Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in São Vicente Férrer, a sympatric area to cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:In the last decades, a considerable geographic expansion of the leishmaniases in all regions of Brazil has been observed. The present study was carried out to identify the composition of the phlebotomine sandfly fauna and verify the seasonal variation of the main species after environmental changes occurred in São Vicente Férrer Municipality, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Methods: Captures were carried out during four consecutive nights of each month using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps from September 2009 to September 2010. The correlation between the number of phlebotomine sandflies captured and climatic factors (temperature and rainfall) was evaluated. Results: A total of 13,872 specimens belonging to 20 species were captured, of which, 6,247 (45%) were females, and 7,625 (55%) were males. Lutzomyia migonei was the most abundant species with 9,964 (71.8%) specimens, being predominant in the intradomicile and peridomicile areas with 108 (86.4%) and 9,746 (97%), respectively. In the forest remnants, Lutzomyia complexa 2,395 (65%) and Lutzomyia sordellii 770 (20.8%) predominated. The correlation analysis between the total number of sandflies captured and climatic factors did not show a significant influence on population density. Conclusions: The high abundance of Lutzomyia migonei and Lutzomyia complexa indicates the possibility of new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Keywords: Leishmaniases. Sandflies. São Vicente Férrer. RESUMO Introdução: Nas últimas décadas tem se observado uma considerável expansão geográfica das leishmanioses em todas as regiões do Brasil. O presente estudo foi realizado para identificar a fauna de flebotomíneos e verificar a sazonalidade das principais espécies após mudanças ambientais ocorridas no município de São Vicente Férrer, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Métodos: As capturas foram realizadas durante quatro noites consecutivas por mês usando armadilhas luminosas CDC, no período de setembro de 2009 a setembro de 2010. A correlação entre o número de flebotomíneos capturados e fatores climáticos (temperatura e umidade) foi avaliada. Resultados: Foi capturado um total de 13.872 espécimes pertencentes a 20 espécies, sendo 6.247 (45%) fêmeas e 7.625 (55%) machos. Lutzomyia migonei foi a espécie mais abundante com 9.964 (71,8%) espécimes, sendo predominante no intradomicílio 108 (86,4%) e peridomicílio 9.746 (97%). Nos resquícios de mata primária, predominaram Lutzomyia complexa 2.395 (65%) e Lutzomyia sordellii 770 (20,8%). A análise de correlação entre o número total de flebotomíneos capturados e os fatores climáticos não mostrou uma influência significativa na densidade da população. Conclusões: A elevada abundância de Lutzomyia migonei e Lutzomyia complexa indica a possibilidade de novos casos de leishmaniose cutânea (LC). Palavras-chaves:Leishmanioses. Flebotomíneos. São Vicente Férrer.

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in an urban area of Northeastern Brazil

“…However, in this study they were also observed in locations showing effects of human intervention, suggesting some adaptation to the changing environments (5) .…”

“…An increase in the abundance and diversity of peridomiciliary sandfl ies has been observed in several areas of Brazil in recent years (5) . It is important to correlate the vector density with favorable environmental aspects for peridomiciliary sandfl ies, such as the presence of vegetation, roots, tree trunks, and organic matter, which are the possible shelters and breeding grounds for the vector (19) .…”

“…L. migonei, although not as anthropophilic as L. intermedia, can reach man and domestic animals by adapting to their home environment. Its presence inside the homes and outdoors indicates its adaptation to human environments (5) (29) . L. migonei was found naturally infected in the municipality of São Vicente Ferrer, Pernambuco (5) and in the State of Rio de Janeiro (6) (7) .…”

“…Because of environmental changes resulting from the deforestation and urbanization processes observed in various regions of Brazil, some species of wild sandfl ies settled around human dwellings and animal shelters, demonstrating their adaptation to the environments modifi ed by humans. This phenomenon contributed to the gradual spread of VL in all the regions of the State of Pernambuco over the last two decades (5) . For example, from 2005 to 2010 16.9% of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was observed in the municipality of Caruaru (11) .…”

“…In Brazil, two species are involved in transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), namely Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi (4) . Lutzomyia migonei specimens were found to be naturally infected with Leishmania infantum, in São Vicente Ferrer, Pernambuco (5) and Rio de Janeiro (6) (7) . An experimental infection with L. infantum was reported in a previous study (8) .…”