Distribution of Lutzomyia ayacuchensis, the vector of Andean-type cutaneous leishmaniasis, at different altitudes on the Andean slope of Ecuador

Abstract

Distribution of the vector species is a major risk factor for the endemicity of leishmaniasis. In the present study, the vertical distribution of Lutzomyia (Lu.) ayacuchensis, the vector of Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in the Ecuadorian Andes was surveyed at different altitudes (300-2,500 m above sea level) of the Andean slope. The vector species Lu. ayacuchensis was identified at an altitude of 650 m and a higher areas, and higher distribution ratio of the species was observed at higher altitudes.In addition, high ratios of L. (L.) mexicana infection were detected in higher areas, but none in lower populations of sand flies. Since an association between sand fly populations and vector competence is suggested in Lu. ayacuchensis, haplotype analysis was performed on the species from different altitudes of the study areas; however, no apparent difference was observed among populations. These results suggested that Lu. ayacuchensis in Andean slope areas of Ecuador has the potential to transmit L. (L.) mexicana and spread leishmaniasis in these areas.

DNA barcoding for identification of sand fly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) from leishmaniasis-endemic areas of Peru

“…However, this morphological classification is laborious, time-consuming and often complicated by phenotypic plasticity and cryptic species complexes, as well as demanding considerable skill and taxonomic expertise. To overcome these technical limitations, in the last three decades molecular approaches have been increasingly employed to explore the taxonomy, population structure and phylogeny in insect vectors including sand flies (Mukhopadhyay et al, 2000;Uribe Soto et al, 2001;Depaquit et al, 2002;Beati et al, 2004;Khalid et al, 2010;Fujita et al, 2012;Yamamoto et al, 2013;Nzelu et al, 2014;Gomez et al, 2014;Kato et al, 2015).…”

Eco-epidemiological aspects, natural detection and molecular identification of Leishmania spp. in Lutzomyia reburra, Lutzomyia barrettoi majuscula and Lutzomyia trapidoi

“…No obstante, ha sufrido un considerable desarrollo urbanístico en las últimas décadas (5) y muchas de sus zonas se han visto afectadas por el cambio de uso de la tierra, lo cual ha resultado en su caracterización epidemiológica como zonas endémicas de leishmaniasis cutánea (6,7). (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Además, se han recolectado en zonas con alteraciones en la ecología del paisaje por la acción de la deforestación debida a la explotación maderera y, recientemente, por el desarrollo agropecuario y turístico y la urbanización de zonas rurales (15).…”

“…trapidoi y Lu. hartmanni son especies antropofílicas (10,14), ocasionalmente se han recolectado en ecosistemas boscosos, cerca de cuevas de armadillos, al igual que Lu. (Trichophoromyia) reburra (Fairchild y Hertig), una especie zoofílica asociada a la región andina.…”

“…Se ha sugerido que en Ecuador esta especie no tiene un comportamiento antropofílico y se asume que es estrictamente zoofílica. La abundancia de estas dos especies zoofílicas de flebotomíneos varía, y se ha asociado con focos activos y endémicos de leishmaniasis cutánea (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14).…”

“…trapidoi, vector principal en estos focos (10,13). Sin embargo, no se ha evaluado la presencia de infección natural por Leishmania spp.…”