptations of different sectors and actors have been integrated in a regional study in order to frame them from both the resilience and sustainability perspectives. The findings underline that while human adaptive strategies are mostly capable of addressing stressors and enhancing resilience (in the short run) locally, ecosystems resilience and regional social-ecological sustainability are under threat. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of reframing resilient strategies in the light of sustainability and long term resilience perspectives

Seasonal Patterns of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by L. major and Transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi in the North Africa Region, a Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Background: In North African countries, zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a seasonal disease linked to Phlebotomus papatasi, Scopoli, 1786, the primary proven vector of L. major dynamics. Even if the disease is of public health importance, studies of P. papatasi seasonal dynamics are often local and dispersed in space and time. Therefore, a detailed picture of the biology and behavior of the vector linked with climatic factors and the framework of ZCL outbreaks is still lacking at the North African countries’ level. Our study aims to fill this gap via a systematic review and meta-analysis of the seasonal incidence of ZCL and the activity of P. papatasi in North African countries. We address the relationship between the seasonal number of declared ZCL cases, the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi, and climatic variables at the North African region scale. Methods: We selected 585 publications, dissertations, and archives data published from 1990 to July 2022. The monthly incidence data of ZCL were extracted from 15 documents and those on the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi from 11 publications from four North African countries. Results: Our analysis disclosed that for most studied sites, the highest ZCL incidence is recorded from October to February (the hibernal season of the vector), while the P. papatasi density peaks primarily during the hot season of June to September. Overall, at the North African region scale, two to four months laps are present before the apparition of the scars reminiscent of infection by L. major. Conclusions: Such analysis is of interest to regional decision-makers for planning control of ZCL in North African countries. They can also be a rationale on which future field studies combining ZCL disease incidence, vector activity, and climatic data can be built

A systematic review and global analysis of the seasonal activity of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti, the primary vectors of L. tropica.

BackgroundPhlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti is a widespread proven vector of Leishmania pathogens causing anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), due to L. tropica, in the old world. The activity of P. (Par.) sergenti is seasonal and sensitive to general variations in climate. Phenological data sets can thus provide a baseline for continuing investigations on P. (Par.) sergenti population dynamics that may impact future leishmaniasis transmission and control scenarios.Methods/principal findingA systematic review of the seasonality of P. (Par.) sergenti was undertaken globally. Six hundred eight scientific papers were identified, and data were extracted from 35 ones, with informative data on sand fly seasonal dynamics on trapping performed from 1992 to December 2021 on 63 sites from 12 countries. Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, and Georgia. The data extracted from the literature survey were further normalized. Our analysis recorded that the highest P.(Par.) sergenti activity occurs during the hot and dry seasons, primarily in July and August, whatever the location studied. We noticed a relationship between the latitude of sites and sand fly presence (from early April to June) and the type of density trend, varying from a single peak to multiple peaks. On a geographical scale, P. (Par.) sergenti concentrates between 32-37° in latitude in a large interval following the longitude and the highest number of sites with high P. (Par.) sergenti activity is located at the latitude 32°. We also quoted a similar seasonal dynamic and geographic distribution with Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi, a proven vector of L. major that causes cutaneous infection. No apparent risk for ACL occurred from December to March, at least in the years and geographic areas considered in this survey. Altogether, knowing that high P. (Par.) sergenti activity would be linked with an increased risk of leishmaniasis transmission, and our study provides information that can be used for control programs on ACL transmission.ConclusionsDespite variations, we found a relatively homogeneous pattern of P. (Par.) sergenti potential behavior in sites whose data are published. A higher risk for L. tropica transmission was identified in the June-October period. Still, such risk was not equally distributed throughout the area since density waves of adults occurred earlier and were more frequent in some territories, like Saudi Arabia

The seasonal <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> density (normalized values) extracted for southern Asia countries. Sites from the same locality were gathered in a single graph.

The seasonal P. (Par.) sergenti density (normalized values) extracted for southern Asia countries. Sites from the same locality were gathered in a single graph.</p

Seasonal <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> density (normalized values) extracted for Morocco, North Africa, as revealed by our meta-analysis. Data collected from different studies performed in the same locality are grouped in the same figure. Asia, western Asia.

Turkey’s bimodal sand fly density distributions are recorded (Figs 3 and 6 and Table 1). In the Curkova area, two series of data collected in 2007 and from 2011 to 2012 were extracted from the literature. Both display a bimodal distribution of P. (Par.) sergenti density, with maximum peaks occurring in June, July, and September.</p

The seasonal density of <i>P</i>. <i>(Par</i>.<i>) sergenti</i> (normalized values) was extracted from data collected for Iran.

The seasonal density of P. (Par.) sergenti (normalized values) was extracted from data collected for Iran.</p