Migonemyia Migonei Research Articles

Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil

BackgroundThe sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak.MethodsThis report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR.ResultsA total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%.ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.Graphical

The perfect storm: Cutaneous leishmaniasis in troops deployed in the Atlantic forest of Argentina.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis, associated with an ulcerative and stigmatizing mucocutaneous pathology. This study assessed the incidence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in members of the Argentine Army who were exposed to sandfly bites in Iguazú National Park (INP), northeastern Argentina, during an outbreak of ACL in 2019, and the presence of Leishmania in rodents, opossums and phlebotomine sandflies collected in the area of exposure. Samples from military personnel, wild animals and phlebotomine sandflies were analysed. A total of 20 (40%) patients among the Army personnel and two Akodon montensis rodents (11%) were positive for the presence of Leishmania sp. genes by PCR, while Nyssomyia whitmani and Migonemyia migonei, competent vectors of Leishmania, were also found at the same site. Sequences of hsp70 DNA fragments obtained from human samples confirmed the identity of L. (V.) braziliensis. The risk to which military personnel carrying out activities in the forest are exposed is highlighted, and this risk extends to any worker and visitor who circulates without protection in the INP, coming into contact with transmission "hot spots" due to the concentration of vectors, reservoirs and/or parasites.

Fauna e sazonalidade de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) de uma área de transmissão de leishmaniose na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Sand flies, vectors capable of transmitting Leishmania spp. and causing leishmaniasis, have been a concern in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) has been documented since 1985. Notably, there has been a surge in CanL cases since 2017, with two autochthonous cases of human visceral leishmaniasis reported in the area in 2021. This study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna potentially involved in disease transmission. Modified Centers for Disease Control light traps were deployed in three neighborhoods of the city where CanL cases had been previously reported, spanning January 2021 to December 2022. Of the 89 collections conducted, 119 sand flies belonging to five species were captured: Pintomyia fischeri (76/119, 63.86%), Migonemyia migonei (23/119, 19.33%), Lutzomyia longipalpis (16/119, 13.45%), Brumptomyia sp. (2/119, 1.68%), and Psathyromyia lanei (2/119, 1.68%), predominantly between February and April in 2021 and 2022. Polymerase chain reaction testing on all female specimens yielded negative results for Leishmania spp. DNA. Although Leishmania spp. was not detected in these vectors, these findings underscore the imperative to implement measures aimed at curtailing the proliferation of these insects.

Cryptic Diversity in Sympatric Migonemyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae), Eventual Meaning for Leishmaniasis Transmission.

Migonemyia migonei (Franҫa, 1920) (Diptera: Psychodidae) belongs to the subfamily Phlebotominae, of epidemiological importance due to its role as a vector in leishmaniasis transmission cycles and its broad geographic distribution in South America. Few morphometric and genetic studies have demonstrated the existence of variability among geographically distant populations in Brazil. The aim of the study was to estimate the genetic distance within the morphospecies Mg. migonei through the analysis of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of specimens captured in Argentina and those available in online databases. The COI sequences from specimens collected in different localities of Argentina and sequences available in online databases were utilized. Genetic distances were analyzed and a median-joining haplotype network was constructed. Finally, phylogenetic reconstruction was performed according to Bayesian inference. The analyses led to the identification of at least two haplogroups: haplogroup I with sequences of specimens from Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, and haplogroup II with sequences of specimens from Argentina. Interestingly, specimens from Argentina whose haplotypes corresponded to both haplogroups, were collected in sympatry. The results suggest that Mg. migonei could be a species complex with at least two distinct members. This hypothesis could explain the known characteristics of adaptability and vector permissiveness of the species, as the putative cryptic species of the complex could differ in traits of epidemiological importance.

Increased Risk of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in an Urban and Rural Area of Caratinga, Brazil between 2016 and 2021.

