Phlebotomine Species Research Articles

Ground-dwelling invertebrates from an Urban park in the Brazilian Amazon, with particular reference to Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The ground-dwelling invertebrate fauna from an urban park in Belém, Amazonian Brazil, with particular reference to the subfamily Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae), were characterized. Sampling was performed from March 2022 to May 2023, with 10 emergence traps installed in 2 microhabitats, 5 in each 1: "M1," which included surrounding (up to 1.5 m) trees with tabular roots, and "M2," which included no trees with tabular roots. Invertebrates trapped in adhesive papers were assessed on 2 occasions/cycles (D21/D42). During 10 sampling cycles (10 traps/cycle = 100 samples), 6,490 invertebrates were captured (M1, n = 4,203; M2, n = 2,287) and classified into 5 classes and 21 orders, with Diptera (n = 2,309; 35.6%) being the most abundant. Twenty-nine specimens of the following phlebotomine species were captured: Nyssomyia antunesi (M1, n = 10; M2, n = 3), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (M1, n = 6; M2, n = 1), Th. brachipyga (M1, n = 0; M2, n = 2), Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (M1, n = 2; M2, n = 1) and 4 unidentified specimens (M1, n = 2; M2, n = 2). The male/female ratio was 1.08. Fractional vegetation cover was compared, and the physiochemical characteristics of the soil were compared between the microhabitats. Only temperature showed significant differences. A weak positive correlation was found between phlebotomines and other dipterans and between temperature and the amount of organic matter in the soil. Both sampled microhabitats were shown to be suitable for the development and maintenance of different invertebrates, mainly dipterans. The composition of ground-emerging phlebotomine species was similar to that previously surveyed with light traps, including species associated with the transmission of Leishmania spp.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae): Diversity of potential Leishmania vectors in northern Colombia

Phlebotomine sand flies are critical vectors of Leishmania parasites, impacting public health significantly. This study focused on assessing the diversity of sand flies in a rural area of El Carmen de Bolívar Municipality, northern Colombia, employing rarefaction curves and Hill numbers to understand potential vector communities and inform environmental management. From January 2018 to April 2019 (five samplings), sand flies were collected using CDC light traps with blue LED in domestic/peridomestic/sylvatic ecotopes, identifying species per Young and Duncan (1994) and Galati (2003). Hill numbers provided diversity estimates across samples, while Principal Component Analysis correlated with environmental factors with phlebotomine species presence and abundance. 8,784 phlebotomine individuals were collected; 56.4 % females and 43.6% males (ratio 3:2). These individuals belonged to eight species: Pintomyia evansi, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi, Micropygomyia cayennensis, Evandromyia dubitans, Psathyromyia aclydifera, Pintomyia serrana, and Pintomyia rangeliana; with Pi. evansi being the most abundant species (74.39 %; 6,530 exemplars). The ANOVA showed no significant differences between phlebotomine sand flies abundances across ecotopes (p = 0.018). Species of epidemiological relevance as Pi. evansi and Lu. gomezi not show a positive correlation with environmental variables evaluated, only Ps. panamensis was positively correlated with precipitation. However, the study emphasizes the need for a continuous sand fly monitoring and research to enhance leishmaniasis control strategies, highlighting the necessity to expand knowledge on phlebotomine diversity and environmental interactions to understand vector ecology and disease dynamics better.

Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) species and their blood meal sources in a new leishmaniasis focus in Los Montes de María, Bolívar, in northern Colombia

