[Effects of the development of irrigation systems in the arid areas on the establishment of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Parrot, 1939].

In Tunisia, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Parrot, 1939, is highly suspected to be involved in the transmission of sporadic cutaneous leishmaniasis. The geographical distribution of this sandfly species is limited to the northern part of Tunisia and more specifically to the humid, sub-humid and semi-arid bio-geographical areas. To date, the geographical distribution of P. perfiliewi and subsequently of the sporadic cutaneous leishmaniasis extends to the arid bio-geographical areas located in central Tunisia. This extension is related to the intense development of irrigation systems in these areas, which may lead to the establishment of a new ecological niche suitable for the development of P. perfiliewi.