We used spatial analysis tools to examine the epidemiological situation and spatial distribution of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the municipality of Caratinga between 2016 and 2021. In addition, potential sandfly vectors were captured. All information used in this study was retrieved from public health archives and confirmed in the state health services databases. All cases were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems software. In addition, sandfly collections and molecular detection of Leishmania were carried out in areas with the highest number of cases. During the analyzed period, American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) cases increased and remained high in the last years. The hotspots included urban areas of Caratinga city and the districts of Patrocínio of Caratinga and Sapucaia. The species Nyssomyia whitmani, Nyssomyia intermedia, and Migonemyia migonei were the most abundant species and the ITS1-polymerase chain reaction technique detected Leishmania DNA in these species. On the basis of our analyses, the urbanization of ATL in Caratinga has taken place in recent years. Because of the increase in the number of human cases and the presence of vectors, it is recommended that health authorities focus on control measures in hotspots.

Sand fly population dynamics in areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The present study is the second and last part of the study that investigated the fauna and behavior of sand flies in areas prone to cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreaks, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, in the municipality of Paraty. To collect the sand flies, CDC and Shannon light traps were used, installed in the peridomiciliary and forest areas, and manual suction tubes on the walls of the home and in the animal shelters. A total of 102,937 sand flies, belonging to nine genera and 23 species were captured from October 2009 to September 2012. Regarding the monthly frequency of sand flies, the period of highest density was from November to March, with a maximum peak in January. The lowest density was observed in June and July. In the studied area, the species of epidemiological importance, Nyssomyia intermedia, Pintomyia fischeri, Migonemyia migonei and Nyssomyia whitmani, were found in all months of the year, a period in which residents may be in contact with these vectors of the etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Ecological aspects of Pintomyia fischeri and Migonemyia migonei in municipalities with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis, State of São Paulo, Brazil.

The objective was to study the composition of sand fly species, the seasonal activity of the dominant species and correlation with average rainfall, sex association of the dominant species with domicile habitats and analyze different landscape scenarios for the two study sites in the municipalities of Itapevi and Mogi of the Crosses. Sandflies were captured with CDC(s) traps installed in three households at each study site for a period of 24 hours, biweekly for two years. A total of 2970 specimens were collected. The dominant species were P.fischeri and M.migonei. A statistically significant difference was registered between males and females of the two species in relation to the intra and peridomicile. The seasonal activity of both species showed a weak significant positive correlation with rainfall. The species P.fischeri and M.migonei may be potential vectors of CVL in the studied sites.

Caso de leishmaniose visceral canina de origem desconhecida em Curitiba (Estado do Paraná, Brasil) tratado com sucesso com miltefosina

There are no records of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. In 2020, a male French bulldog (CW01), approximately 2 years old was taken by its owners to a private veterinarian clinic. The suspicion of CVL was confirmed by means of a serology test (ELISA/IFAT reagent), rapid chromatographic immunoassay (DPP®) (ELISA - Biomanguinhos®), parasitological culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The animal routinely frequented parks in Curitiba and was taken on several trips to the municipalities of Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú (Santa Catarina) and to Matinhos (Paraná) where CVL had not previously been reported. Treatment was initiated orally with Milteforan™ which resulted in a significant reduction in the parasitic load. The suspicion of autochthony was investigated through entomological research. A total of 10 traps were installed, one at the animal's home, seven in adjacent city blocks and two in a forest edge. No sandflies were trapped in the dog's home and adjacent houses. The traps in the forest edge caught one Migonemyia migonei female and five Brumptomyia spp. females. This case serves as a warning of the possible introduction of CVL in the city of Curitiba.