Introduction. El Alférez, a village in Los Montes de María (Bolívar, Colombia) and a macro-focus of leishmaniasis, recorded its first case in 2018, evidencing changes in the distribution and eco-epidemiology of the disease, although interactions between vectors and local fauna remain unknown. Objective. To evaluate the diversity of sandflies and their blood meal sources in the community of El Alférez in the municipality of El Carmen de Bolívar (Bolívar, Colombia). Materials and methods. In 2018, sandflies were collected using LED-based light traps in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic ecotopes and identified at the species level. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene was used to analyze blood from the digestive tract. Results. Lutzomyia evansi was the most abundant species (71.85%; n = 485/675), followed by Lu. panamensis, Lu. gomezi, Lu. trinidadensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. abonnenci, and Lu.aclydifera. Twenty-five percent of the species had blood meals from Canis familiaris (36.00%; n = 9/25), Ovis aries (36.00%; n=9:/25), Bos taurus (24.00%; n = 6/25), Sus scrofa (20.00%; n = 5/25), and Homo sapiens (8.00%; n = 2/25). Lutzomyia evansi registered the highest feeding frequency (68.00%; n = 17/25), predominantly on a single (44.00%; n = 11/25) or multiple species (24.00%; n = 6/25). Conclusion. Results indicate a eclectic feeding behavior in Lu. evansi, implying potential reservoir hosts for Leishmania spp. and increasing transmission risk. This study is a first step towards understanding the diversity of mammalian blood sources used by sandflies, that may be crucial for vector identification and formulation of effective control measures.

Species diversity, barcode, detection of pathogens and blood meal pattern in Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) from northeastern Mexico

More than 90 species of phlebotomines are vectors of parasites, bacteria, and viruses, which cause disease in animals and humans. Therefore, their study is necessary to establish prevention and control strategies. Mexico is an endemic country for leishmaniasis, mostly in the center and southern regions of the country, yet only few studies have been conducted in the northern part of the country. The present study aims to: (a) assess the alpha diversity of Phlebotominae in an annual cycle, (b) to correlate climatic variables with abundance, (c) to generate barcodes of these insects as part of the integrative taxonomy, and (d) to detect Leishmania, Wolbachia and blood sources in an area close to where a case of autochthonous leishmaniasis has been detected in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. A systematic sampling was conducted during three consecutive nights from 17:00 to 22:00 h., placing Shannon traps, CDC traps with incandescent light, and BG Sentinel 2 + BG Lure traps. A total catch effort of 660 nights/traps/hours was achieved, in which a total number of 707 phlebotomines (58% female and 42% male) of six species were collected and identified. The most abundant species were Psathyromyia cratifer (57%) and Psathyromyia shannoni sensu stricto (26%). The highest abundance (72%; 507/707) was collected during March, April and May 2021. Barcodes were generated for four species of phlebotomines, which represent new records for Mexico. For the molecular detection of microorganisms, 302 specimens were analyzed, although no specimens were positive for Leishmania spp. Wolbachia strains were detected in phlebotomines with an infection rate of 1.32% (4/302) and found in Pa. cratifer and Lu. cruciata. Likewise, human DNA was identified in female Lu. cruciata and Pa. cratifer phlebotomines. These findings indicate the presence of potential vector species of the parasite Leishmania spp. This result shows the need for further entomological surveillance to elucidate the transmission mechanisms in these northern areas of the country.

Morphological and DNA-based description of Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new sand fly species from the Brazilian Amazon

Background Phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Trichophoromyia Barretto, 1962 are of great relevance to public health as vectors of Leishmania protozoans. A new phlebotomine species named Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. is here described based on both male morphology and COI DNA barcodes.MethodsThe sand fly specimens were collected in the Parque Nacional da Amazônia (PNA), situated in the municipality of Itaituba, state of Pará, Brazil. Morphological description was done based on 10 male specimens. Five specimens were DNA barcoded for the COI gene.ResultsThe morphological and molecular analyses allowed the delimitation of this new species from others of Trichophoromyia. Trichophoromyia peixotoi n. sp. is closely related to other species with aedeagal ducts > 4 times the length of the sperm pump, from which it may be distinguished by the gonocoxite bristles and paramere shape.ConclusionsThe description of T. peixotoi n. sp. brings the number of species of Trichophoromyia to 45, including 24 for Brazil. The integrative taxonomy effort through the analysis of COI barcodes proved to be effective in the species delimitation of some Trichophoromyia spp.Graphical

Phlebotomine in urban foci of Visceral and American Cutaneous Leishmaniases in a municipality in the Brazilian Northeast

