A new species of phlebotomine sandfly, Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) duckei (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil / Uma nova espécie de flebotomíneo, Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) duckei (Diptera: Psychodidae) de Manaus, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) duckei Oliveira, Alencar and Freitas sp. n. from Adolpho Ducke Reserve, Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, is described and illustrated based on three male specimens, the holotype and two paratypes. The paratypes have abnormalities in the external genitalia, one with asymmetric bilateral anomaly (different anomalies in each of certain paired structures) and the other with unilateral anomaly (anomaly in one of the paired structures). The new species probably belongs to the Serrana Series, integrating the list of the species whose males possess gonostylus with two stout spines (one apical and other subapical), as well as a small and very thin spine on the inner surface of the basal half.

Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) duckei Oliveira, Alencar e Freitas sp. n. da Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, Manaus, Estado do Amazona, Brasil, é descrita e ilustrada com base em três espécimes machos, o holótipo e dois parátipos. Os parátipos possuem anomalias na genitália externa, sendo um com anomalia bilateral assimétrica (anomalias diferentes em cada uma das estruturas pareadas) e outro com anomalia unilateral (anomalia em uma das estruturas pareadas). A nova espécie provavelmente pertence à Série Serrana, integrando a lista das espécies, cujos machos possuem gonóstilo com dois espinhos robustos (um apical e outro subapical), bem como um espinho delgado e muito curto na superfície interna da metade basal.

Phlebotomine sandfly (Diptera: Psychodidae) diversity and their Leishmania DNA in a hot spot of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis human cases along the Brazilian border with Peru and Bolivia

In this study, we identified the phlebotomine sandfly vectors involved in the transmission of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) in Assis Brasil, Acre, Brazil, which is located on the Brazil-Peru-Bolivia frontier. The genotyping of Leishmania in phlebotomines was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. A total of 6,850 sandflies comprising 67 species were captured by using CDC light traps in rural areas of the municipality. Three sandfly species were found in the state of Acre for the first time: Lutzomyia georgii, Lu. complexa and Lu. evangelistai. The predominant species was Lu. auraensis/Lu. ruifreitasi and Lu. davisi (total 59.27%). 32 of 368 pools were positive for the presence of Leishmania DNA (16 pools corresponding to Lu. davisi, and 16 corresponding to Lu. auraensis/Lu. ruifreitasi), with a minimal infection prevalence of 1.85% in Lu. davisi and 2.05% in Lu. auraensis/Lu. ruifreitasi. The Leishmania species found showed maximum identity with L. (Viannia) guyanensis and L. (V.) braziliensis in both phlebotomine species. Based on these results and similar scenarios previously described along the Brazil/Peru/Bolivia tri-border, the studied area must take into consideration the possibility of Lu. davisi and Lu. auraensis/Lu. ruifreitasi as probable vectors of ACL in this municipality.

Description of a new species of Psathyromyia Barreto (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from Amazonas state, Brazil

ABSTRACTA new species of phlebotomine sand fly is described and illustrated based on the male and female morphological characters of specimens collected from Tefé and Coari municipalities, Amazonas state. The phlebotomine sand flies were collected with CDC light traps used as aspirators at the base of tree trunks. Both male and female specimens collected in Tefé municipality were first identified as Psathyromyia souzacastroi. After the analysis of the holotype of Pa. souzacastroi deposited in Smithsonian Institute/Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, it was observed that the morphotypes collected in Tefé municipality belong to a distinct species, which characterization is here presented.

The genital atrium armature of some Brazilian sand fly females (Diptera: Phlebotominae) / Armadura do átrio genital de algumas fêmeas de flebotomíneos brasileiros (Diptera: Phlebotominae)

Phlebotomine sand flies are insects of medical importance. Species in the Neotropical region are highly diverse. Some of these species are considered cryptic species because of their morphological similarity between adult females of different species make identification especially difficult. The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the armature in the genital atrium (AGA) of some adult female sand flies, in order to discover new taxonomic characters that make it possible to distinguish between species that would otherwise be treated as cryptic by analysis of the AGA. The AGA of 16 Phlebotomine sand fly species are described. Distinct differences were found in relation to the shape and size of the armature, the presence or absence of spines on the armature, and the shape, size, and grouping patterns of the spines. These characters made it possible to distinguish between the species studied.

