Integrated Tools for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control: Intervention in an Endemic Area in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Abstract

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a focal disease whose surveillance and control require complex actions. The present study aimed to apply integrated tools related to entomological surveillance, environmental management, and health education practices in an ACL-endemic area in Rio de Janeiro city, RJ, Brazil. The distribution of the disease, the particular characteristics of the localities, and entomological data were used as additional information about ACL determinants. Environmental management actions were evaluated after health education practices. The frequency of ACL vectors Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia and L. migonei inside and outside houses varied according to environment characteristics, probably influenced by the way of life of the popular groups. In this kind of situation environmental management and community mobilization become essential, as they help both specialists and residents create strategies that can interfere in the dynamics of vector's population and the contact between man and vectors.

Studies on Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Campus FIOCRUZ Mata Atlântica, Jacarepaguá, in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Regarding seasonality, previous studies in the Caminho da Cachoeira community (CFMA) reported a higher frequency of L. intermedia in warmer months (January and February) (3) . This result differs partly from the present study, in which the species was captured throughout the year but more frequently in the spring and summer months.…”

“…In the last few decades, ACL has been observed in epidemic outbreaks in different municipalities, including the economically developed City of Rio de Janeiro. In the capital of the state, the disease is particularly prevalent in the western areas (2) of the region around the Pedra Branca massif in the neighborhood of Jacarepaguá where the Campus FIOCRUZ da Mata Atlântica (CFMA) is located (3) .…”

“…Two monitoring stations (MS) were established: one station in the forest (MSf) 500 meters from the second station and other transition area (MSt) at the border with the Caminho da Cachoeira community (3) . The MSt was adjacent to the peridomiciliary area of the last house in the community, which contained four kennels and a chicken coop at a distance of approximately 9 meters (Figures 1A and 1B).…”

“…In the last few decades, ACL has been observed in epidemic outbreaks in different municipalities, including the economically developed City of Rio de Janeiro. In the capital of the state, the disease is particularly prevalent in the western areas (2) of the region around the Pedra Branca massif in the neighborhood of Jacarepaguá where the Campus FIOCRUZ da Mata Atlântica (CFMA) is located (3) .Approximately 55% of the CFMA consists of the Pedra Branca State Park, a preserved environmental area of the Atlantic Forest. Six communities comprise the remaining 45% of the CFMA: Vianna do Castelo, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Faixa Azul, Fincão, Sampaio Correa, and Caminho da Cachoeira.…”

“…Six communities comprise the remaining 45% of the CFMA: Vianna do Castelo, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Faixa Azul, Fincão, Sampaio Correa, and Caminho da Cachoeira. Cases of ACL from these communities historically represent approximately 8% of all human ACL cases recorded in Rio de Janeiro with evidence of intra-and peridomiciliary transmission (3) . The current study aims to improve the understanding of the eco-epidemiology of ACL at the CFMA by studying the Phlebotominae fauna, potential vectors in the forest environment associated with a zoonotic cycle, and the interface between ACL and the community of Caminho da Cachoeira.…”