Geographic distribution of human leishmaniasis and phlebotomine sand flies in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

BackgroundIn the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, sand flies and cases of visceral (VL) and cutaneous (CL) leishmaniases have been reported in almost all municipalities. The aim of this study was to analyze the geographic distribution of VL and CL in relation the sand fly species found in the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul.MethodsWe analyzed VL and CL cases from 2001 to 2018 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). Data collected since 2003 on the presence of sand fly vectors (proven or suspected) were provided by the State Health Secretariat.ResultsA total of 3566 and 3030 cases of VL and CL, respectively, were reported from 2001 to 2018. The municipalities with the most reported cases of VL were Campo Grande (2495), Três Lagoas (442), Corumbá (140) and Aquidauana (136); and those for CL were Campo Grande (635) and Bodoquena (197). The following sand fly species with vector potential were found in 59 municipalities (74.7%): Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia cruzi, Nyssomyia whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Nyssomyia neivai, Pintomyia pessoai, Bichromomyia flaviscutellata and Pintomyia fischeri. Sand flies were present in six municipalities where no cases of VL were reported and in two municipalities where no cases of CL were reported.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the geographical distribution of VL and CL in Mato Grosso do Sul expanded during the study period, and highlight the presence of sand fly vectors in municipalities where these diseases are currently considered to be non-endemic.Graphical

First record of Migonemyia vaniae Galati, Fonseca &amp;amp; Marass&amp;aacute;, 2007 (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In an investigation carried out at the headquarters of Jequitib&amp;aacute; in Tr&amp;ecirc;s Picos State Park, the presence of the sandfly Migonemyia vaniae Galati, Fonseca &amp;amp; Marass&amp;aacute;, 2007 was observed. Morphometric analyzes of the sperm pump and aedeagal ducts and photographs of the structures were performed to compare the differences between Migonemyia vaniae and Migonemyia migonei (Fran&amp;ccedil;a, 1920). Since its description, Mg. vaniae has been recorded only in the state of S&amp;atilde;o Paulo. Therefore, we report the first encounter of this species in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Predictive modeling of sand fly distribution incriminated in the transmission of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and the incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the state of Paraná, Brazil

Southern Brazil concentrates a considerable number of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis reported since 1980, and Paraná is the state that most records CL cases in the region. The main sand fly species incriminated as vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (Vianna,1911) are Migonemyia (Migonemyia) migonei (França, 1920), Nyssomyia (Nyssomyia) neivai (Pinto, 1926) and Nyssomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1936). In this study, we evaluated areas with climatic suitability for the distribution of these vectors and correlated these data with CL incidence in the state. The occurrence points of Mg. migonei, Ny. neivai, and Ny. whitmani were extracted from a literature review and field data. For CL analysis in the state of Paraná, data were obtained from the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System of Brazil (DATASUS), covering the period from 2001 to 2019. The layers of bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim database were usedin the study. Species distribution modeling was developed using the MaxEnt Software version 3.4.4. ArcGIS software version 10.5 was used to develop suitability maps and the graphical representation of disease incidence. The AUC values were acceptable for all models (> 0,8). Bioclimatic variables BIO13 and BIO14 were the most influential in the distribution of Mg. migonei, while BIO19 and BIO6 were the variables that most influenced the distribution of Ny. neivai, and Ny. whitmani was most influenced by variables BIO5 and BIO9. During 19 years, 4992 cases of CL were reported in the state by 286 municipalities (71,6%). Northern Paraná showed the highest number of areas with very high and high climatic suitability for the occurrence of these species, coinciding with the highest number of CL cases. The modeling tools allowed analyzing the association between climatic variables and the geographical distribution of CL in the state. Moreover, they provided a better understanding of the climatic conditions related to the distribution of different species, favoring the monitoring of risk areas, the implementation of preventive measures, risk awareness, early and accurate diagnosis, and consequent timely treatment.

