Abstract
BackgroundThe south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, in Brazil, is endemic for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases and is frequently visited by tourists from different parts of the world. Since the complex epidemiology of leishmaniases demands local studies, the goal of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine sand fly fauna and leishmaniases transmission in Ilha Grande, an ecotourism area of Angra dos Reis municipality.MethodsSand fly fauna was sampled in three monitoring stations using HP light traps in domiciles, peridomiciles and forests. Species abundance was evaluated by the Index of Species Abundance. A Leishmania natural infection survey was done using multiplex PCR and dot blot hybridization.ResultsDuring 15 consecutive months of sand fly monitoring, 1093 specimens from 16 species were captured. The potential leishmaniases vectors found were Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia, L. migonei, L. (N.) flaviscutellata, L. (Psychodopygus) ayrozai and L. (Lutzomyia) longipalpis. Five species were new records in Ilha Grande: L. (Sciopemyia) microps, L. termitophila, L. firmatoi, L. rupicola and L. (P.) ayrozai. Higher species richness was found inside forest areas, although potential leishmaniases vectors were present in deforested areas, peridomiciles and inside houses. Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia and L. migonei were the most abundant species. Females of L. migonei showed a high rate (10.3%) of natural infection by Leishmania (Viannia) sp., probably Leishmania (V.) braziliensis.ConclusionsThe detection of leishmaniases transmission and potential vectors in Ilha Grande is of public health concern, especially because tourists are frequently visiting the island. Besides reinforcing the epidemiological importance of L. (N.) intermedia in Rio de Janeiro State, the role of L. migonei in cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission is highlighted with its high rate of Leishmania natural infection. The finding of L. (L.) longipalpis confirmed the human autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis from the island. The presence of L. (N.) flaviscutellata in peridomestic areas is also an important finding, since the species is involved in the transmission of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. Health education practices directed to the local community and tourists are important control actions that can be taken in Ilha Grande to reduce the burden of leishmaniases.
Highlights
The south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, in Brazil, is endemic for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases and is frequently visited by tourists from different parts of the world
Guimarães et al [49] later detected, in the same locality, L. migonei naturally infected with Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. These findings demonstrate the capacity of L. migonei to maintain infection with two different species of Leishmania, more studies are necessary to investigate the possibility of mixed infection and its role in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) transmission
Health education practices with the native population and information for tourists are suggested control actions that can be taken in Ilha Grande to reduce the burden of leishmaniases
Summary
The south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, in Brazil, is endemic for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases and is frequently visited by tourists from different parts of the world. In the Neotropical region, approximately 500 species are described, with about 20 of them related to leishmaniases transmission [1,2]. Leishmaniases show a diffuse distribution, composed by smaller, local transmission foci. The diversity of vector, parasite and host species involved in the transmission cycles contribute to the complex epidemiology of these diseases. Environmental changes caused by human or natural events affect local populations of these species and can influence disease risk [3,4]. Leishmaniases are being considered as emerging diseases in travelers. In a study of imported human cases in non-endemic countries, South America was considered the main area for the acquisition of cutaneous leishmaniasis, with adventure travelers on long-term trips to forested areas at higher risk of infection [5]
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