Temporal and spatial distribution of Leishmania mexicana infections in a population of Neotoma micropus

Wild and synanthropic reservoirs of Leishmania species in the Americas

“…In that study, the authors demonstrated persistent infection, including symptomatic infections, in Sigmodon hispidus, Oryzomys melanotis, Ototylomys phyllotis and Peromyscus yucatanicus , the latter two being the most important because of their high relative abundance in local fauna and longer life spans (Van Wynsberghe et al., 2000). Second, in the United States, during a 19-month mark–release–recapture study of Neotoma micropus , the authors reported the persistence of L. mexicana infection for up to 1 year (Raymond et al., 2003). Heteromys, Nyctomys and Reithrodontomys were also found infected with L. mexicana (Ashford, 1996; De Lima et al., 2002; Disney, 1968; Lainson and Strangways-Dixon, 1964; Van Wynsberghe et al., 2009).…”

A metapopulation model for sylvatic <em> T. cruzi</em> transmission with vector migration

“…They mention that the low density may be due to lack of cactus in the region of study and lack of appropriate shelter sites. However, Raymond et al [43] in 2003 calculate a much higher maximum density of 19.4 wr/ha (with an average of 15.1 wr/ha) in the same county (but a different study site). This study site had limited clumps of prickly pear, but was covered with thick brush and downed trees which served as nest sites.…”

“…Kribs-Zaleta [27] obtains woodrat densities for Texas based on several sources [8,43] which estimate woodrat population densities in counties in south and west Texas. These regions, especially the counties in west Texas, are similar to south Texas, dominated by shrub desert, including cactus and honey mesquite.…”

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Texas

“…This is not uncommon with insect-borne pathogens-witness the amazingly fast movement of West Nile virus across much of the United States. In a 19-month study, Raymond et al 11 documented, on a small scale, the movement of L mexicana through a population of N micropus in south-central Texas, suggesting that this could be occurring on a larger scale.…”