Lutzomyia longipalpis, Gone with the Wind and Other Variables

Abstract

Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) is the main vector of Leishmania infantum (Nicolle) in America, associated in turn with the current spread and urbanization of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). The vector distribution in AVL foci shows a spatial-temporal clustering despite the different epidemiological contexts. The factors associated with the macroscale distribution of Lu. longipalpis as a landscape stratification are discussed in the framework of the process of their adaptation to anthropized environments. On the other hand, the fact that Lu. longipalpis is clustered in only a few hot spots or critical sites suggests that microscale approaches that describe the trap surrounding environment and the availability of refuges and food sources are better at explaining the uneven distribution of this vector, and should contribute, together with macroscale variables, to design operational control strategies. With regard to temporal distribution and climatic or vegetation data obtained by remote sensing as variables to explain and forecast the abundance of Lu. longipalpis, it is necessary to take into account the time lags in relation to the life cycle of the vector, the difference between the level of daily activity and actual abundance, and the differences in critical variables and thresholds according to the region or season. In conclusion, this review shows that it is feasible to characterize the distribution of Lu. longipalpis at focus level and within it to identify the main critical sites, proposing a sequential cost-effectivity strategy for urban AVL surveillance and control.

Registro de flebotomíneos antropofílicos en el peridomicilio de un caso de leishmaniosis cutánea localizada en Yucatán, México

“…En nuestros hallazgos destaca la presencia de Lu. longipalpis, especie con mayor capacidad de adaptación a perturbaciones antrópicas, lo cual ha favorecido la expansión y emergencia geográfica de la leishmaniosis visceral en América Latina (15).…”

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

“…In urban regions, Lu. longipalpis-except regions with extreme climatic conditions-can be found throughout the year, and its seasonal pattern is almost always related to climatic conditions [78]. In the built area the abundance of Lu.…”

Abundance of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Nyssomyia whitmani, the Leishmania spp. vectors in northeastern of Argentina: Are spatial and temporal changing patterns consistence?

“…To understand the spatial distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in a given place, in order to compare spatial patterns and trends between different locations, extrapolate generalizations, and propose intervention measures, it is necessary to describe the historical context of sand fly colonization, the leishmaniasis incidence, and the size and urban quality of the city, mainly with actively spreading species as Lu. longipalpis in changing environments or changing epidemiological scenarios ( Salomon, 2020 ). Puerto Iguazu, surrounded by rivers with riparian forest and national reserves, is a growing but relatively small city, without a highly urbanised downtown and green patches even in its centre, as many other localities in the region.…”

“…The persistence of these patterns, in addition to the interest from the ecology about population dynamics and landscape fragmentation, served as the basis for proposing a surveillance-control strategy based on the ‘hot spot’ hypothesis ( Salomon, 2020 ). Spatial consistency over years could contribute to define ‘where’ to make focal interventions, and seasonal consistency could define ‘when’, without the need for monitoring the abundance of this vectors throughout the year.…”