Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis. Methods: Between September 2007 and August 2009, the collection of sandfl ies was performed using Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps from 15 houses in 5 selected neighborhoods. Results: Lutzomyia longipalpis was present in all zones of the city. We also found that Lu. longipalpis was regularly detected both inside and around the house, predominantly in outdoor areas. In urban areas, Lu. longipalpis was present in both the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher density present in the latter. One female specimen of Lu. longipalpis was observed to have natural Leishmania infection. Conclusions: The presence of Lu. longipalpis was observed throughout the year during 2 seasonal periods, with a predominance in the rainy season. A low rate of natural Leishmania infection was observed in urban areas during the rainy season.

Lutzomyia longipalpis urbanisation and control

“…longipalpis was reported with higher indoor collections ( Almeida et al 2010 , Dias et al 2011 , Alves et al 2012 , Silva et al 2014b ), higher peridomestic collections, consistent throughout the years ( Michalsky et al 2009b , Oliveira et al. 2012 , Holcman et al 2013 ) and even equally distributed captures between peridomicile and intradomicile ( Nascimento et al 2013b ). The dog seems to be preferred to man even when the human is located 5 m from the dog and interposed between sandfly populations and dog plume odour ( Santini et al 2010 ), so the captures could be biased by dogs sleeping indoors/outdoors (de Andrade et al 2014 ).…”

Leishmania infection and blood food sources of phlebotomines in an area of Brazil endemic for visceral and tegumentary leishmaniasis

“…longipalpis by L . infantum has been described in various AVL-endemic regions of Brazil [29–33], including São Luís, the capital of Maranhão State [11], and the provincial town of Caxias [12]. Indeed, a number of researchers have noted that the transmission of AVL in Maranhão is chiefly associated with the presence of Lu .…”

“…longipalpis infected with L . infantum [11,12]. According to Nascimento et al [12], the frequency of Lu .…”

“…infantum [11,12]. According to Nascimento et al [12], the frequency of Lu . longipalpis naturally infected with the AVL pathogen was 0.76% in the municipality of Caxias, Maranhão, where both AVL and ATL are prevalent.…”

Knowledge of the Population about Visceral Leishmaniasis Transmission in Endemic Areas near the Banks of the Mossoró River in Northeastern Brazil

“…The species of the greatest epidemiological importance in the transmission of VL in the Brazilian territory is the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis [ 14 , 15 ]. This species easily adapts to urban environments, and its distribution pattern in urban areas can most likely be explained by the degradation of the environment and the presence of humans as a potential source of food [ 16 ]. However, other environmental features, such as the presence of domestic animals, fruit trees and unsanitary conditions can also increase the abundance of sand flies, as they provide feeding and breeding places for these insects [ 17 , 18 ].…”