Introduction: The Visceral and American Cutaneous Leishmaniases are a public health problem in the Americas, in the municipality of Altos, state of Piauí, are considered endemic. Aim: To carry out a faunal survey of the phlebotomine species in the areas of transmission of visceral and cutaneous, both human and canine, leishmaniases, in the municipality of Altos, Piauí. Outlining: It was carried out through entomological survey, it encompassed capture, separation, identification, and analysis of phlebotomine species in determined regions in the municipality of Altos, Piauí, between August 2017 and July 2019. Results: The most found species was Lutzomyia longipalpis, with 1,399 sandflies captured, 1,299 males and 140 females. Some other species were also found, such as Nyssomyia whitmani, Lutzomyia dispar, Evandromyia evandroi. Implications: The research helps to provide data that can contribute to the formulation of surveillance and control actions for these vectors, enabling responsible entities to develop public policies to control leishmaniasis.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in an area of canine infection caused by Leishmania infantum in the state of Amapá, eastern Amazon.

In 2017, the Brazilian State of Amapá registered the first occurrence of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) in 17 dogs in the outskirts of the capital, Macapá. Given the lack of knowledge on phlebotomines in that area, this study aimed to survey the fauna of these Diptera. Sampling was performed using CDC light traps placed at ten sampling sites. The specimens captured were Evandromyia walkeri (n=237), Nyssomyia antunesi (n=65) and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (n=6). The phlebotomine species composition resulted in low species diversity, and none of the main vectors of the etiological agent of VL were identified in the study area.

Ecological Aspects of the Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) among Forest Fragments and Built Areas in an Endemic Area of American Visceral Leishmaniasis in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.

Sand flies are dipterans of medical importance, as some species are vectors of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). The municipality of João Pessoa (Paraíba, northeastern Brazil), is an endemic region for AVL, having high rates of human and canine cases. The main objective was to evaluate the sand fly fauna among forest fragments and built areas, and its relationship with environmental conditions. HP light traps were placed in the studied areas from March 2019 to July 2021. A total of 2141 specimens of phlebotomines were captured, comprising nine genera and ten species. Temperature and humidity were significant and positive only in built areas. The diversity composition among forest fragments and built areas was different and the AVL vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, was the most prevalent species in built areas. The study showed that the built areas present differences in their richness and diversity of sand flies in relation to forest fragments, concluding that the conservation of forest areas, even if urban fragments, favors the diversity of phlebotomine species.

Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and the Spatial Distribution of Species in Sergipe, Brazil.

Some sand fly species are the vectors responsible for the transmission of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the etiological agent of leishmaniasis, and in the state of Sergipe, the two main forms of the disease (visceral and cutaneous) are recorded. Few works show information about the species that form the Phlebotominae fauna in Sergipe. This study aimed to update and determine how they are distributed throughout the state. The study used data from surveys about phlebotomines in Sergipe, from the Program of Surveillance and Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis, carried out by the Central Public Health Laboratory of Sergipe, from 2008 to 2018, along with review and original data from 2022. The commentary on this information was developed with focus on the species that can be vectors for the disease. Sergipe has, up to now, 27 registered species of phlebotomines from 12 genera, 15 of them are of sanitary relevance. Twenty two of these species are in the mesoregion East, 19 in the Agreste, and 11 in the Sertão of Sergipe. The species with the greatest distribution was Evandromyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938), present in 74.6% of the municipalities of Sergipe, followed by Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), the main vector of the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, present in 68% of the municipalities studied. This study expands the number and distribution of species recorded in the state. This information can contribute to disease containment plans and support health education actions aimed at the control of leishmaniasis in Sergipe.

Artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae): is it time to repurpose biological membranes in light of ethical concerns?

