| خلاصه مقاله | Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBD) pose a significant global public health concern for
both humans and wildlife. The impact of 'Global Change,' including habitat alteration, land-use
intensification, biotic exchange, the introduction of invasive alien species, and climate change,
has been associated with an increased occurrence of VBDs. Land use changes can significantly
affect disease vectors, potentially altering their distribution and increasing the risk of disease
transmission to humans.
Method: Analysis of land use changes and vegetation cover over 5-year intervals from 1997 to
2018 was conducted using satellite images from Landsat and IRS satellites to determine the
percentage of changes in relation to vegetation cover, urban development, agricultural lands,
and surface waters. This analysis was performed using ENVI software and relevant tests.
The First National Congress on Climate Change and Health
February 28 and 29, 2024, Dezful University of Medical Sciences and Health Services
Additionally, the area's susceptibility to the growth of Anopheles stephensi was assessed based
on biological and ecological information.
Result: The findings revealed that the region exhibited its highest vegetation cover in 2002,
followed by a decline over the subsequent five years. An increasing trend in urban development
was observed over the past 20 years in Bandar Abbas County. In terms of changes in surface
waters, the highest levels were observed in 1997 and 2013, while the lowest level was in 2002.
The trend of changes was calculated using the polynomial method with a power of 3, indicating
a decreasing trend in vegetation cover and surface waters, and an increasing trend in urban
development. The coefficient of determination (R2 value) for all three classes was equal to one,
indicating high credibility.
Conclusion:
It appears that the natural suitability of the region for the proliferation of malaria vectors has
diminished over this period. Further peripheral studies are required to confirm the reduced
prevalence of the invasive An. stephensi species in the southern region of Iran, given its urban
nature and ability to thrive within water storage containers. |