Application of Rodenticides for the Control of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Rodent control programs have a long history of controlling zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran. The present systematic review reports the effect of rodenticides in reducing ZCL in Iran. 

Various electronic databases were explored for reliable research using appropriate keywords between January 1970 and September 2023. Relevant studies were included based on the inclusion criteria. All articles identified from the systematic search were added into Endnote X9 (Clarivate Analytics) and duplicate articles were removed. This study followed standard procedures for systematic reviews and reported results according to systematic reviews guidelines.

Overall, 637 documents were identified after screening based on the PRISMA checklist, and finally, 13 papers were included in this systematic review. The findings indicated that most of studies used zinc phosphide (2.5%) and Klerat® mixed with wheat grains in rodents control programs in Iran. The results showed that rodent control programs were implemented in five provinces of Iran, including Esfahan, Yazd, Semana, Golestan, Kermanshah, and Fars, with the highest number of studies in Esfahan province. According to results, the incidence rate of ZCL significantly reduced after rodenticide implementation.

This review study provides a better understanding of rodent control programs trends as a promising and practical approach to reducing ZCL incidence in Iran over the past 50 years and can serve as a reference for planning future control and research programs.