BackgroundThe aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy of blood-feeding in phlebotomines through industrially processed membranes from the small intestine of pigs (used for the production of commercial sausages) and the skin of euthanized chicks.MethodsLaboratory-bred Lutzomyia longipalpis and different field-caught phlebotomine species were subjected to the artificial feeding systems under similar conditions. Paired tests were performed using the control (skin from euthanized chicks) and test membranes (pig small intestine). The feeding rates were compared by paired t-test, and Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between the thickness of the membranes and feeding rate.ResultsThe feeding rate was greater with the test membrane than with the control membrane for L. longipalpis (t-test, t = −3.3860, P = 0.0054) but not for the most frequent field-caught species, Nyssomyia antunesi (t-test, t = 0.7746, P = 0.4535). The average thicknesses of the control and test membranes were 184 ± 83 µm and 34 ± 12 µm, respectively (Mann–Whitney U-test, U = 0.00, Z = 2.8823, P = 0.0039); however, there was no correlation between feeding rate and membrane thickness. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of phlebotomines that fed and the total number of phlebotomines in the cage for each type of membrane and for each species.ConclusionsThe test membrane is a viable alternative for the artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines, and is thus a potential substitute for the skin of animals that are euthanized for this purpose. Feeding rate was independent of membrane thickness.Graphical

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.

Morphological description of immature stages of Trichophoromyia brachipyga (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae).

Trichophoromyia brachipyga (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) is a widely distributed species that has been recently regarded as a putative vector of Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni Silveira, Shaw, Braga Ishikawa in the Brazilian Amazon region. Currently, no immature stages of the genus Trichophoromyia Barretto have been morphologically described. The present study provided, for the first time, using a light microscopy morpho-taxonomical approach, the description of the egg, fourth-instar larva, and pupa of Th. brachipyga, with comparison of their morphological traits with other phlebotomine species, particularly those of the subtribe Psychodopygina, which is closely related.

Integration of phlebotomine ecological niche modelling, and mapping of cutaneous leishmaniasis surveillance data, to identify areas at risk of under-estimation

IntroductionPassive surveillance systems are thought to under-estimate the true incidence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) by two- to five-fold. Ecological niche models based on remotely sensed data can identify environmental factors which favor phlebotomine vectors. Here we report an integrated approach to identifying areas at risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis by applying spatial analysis methods to niche model results, and local surveillance data, in two locations in Colombia with differing vector ecology. The objective was to identify townships in which later phases of the project could implement community-based surveillance to obtain direct estimates of under-reporting. Materials and methodsThe study was carried out in one municipality in each of two departments of the Andean region of Colombia: Pueblo Rico in Risaralda, and Rovira in Tolima. Niche mapping by maximum entropy, based on published and unpublished existing locations of Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) longiflocosa and Psychodopygus panamensis, and using variables on land cover, climate and elevation. Field catches were done in each municipality to test predictions of high relative probability of presence. The niche model results were included as a predictor in a conditional autoregressive spatial model, in which the outcome variable was the number of cases by township, as detected by passive surveillance. ResultsHaving rarefied 173 geolocated records, 46 of Pi. longiflocosa and 57 of Ps. panamensis were used for the niche modelling. At the national level, both species had high relative probability of presence on parts of the slopes of the three Andean cordilleras. Pi. longiflocosa also has a high relative probability of presence in the higher parts of the Magdalena valley, as does Ps. panamensis in some areas close to the Caribbean coast. At the local level, field catches confirmed that Pi. longiflocosa was the most abundant species in Rovira, and likewise Ps. panamensis in Pueblo Rico. The spatial regression showed that the incidence of ACL, according to surveillance, was positively, but not statistically significantly, associated with the relative probability of presence from the risk model. ConclusionsThese niche maps bring together published and unpublished results on phlebotomine species which are important vectors in Colombia. Maps of the fitted values of incidence were used to guide the selection of townships in which further phases of the study will attempt to quantify the extent of under-estimation of ACL incidence.

Remarkable diversity, new records and Leishmania detection in the sand fly fauna of an area of high endemicity for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Acre state, Brazilian Amazonian Forest

