Bionomics of Lutzomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae) Vector of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northern Colombia

Abstract

The feeding behavior, seasonality, and natural infection rate of Lutzomyia evansi (Nuñez-Tovar) with Leishmania chagasi (Cuna & Chagas) was studied during a 12-mo period at 2 hamlets, El Contento and Vidales. Sand fly abundance in extra-, peri-, and intradomestic habitats was evaluated with sticky traps and CDC light traps, whereas human bait and Shannon trap collections were made only in peridomestic habitats. All trapping methods showed a clear predominance of L. evansi throughout the year. Sand flies were present during most of the year, with the exception of the driest months (February and March). Although the total number of sand flies was higher in El Contento than in Vidales, a larger proportion of L. evansi was found in intradomestic habitat than in the peri- and extradomestic habitats at Vidales. Also, sand flies from Vidales had a higher infection rate with L. chagasi than did those from El Contento. Although 2 of 9 promastigote infections detected in L. evansi were identified as L. chagasi, the difficulty of isolating and propagating leishmania strains from this visceral leishmaniasis focus precluded characterization of most parasite samples. Parous and infected sand flies were most abundant toward the end of the rainy season (October-December). For this reason, control strategies based on reducing sand fly populations or avoiding human-vector contact should be concentrated during the October-December period.

The re-emergence of American visceral leishmaniasis in an old focus in Venezuela. II . Vectors and parasites

“…This unimodal pattern of Lu. evansi was similar to that reported in San Andrés de Sotavento, Cordoba Department, Colombia (Travi et al, 1996) where the amount of rainfall was also similar, with a maximum precipitation of about 200 mm. However, indoor col lections of Lu.…”

Lutzomyia longipalpis and the eco-epidemiology of American visceral leishmaniasis, with particular reference to Brazil: a review

“…In further studies in north Colombia, promastigotes were found in nine more specimens of Lu. evansi and the parasite again identified as L. i. chagasi on two occasions (Travi et al 1996). This, the presence of Lu.…”

Especies de Lutzomyia en un foco urbano de leishmaniasis visceral y cutánea en El Carmen de Bolívar, Bolívar, Colombia

“…evansi es el vector principal de la leishmaniasis visceral en ausencia de L. longipalpis y se registra como vector de Leishmania infantum en Venezuela y la costa del Caribe colombiano así como en los departamentos de Sucre y Bolívar (17,(21)(22)(23). Recientemente se incrimina como el posible vector de leishmaniasis visceral en zonas rurales de El Carmen de Bolívar (14).…”