Os flebotomíneos são insetos de importância médica. Na região Neotropical existe grande diversidade de espécies. Algumas dessas espécies são consideradas espécies crípticas devido às semelhanças morfológicas entre fêmeas adultas de diferentes espécies, tornando a identificação especialmente difícil. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e descrever a armadura no átrio genital (AAG) de algumas fêmeas adultas de flebotomíneos, a fim de descobrir novos caracteres taxonômicos que tornem possível a distinção por análise da AAG entre as espécies que poderiam ser tratadas como espécies crípticas. Foram descritas a AAG de 16 espécies de flebotomíneos. Diferenças distintas foram encontradas em relação à forma e ao tamanho da armadura, a presença ou ausência de espinhos na armadura, e a forma, tamanho e padrões de agrupamento dos espinhos. Esses caracteres tornou possível a distinção entre as espécies estudadas.

Epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and phlebotomine sandfly population, in the municipality of Monte Negro, State of Rondônia, Brazil

Introduction: This work was carried out on the purpose of identifying the species of phlebotomine sandflies in the municipality of Monte Negro, state of Rondonia, Brazil, that may have been transmitting the American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), and concisely describe epidemiological aspects of disease. METHODS: The epidemiologic and socioeconomical indicators were obtained from government institutions and the local Municipal Secretary of Health. Phlebotomine sandflies were captured using CDC light traps between July 2006 to July 2008. The total of 1,240 of female sandflies were examined by PCR method directed to k-DNA. RESULTS: There has been a significant decrease in the incidence of ACL of about 50% over the last ten years in the municipality. A total of 1,935 specimens of 53 sandfly species were captured, three of the genus Brumptomyia genus and 50 of the genus Lutzomyia. The predominant species was Lutzomyia acanthopharynx, Lutzomyia whitmani, Lutzomyia geniculata and Lutzomyia davisi. None were positive for Leishmania sp. CONCLUSIONS: Four sandflies species were found in the State of Rondonia for the first time: Brumptomyia brumpti, Lutzomyia tarapacaensis, Lutzomyia melloi and Lutzomyia lenti. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, was also captured. Socioeconomical improvement of Brazilian economy and the increase of environmental surveillance in the last 15 years collaborated in the decrease of people exposed to vectors, reducing the incidence of ACL.

Diversity of sandflies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) captured in sandstone caves from Central Amazonia, Brazil

In the present paper we describe the diversity of phlebotomine sandflies collected in three sandstone caves in the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, state of Amazonas, Brazil. The phlebotomines were captured during 2006 with CDC light traps. Guano samples from inside the Gruta Refúgio do Maruaga were collected to investigate the presence of immature specimens. A total of 2,160 adult phlebotomines representing 15 species were captured. Pintomyia pacae was the dominant species in Gruta dos Animais (1,723 specimens) and Gruta dos Lages (50 specimens) and Deanemyia maruaga new comb (280 specimens) was the dominant species in Gruta Refúgio do Maruaga. A total of 18 guano samples were collected and seven of these samples included immature specimens. A total of 507 immature specimens were captured; 495 of these specimens were larvae and 12 were pupae. The presence of paca (Agouti paca) footprints near Gruta dos Animais and Gruta dos Lages suggests the association of Pi. pacae with this rodent. This finding may explain the abundance of Pi. pacae in these locations, while the species is relatively rare in the forest. Deanemyia maruaga is a cave species that uses guano to breed during its immature stages. Adult specimens of this species are apparently parthenogenetic and autogenous and represent the second record of parthenogenesis for the subfamily Phlebotominae.

Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) de uma reserva de campina no Estado do Amazonas, e sua importância epidemiológica / Phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a campina reserve in the State of Amazonas, and its epidemiological importance