The species richness of Amazonian phlebotomines is considered to be one of the highest in the world. In the present study, we investigated the richness and diversity of phlebotomine fauna in Xapuri city, Acre state, Western Brazilian Amazonia, which is an area that is highly endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sand fly collections were performed monthly from August 2013 to July 2015 (288 h total of sampling effort) in intradomiciliary, peridomiciliary, and forested environments of two localities. Collected females were dissected, microscopically examined for flagellates in their guts, and preserved in ethanol. A total of 21,197 specimens comprising 14 genera and 57 species were collected, and the majority of these were Nyssomyia, Psychodopygus, and Trichophoromyia genera. Three new records of phlebotomine species for Acre are presented here, including Brumptomyia brumpti, Psathyromyia pradobarrientosi, and for the first time in Brazil, Th. omagua. In Xapuri, the phlebotomine fauna of different ecotopes was varied in regard to abundance, diversity, and frequency, and they included proven and permissive vectors of Leishmania spp. The fauna discovered in the forested areas (57 species) was richer and more diverse than was that (33 species) identified in the peri‑ and intra-domiciles. The identification of Leishmania subgenera that were present in sand fly guts according to SSU rRNA sequences revealed ten and three species harboring Leishmania of subgenera Viannia and Leishmania (most likely Leishmania amazonensis), respectively. The presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) in sand flies are reported here for the first time in Acre. The presence of L. (Viannia) spp. in Brumptomyia sp. and Lutzomyia sherlocki. and the occurrence of mixed infections with Leishmania of both subgenera in Ps. lainsoni have been reported for the first time in Brazil. Taken together, data from previous studies and from the present study highlight the remarkable complexity of phlebotomine fauna that is possibly due to the well-preserved Xapuri forested areas sustaining vital economic activities of plant extraction and ecological tourism. Our findings also provide new insights into the ongoing adaptation of Trichophoromyia and Psychodopygus species to human habitats.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Algeria; Highlight on the Focus of M'Sila.

Algeria ranks second after Afghanistan for the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) worldwide. Here, we report a 34-years retrospective analysis of CL in Algeria and focused on the most affected region, the M’Sila province. All 66 cutaneous isolates corresponded to Leishmania (L.) major. Our study of the sandfly and rodent fauna further highlighted the high density of Phlebotomus papatasi and additional phlebotomine species of medical importance, not previously identified in M’Sila. Wild rodents belonging to nine species were trapped in M’Sila, and Psammomys obesus and Meriones shawi were found infected by L. major. In addition, Leishmania infantum was isolated from two visceral leishmaniasis cases, one dog and its proven vectors (P. perniciosus, P. longicuspis, and P. perfiliewi) inventoried during the survey. The high incidence of CL in the M’Sila province is likely a consequence of the increase in minimum temperatures recorded that constitutes suitable conditions for establishing a high endemicity and leads to an explosive rise in leishmaniases cases in this region. A thorough investigation of the underlying risk factors is urgently needed to detect new cases earlier. All these would improve the preparedness to fight the disease.

Potential vectors of Leishmania spp. in an Atlantic Forest conservation unit in northeastern Brazil under anthropic pressure

BackgroundPhlebotomines are a group of insects which include vectors of the Leishmania parasites that cause visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), diseases primarily affecting populations of low socioeconomic status. VL in Brazil is caused by Leishmania infantum, with transmission mainly attributed to Lutzomyia longipalpis, a species complex of sand fly, and is concentrated mainly in the northeastern part of the country. CL is distributed worldwide and occurs in five regions of Brazil, at a higher incidence in the north and northeast regions, with etiological agents, vectors, reservoirs and epidemiological patterns that differ from VL. The aim of this study was to determine the composition, distribution and ecological relationships of phlebotomine species in an Atlantic Forest conservation unit and nearby residential area in northeastern Brazil.MethodsCenters for Disease Control and Shannon traps were used for collections, the former at six points inside the forest and in the peridomestic environment of surrounding residences, three times per month for 36 months, and the latter in a forest area, once a month for 3 months. The phlebotomines identified were compared with climate data using simple linear correlation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and cross-correlation. The estimate of ecological parameters was calculated according to the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, standardized index of species abundance and the dominance index.ResultsA total of 75,499 phlebotomines belonging to 11 species were captured in the CDC traps, the most abundant being Evandromyia walkeri, Psychodopygus wellcomei and Lu. longipalpis. Evandromyia walkeri abundance was most influenced by temperature at collection time and during the months preceding collection and rainfall during the months preceding collection. Psychodopygus wellcomei abundance was most affected by rainfall and relative humidity during the collection month and the month immediately preceding collection time. Lutzomyia longipalpis abundance showed a correlation with temperature and the rainfall during the months preceding collection time. The Shannon trap contained a total of 3914 phlebotomines from these different species. Psychodopygus wellcomei, accounting for 91.93% of the total, was anthropophilic and active mainly at night.ConclusionsMost of the species collected in the traps were seasonal and exhibited changes in their composition and population dynamics associated with local adaptions. The presence of vectors Ps. wellcomei and Lu. longipalpis underscore the epidemiological importance of these phlebotomines in the conservation unit and surrounding anthropized areas. Neighboring residential areas should be permanently monitored to prevent VL or CL transmission and outbreaks.Graphical

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.