Spatial distribution and effects of land use and cover on cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors in the municipality of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The municipality of Paracambi (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) reports sporadic cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Previous studies detected Nyssomyia intermedia (Diptera: Psychodidae) as the main vector in the region, but its spatial distribution and the presence of other vector species have not been evaluated. This study aims at filling this knowledge gap, by studying the ecology of sand flies, their spatiotemporal distribution, and correlation with land use/cover. Two campaigns of monthly sand fly collections using light traps and manual captures were conducted in 1992–1994 and 2001–2003. Females were dissected to detect natural Leishmania infections. The spatial distribution of sand flies was assessed using kernel density maps. Correlations with land use/cover were evaluated by extracting satellite imagery data around the capture points. A total of 17,232 sand flies from 13 species were captured. Medically important species included Ny. intermedia, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia fischeri and Ny. whitmani. No Leishmania-infected females were detected. Highest densities were detected in the peri-urban areas Cascata and Sabugo, and in rural areas São José and Mutirão. Ny. intermedia had statistically significant correlations with pasture and agricultural areas. Present results strengthened that Ny. intermedia and Mg. migonei are the main local ACL vectors. Correlations with land use evidence the association between ACL and anthropic environmental change.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Migonemyia migonei and Cortelezzii complex (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from Chaco, Argentina

Chaco province is included in Argentinean ecoregions with human tegumentary leishmaniasis case records. During 2012-2014 in Pampa del Indio town an ecoepidemiological study was carried out including phlebotomine dynamics and its natural infection with Leishmania demonstrated by sand flies dissection, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The species recorded were: Migonemyia migonei (72.79%), Nyssomyia neivai (23.6%), Evandromyia cortelezzii (0.94%), Evandromyia sallesi (0.39%), Cortelezzii complex (1.61%), Evandromyia aldafalcaoae (0.05%), Psathyromyia bigeniculata (0.02%), Brumptomyia brumpti (0.6%) and Corumbaensis complex (0.01%). A total of 380 females sand flies (Cortelezzii complex, Mg. migonei and Ny. neivai) from peridomicile and extradomicile were individually dissected and no flagellates were observed in the intestinal tract. Later, these females were arranged in 38 pools for molecular analyses and Leishmania braziliensis DNA was amplified in 3 pools with a minimum infection rate of the total females of 0.8%, while specific rates were 0.5% for the Cortelezzii complex and 1.5% for Mg. migonei. In conclusion, our results would strengthen the hypothesis that, in the study area, these species are candidates to be incriminated as vectors, while further studies will be required to fulfill the criteria to characterize both species as proven vectors of Le. braziliensis.

Examination of the interior of sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) abdomen reveals novel cuticular structures involved in pheromone release: Discovering the manifold.

The males of many species of New World Phlebotomines produce volatile terpenoid chemicals, shown in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. to be sex/aggregation pheromones. Pheromone is produced by secretory cells which surround a cuticular reservoir which collects the pheromone and passes it through a cuticular duct to the surface of the insect. The pheromone then passes through specialised cuticular structures on the abdominal surface prior to evaporation. The shape and distribution of the specialised structures are highly diverse and differ according to species. In this study we used SEM to examine the interior cuticular pheromone collection and transport structures of 3 members of the Lu. longipalpis s.l. species complex and Migonemyia migonei. We found a new structure which we have called the manifold which appears to be a substantial extension of the interior tergal cuticle connected in-line with the cuticular duct and reservoir. The manifold of the Campo Grande member of the complex is longer and wider than the Jacobina member whereas the manifold of the Sobral member was shorter than both other members of the complex. Overall, the secretory apparatus of the Sobral member was smaller than the other two. The manifold of M. migonei was very different to those found in Lu. longipalpis s.l. and was positioned in a pit-like structure within the tergal cuticle. The secretory reservoir was connected by a short duct to the manifold. Differences in the size and shape of the manifold may be related to the chemical structure of the pheromone and may have taxonomic value. Examination of the interior cuticle by SEM may help to locate the secretory apparatus of vector species where pheromonal activity has been inferred from behavioural studies but the external secretory structures or pheromones have not yet been found.

