Ecoepidemiology of American Visceral Leishmaniasis in Tocantins State, Brazil: Factors Associated with the Occurrence and Spreading of the Vector Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

Abstract

Leishmaniases are considered serious public health problems, and their geographical expansion has enabled their establishment in urban areas of medium and large cities in Brazil. Continuous processes of deforestation, construction of dams, and hydroelectric plants, among others, cause environmental impact and may favor the increase in the number of human cases of leishmaniases, as well as the establishment of epidemic outbreaks. This scenario reflects the reality of some regions of Brazil, such as Tocantins State, which in recent years has recorded high levels of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). This study is aimed to analyze environmental and epidemiological factors related with the spatial and temporal distribution of AVL and with the occurrence of Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis, the main vector of AVL, in the state of Tocantins. The results indicate that the vector is adapted to all environments, especially the ones under human influence, and that anthropogenic environmental impacts can support the development and adaptation of AVL in Brazil. Such information could be applied in control strategies aimed at decreasing AVL incidence.

Changes in the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil from 2001 to 2014

“…This is mainly due to the extensive migratory flow of people from the Northeast, who live in poor housing conditions that lack urban infrastructure, sanitation and essential public services, such as garbage collection, health care and education 39 . These demographic and social problems are associated with the environmental impact caused by the deforestation in this state 40 . This situation contributed to the epidemiologic situation identified in Tocantins, which deserves greater efforts to be made by the health services, both in the diagnosis and treatment of cases, as well as towards adequate surveillance services for this particular population.…”

Leishmaniose visceral e sua relação com fatores climáticos e ambientais no Estado do Tocantins, Brasil, 2007 a 2014

“…Tocantins tem um território de 277.720.412km 2 A categorização das taxas de incidência obedece aos pontos de corte utilizados pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) 6 , entretanto as taxas das categorias muito intensa e intensa foram agrupadas com as taxas na categoria alta. Os municípios que não apresentaram notificação no período foram classificados como "sem casos".…”

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

“…Poverty and socio-environmental conditions are identified as the main factors for the prevalence of AVL, being initially registered in rural or peri-urban areas [10,11]. However, the disease is increasing in large urban areas, and this epidemiological change has been associated with migration, environmental degradation, and climate change [12][13][14][15][16].…”