Specification of blood meals ingested by female sand flies caught in Palestinian foci and identification of their concomitant leishmanial infections.

Since leishmaniases are zoonotic vector-borne diseases transmitted through the bites of infected female sand flies, identification of the sources of imbibed blood meals and the detection and identification of leishmanial DNA in them are important in discerning animal reservoirs, clarifying the epidemiology and facilitating control of local leishmaniases. CDC light traps, aspirators and sticky paper traps were used to collect sand flies in four Palestinian foci of both, CL and VL. Phlebotomine species identification was based on morphological keys. Female specimens were screened to detect and identify leishmanial infections, using kDNA-PCR and ITS1-PCR, and engorged female specimens were analyzed to identify the origin of their blood meals, using an RDB blood meal assay based on the amplification of the cytochrome b gene (cytb) of vertebrate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Twenty sand fly species, 11 of the genus Phlebotomus and nine the genus Sergentomyia, were identified. The most abundant species was Ph. papatasi (33.7%), followed by Ph. sergenti (21%). Among the 691 female sand fly specimens, 18.5% (128/691) were positive for leishmanial DNA, using the kDNA-PCR and 6.4% (44/691) were positive using the ITS1-PCR. DNA from parasites of the genus Leishmania was identified in only 1.5% of the infected sand flies. That of Leishmania tropica parasites was detected in six female specimens of Ph. sergenti and that of L. major parasites in two female specimens of Ph. papatasi. Interestingly, two engorged females of the species Se. (Neophlebotomus) sp. were positive for L. tropica DNA. Ninety engorged female sand flies of Ph. papatasi and 104 of Ph. sergenti had fed on a large variety of vertebrate hosts such as humans, hyraxes, rats, cows, goats and birds. Regarding blood-meals showing a mixture from different species of animal host, hyrax and rat blood was revealed in 8/104 (7.7%) females of Ph. sergenti. Detection of hyrax blood in engorged female sand flies of the species Ph. sergenti supports the role of hyraxes being a potential reservoir of L. tropica in Palestinian regions. Rat blood meals might be significant since a few strains L. tropica and L. infantum were isolated from rats. Further studies must be undertaken before conclusions could be drawn.

Phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Surrounding an Environmental Protection Zone in the Metropolitan Region of Natal: Use of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs in Entomological Surveillance.

Entomological surveillance is very important for parasite and arbovirus vector control programs. Light traps with incandescent bulbs are used to attract insects and analyze the factors that contribute to the occurrence of species surrounding an environmental protection zone. Phlebotomine and mosquito abundance and their diversity were analyzed. Captures occurred monthly using six CDC light traps with two incandescent bulbs, two blue and two red LED lights. A total of 2211 phlebotomines of seven species and 4486 mosquitoes belonging to 20 taxa were captured. Different phlebotomine and mosquito species were found in the forest and peridomestic environments, with a predominance of the sand fly Evandromyia walkeri (Newstead) and the mosquito Coquillettidia venezuelensis (Theobald). There was a significant difference in the abundance of sand flies captured with the three bulbs tested, the blue bulb being the most efficient. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed that the trap equipped with a red LED light obtained a higher value than that of the blue LED and incandescent bulb. Analyses showed that the potential vectors and non-vectors of the two groups circulate between the forest and the peridomestic environment, suggesting an adaptation process of species to the altered environment. An incandescent light bulb can be substituted by an LED bulb, without compromising the sensitivity of the method. A blue LED is indicated for the abundant capture of mosquitoes and sand flies, while a red LED obtains a better result in terms of species diversity per capture.