Effects of Migonemyia migonei salivary gland homogenates on Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection in BALB/c mice

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the most widespread clinical form of leishmaniasis in the Americas. Migonemyia migonei is a widely distributed phlebotomine sand fly species in Brazil and has been implicated as a vector for L. (V.) braziliensis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of salivary gland homogenates (SGH) of Mg. migonei on the course of L. (V.) braziliensis infection in BALB/c mice. Mice were separated into four groups (six mice per group): CTRL (uninfected mice); SGH (mice inoculated with Mg. migonei SGH); SGH+LEISH (mice inoculated with Mg. migonei SGH plus L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes); LEISH (mice inoculated with L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes). Mice were followed up for 8 weeks and the cellular immune response was evaluated by flow cytometry at the end of the experiment. Analysis of cytokine production by splenic cells stimulated with 0.5 SGH, 0.25 SGH of Mg. migonei or L. (V.) braziliensis soluble antigen stimulation (LSA) demonstrated that upon stimulation with SGH 0.25, the production of IL-17A and TNF was not sustained in the SGH group, with decreasing levels of these cytokines after 5 days compared to 3 days of incubation. Analyzing the production of cytokines after LSA stimulation, we observed lower levels of IL-17A in the SGH group after 5 days compared to 3 days. The same was observed for IFN-γ in the SGH group. Yet, the levels of TNF were significantly higher in the LEISH group after 5 days compared to 3 days. Among SGH+LEISH and LEISH mice, three animals in each group developed skin lesions on the tail, the mean lesion size was significantly higher in the LEISH group. Our study suggests that Mg. migonei SGH may modulate BALB/c immune response, as reflected by the low production or early decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines in splenic cell cultures following stimulation with L. (V.) braziliensis antigen. Our data also suggest that Mg. migonei saliva may reduce the lesion size in BALB/c mice, but further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Leishmaniasis tegumentaria y flebótomos en la localidad de Colonia Santa Rosa del norte de Argentina

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the sandfly species, insects belonging to the order Diptera, family Psychodidae. Historically, the most endemic area of TL in Argentina has been the northern region. The aim of this work was to analyze the presence and temporal variation of TL cases reported between 1985 and 2019 in Colonia Santa Rosa locality, northern Argentina. Furthermore, its clinical forms were characterized and sandflies were captured. Patients were diagnosed by smear and the Montenegro skin test. For sampling, CDC light traps were placed at 14 sites from 7pm to 7am. The correlation between vegetation cover and sandfly abundance was also studied. One hundred and twenty TL cases were diagnosed and the overall prevalence was 0.75% (≈16 000 inhabitants). Patients presented simple and multiple cutaneous leishmaniasis (88.79%) and the mucocutaneous form (10.83%). Skin lesions were more frequent on the lower extremities (46.73%). Of the total number of sandflies, Nyssomyia neivai (95%) was the predominant species followed by Migonemyia migonei (1.9%), cortelezzii complex (1.3%) and Evandromyia sallesi (0.09%). The persistent occurrence of cases and the presence of sandflies in the locality suggest the existence of endemic transmission in the area. This highlights the need to design prevention and control measures for TL in northern Argentina.

Parasitological and molecular search for Leishmania natural infection in phlebotomine sand flies in peri-urban and rural sites of an Argentinean area endemic for tegumentary leishmaniasis

Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases caused by Leishmania spp. parasites transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. In Argentina, the most endemic area of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) has been Orán department, Province of Salta, where Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis prevails and Nyssomyia neivai is considered as its vector, although there is no accurate and sufficient information in this regard. The aim of this work was to search for natural infection by Leishmania spp. in sand flies from peri-urban and rural sites with ATL background in Orán department. For this, sand flies were caught at five sites; female sand flies captured with Shannon trap were dissected to microscopically examine their gut contents, while females captured with CDC traps were molecularly analyzed by duplex PCR with two primer pairs to simultaneously amplify kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and mammalian actin. A total of 1921 females were captured, with Ny. neivai being the most abundant species (89%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (6%) and cortelezzii complex (3%). No natural infection was found in any of them neither by dissection nor by PCR, although the detection limit of kDNA PCR was up to 25 promastigotes. The absence of infected females in peri-urban sites suggest that the transmission did not take place in those environments during the study period. Future searches for natural infection should focus on rural settings to deepen knowledge and elucidate the role of the circulating sand fly species as all have been linked to ATL transmission at other sites.

