Epidemiologic and ecologic characteristics of some diseases transmitted by arthorpods on the littoral of the Republic of Croatia

Military Medicine, Apr 2002 by Mulic, Rosanda

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has been recorded sporadically in Dalmatia. The visceral form of the disease, or kala-azar, shows high regularity, occurring exclusively in central and southern Dalmatia, including some islands.8,34 Its possible occurrence in the inland areas of Croatia is epidemiologically related to the patient's stay on the littoral.34 Dogs have been demonstrated as reservoirs for the visceral form of the disease. Other suspected reservoirs are rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) and jackals (Canis aureus Linn).34 The species Phlebotomus major, and perhaps also P. toW the insects that are found in a relatively great number in the respective part of the littoral, as well as P. perfiliewi and Phlebotomus simici, have been postulated as the main vectors for visceral leishmaniasis.8,34 P. papatasii is the primary vector, and P. perfiliewi (and probably Phlebotomus sergent is the secondary vector, for cutaneous leishmaniasis.8,26 Since World War II, the disease has been ever less frequently recorded in Croatia.34 The population of P. papatasii has also been rarefied by the systematic extensive use of insecticides.8,23,25 Both of these diseases have become quite rare and represent no major public health problem in Croatia.1,8,23-25

Conclusion

Diseases transmitted by arthropods occurring on the Croatian littoral are no major public health problem in Croatia. The medically relevant entomofauna of Croatia has not yet been adequately investigated for the presence of the genera, their distribution, their infectivity with microorganisms causing diseases in humans, and their insecticide sensitivity.

It has been anticipated that fast changes in the ecosystem may allow for such a mosquito invasion, upon which it would become a potential vector for malaria again or at least a serious urban molestant. The number of fleas and ticks is also expected to increase. All of these facts suggest the need for vigilant epidemiologic and entomologic surveillance, as well as for more comprehensive investigation of the medically relevant entomofauna in Croatia

References

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2. Tesic M: Vojnopomorska geografija II. Split, Croatia, Vojnoizdavacki zavod, 1968: 31-3.

3. Podaci o kretanju zaraznih bolesti. Epidemioloski vjesnik. Zagreb, Croatia, Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, 1985-1999.

4. Troselj-Vukic B, et al: Importirani slucajevi malarije na klinici za infektivne bolesti u Rijeci, pp 489-92. Pomorska medicina II, Naucne rasprave. Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Mornaricki glasnik, 1989.

5. Vodopija J, Baklaic Z, Ljubicic M: Kratak pregled povijesnog razvoja hrvatske preventivne medicine, pp 21-2. Zagreb, Croatia, Imunoloski zavod Zagreb, 1993.

6. Armed Forces Pest Management Board. Disease Vector Ecology Profile. Former Yugoslav Republics. 1993. Available at www.afpmb.com.

7. Bakic J. Problems DDD na ulazu u trece tisucljece. In: Baltic J, Dujmovic R, eds. 600. obljetnica karantenskog lazareta na otoku Mljetu s pocetkom djelatne usluge dezinfekcije, pp 111-8. Split, Croatia, Clan, 1997.