Research priorities for the control of phlebotomine sand flies

Abstract

The control of the sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis is problematic because their larvae develop in largely unknown terrestrial habitats making them impervious to available control measures. Furthermore, the behavior patterns of adults of different sand fly species are highly diverse, requiring tailor-made control solutions based upon a profound knowledge of their biology. In this short review, we describe possible lines of research that hold promise for improving our munitions in the battle against the diseases they transmit. The suggested approaches are not necessarily presented in order of importance, but rather in a logical sequence starting in the larval breeding areas where the sand flies originate and culminating with the human environments. Some examples are offered to illustrate the potential efficacy. Journal of Vector Ecology 36 (Supplement 1): S10-S16. 2011.

Insecticide Activity of Ageratina jahnii and Ageratina pichinchensis (Asteraceae) against Lutzomyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae)

“…Although organochloride insecticides perform a similar mechanism, natural insecticides offer a more environmental friendly solution for plague control. [22] Finally, it is important to mention that present results are showing two new botanical species with bioactive properties against insects, opening possibilities to a more suitable control of vectors that causes different diseases.…”

“…[22] Essential oils extracted from Pseudognaphalium caeruleocanum (Asteraceae) and Cinnamomun zeylanicum (Lauraceae), have been reported as possible natural repellents against L. migonei stings. [23] In addition, Monticalia greenmaniana (Asteraceae) essential oil demonstrated a high efficacy as adulticide with LD 50 values of 0.005 mg/mL and LD 98 of 0.0066 mg/mL at 1 h of exposure.…”

Irrigation in the arid regions of Tunisia impacts the abundance and apparent density of sand fly vectors of Leishmania infantum

“…However, because these structures provide a dark, moist habitat and protection from unfavorable weather conditions, these structures should not be overlooked for their potential to serve as an important habitat for a variety of sand fly species (Warburg and Faiman 2011). The phlebotomine fauna of central and southern Tunisia should be investigated to validate the predictive density models developed in this report and confirm the spread and establishment of HVL, SCL, and CVL in non-endemic areas.…”

Adulticide effect of Monticalia greenmaniana (Asteraceae) against Lutzomyia migonei (Diptera: Psychodidae)

“…Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternative control measures against bites from sandflies, vectors of Leishmania, which are less contaminating and dangerous than chemical insecticides. Thus, it is important to evaluate some plants and, in particular, their secondary metabolites, such as natural insecticides against sandflies (Maroli and Khoury 2004;Neuber 2008;Amóra et al 2009;Warburg and Faiman 2011).…”