Initiation of Nyssomyia neivai and Migonemyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) colonies under laboratory conditions from wild blood fed females in northwest Argentina

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are the vectors of Leishmania parasites, which are the causal agents of leishmaniasis. In this work, the survival and developmental time of the immature sand fly stages of Nyssomyia neivai and Migonemyia migonei were studied under laboratory conditions for one generation. Sand flies were collected in a rural dwelling of San Ramon de la Nueva Oran, Salta, Argentina and conditioned in individual rearing containers at 25±2 °C and 80–90% humidity. A total of 38 females of Ny. neivai oviposited 1,392 eggs ( $$\overline{\mathrm x}$$ = 40.81±16.5) in 5.6 days whereas two females of Mg. migonei oviposited 119 eggs ( $$\overline{\mathrm x}$$ = 59.50±4.95) in seven days. Migonemyia migonei presented a higher hatching percentage (66.39%) than Ny. neivai (60.99%), without statistical differences between the species (p > 0.05). A total of 78 adults of Ny. neivai emerged (5.60%) while 27 adults (22.69%) emerged for Mg. migonei (p < 0.0001). The survival curves of both species showed that the mortality decreased in the last stages and tended to constant values. This is the first study about the life cycle of sand flies present in northern part of province of Salta, the most endemic area of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Argentina. These results would allow the sustained study of sand flies in the laboratory to deepen the knowledge and understanding of their biology. Finally, it would contribute to elucidate the epidemiological role of the most abundant sand fly species in our study area where Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis prevails.

Ecology and spatial distribution of sand fly species in low endemic areas for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Due to the fundamental role that sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) have in Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) transmission, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ecology and spatial distribution of species circulating in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 17 371 specimens were collected between August 2016 and July 2017, and five species were identified: Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), Migonemyia migonei (França, 1920), Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939), Pintomyia pessoai (Coutinho & Barretto, 1940), and Pintomyia fischeri (Pinto, 1926). In relation to the number of sand flies collected, we observed a significant difference between rural and periurban areas and between the neighbourhoods. We observed that N. intermedia has a relatively greater adaptation to the peridomiciliary environment. This is the first report of Pi. pessoai and Pi. fischeri (only females) in Seropédica as well as the first record of the frequency of phlebotomine species focusing on some ecological indices and the spatial distribution of sand flies. The results presented here aimed to provide an insight into the spatial population dynamics of phlebotomine species in low endemic areas of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in Seropédica, highlighting important areas for entomological surveillance.

Persistent cutaneous canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an area with predominance of Nyssomyia neivai in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused mainly by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which is endemic throughout Brazil. Canine ACL cases were investigated in a rural area of Monte Mor, São Paulo, where a human ACL case had been confirmed. Dogs were evaluated through clinical and laboratory diagnosis including serology, cytological tissue preparations and PCR on skin lesions, lymph node and bone marrow samples. Entomological investigations on sandflies trapped in the surroundings of the study area were performed for 14 months. Nyssomyia neivai was the predominant phlebotomine species, comprising 94.65% of the captured specimens (832 out of 879). This species was the most abundant in all trapping sites, including human homes and dog shelters. Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri and Expapilata firmatoi were also captured. Two of the three dogs examined were positive for anti-Leishmania IgG in ELISA using the antigen Fucose mannose ligand and skin samples were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis in PCR, but all the samples collected were negative for L. (L.) infantum. One of the dogs had a confirmed persistent infection for more than one year.