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, a maior diversidade de flebotomíneos é encontrada na Região Amazônica, principalmente em floresta primária de terra-firme. No entanto, sua fauna ainda é pouco conhecida em outros ecossistemas desta região. MÉTODOS: a fim de conhecer a fauna de flebotomíneos de outro ecossistema amazônico, coletas com armadilhas de luz CDC foram realizadas em uma área de campina/campinarana na zona periurbana da Cidade de Manaus. RESULTADOS: foram capturados 814 flebotomíneos de 26 espécies, sendo as mais abundantes: Lutzomyia flaviscutellata (64,5 por cento); Lutzomyia georgii (14 por cento); Lutzomyia olmeca nociva (8,1 por cento); Lutzomyia furcata (3,2 por cento); Lutzomyia monstruosa (1,3 por cento); Lutzomyia umbratilis (1,1 por cento) outros (7,8 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Campina/campinarana revelou-se de grande importância epidemiológica devido a elevada abundância de Lutzomyia flaviscutellata e Lutzomyia olmeca nociva, ambas vetoras de Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Com base nestas informações, será possível traçar metas para estudos parasitológicos e conscientizar pesquisadores e estudantes, que mantém constante exposição nesta área realizando trabalhos de pesquisa, sobre o possível risco de contaminação por Leishmania.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the largest diversity of phlebotomines is found in the Amazon region, particularly in undisturbed terra-firma forest. However, the phlebotomine fauna in other ecosystems of this region is still not well known. METHODS: In order to investigate the phlebotomine fauna of another Amazon ecosystem, collections were made using CDC light traps in the campina/campinarana ecosystems in the periurban zone of the city of Manaus. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fourteen phlebotomines of 26 species were captured, of which the most abundant were: Lutzomyia flaviscutellata (64.5 percent); Lutzomyia georgii (14 percent); Lutzomyia olmeca nociva (8.1 percent); Lutzomyia furcata (3.2 percent); Lutzomyia monstruosa (1.3 percent); Lutzomyia umbratilis (1.1 percent); and others (7.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The campina/campinarana ecosystems showed great epidemiological importance because of the high abundance of Lutzomyia flaviscutellata and Lutzomyia olmeca nociva, which are both vectors of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Based on this information, it will be possible to outline goals for parasitological studies and raise awareness among researchers and students who are constantly exposed in these areas while conducting research work, regarding the possible risk of contamination by Leishmania.

Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) em terra firme e planície fluvial na área de influência do gasoduto Coari-Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil / Fauna of Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) on terra firme and fluvial lowland in areas under the influence of the Coari-Manaus gas pipeline, Amazonas, Brazil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento preliminar da entomofauna de flebotomíneos nas áreas de influência do gasoduto Coari-Manaus (AM). As coletas foram realizadas no período de 4 a 8 de agosto (2003), em cinco dos sete municípios da área de influência do gasoduto, utilizando-se de armadilhas de luz do tipo CDC. Foram capturados 205 indivíduos, distribuídos em 25 espécies, pertencentes a oito subgêneros (151 – 73,7%) e quatro grupos (54 – 26,3%). A espécie Lutzomyia umbratilis foi a mais numerosa encontrando-se 21,0% (43) do total coletado. Nestas coletas foi registrada pela primeira vez no Amazonas e segunda no Brasil a espécie Lutzomyia preclara, coletada nos municípios de Caapiranga e Manacapuru.

The object of this work was to make a preliminary survey of the entomofauna sandflies in the areas under the influence of the Coari-Manaus (AM) gas pipeline. The collections were made from 4 to 8 August 2003, in five of the seven municipal districts under the influence of the gas pipeline, using light traps of the type CDC. We captured 205 individuals, distributed in 25 species, belonging to eight subgenera (151 – 73.7%) and four groups (54 – 26.3%). The Lutzomyia umbratilis was the most numerous species found (43 – 21.0%). The species Lutzomyia preclara, collected in the municipal districts of Caapiranga and Manacupuru, was registered for the first time in the state of Amazonas, and the second time in Brasil.

Lutzomyia maruaga (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new bat-cave sand fly from Amazonas, Brazil

A new species of parthenogenetic, autogenic and apparently extremely endemic phlebotomine is described from a sandstone cave located in primary terra firme forest to the North of the city of Manaus. Specimens were collected in the aphotic zone of the Refúgio do Maruaga cave by light trap and reared from bat guano. The adult morphology suggests a closer relationship to some Old World Phlebotominae than to species of Lutzomyia França encountered in the surrounding rainforest, but it shares characteristics with the recently proposed Neotropical genera Edentomyia Galati, Deanemyia Galati and Oligodontomyia Galati.

Phlebotomine sand flies from Säo Gabriel da Cachoeira (State of Amazonas, Brazil) with a description of Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) douradoi n.sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Third-five species of Lutzomyia and two species of Brumptomyia were identified among 795 phlebotomines taken in light-traps near the upper reaches of the middle Rio Negro. The subgenus Psychodopygus predominanted in number of species (11) and relative abundance (74-81 per cent in light trap samples from the forest and 99 per cent on human bait). For many of the species these records help to fill large gaps on current maps of distribution, and for others (L. olmeca nociva, L. mangabeirana, L. triacantha) the findings represent a significant expansion of their known range. A new species in the subgenus Psychodopygus (L. douradoi) is described from both sexes, and L. bettini is recorded for the first time in Brazil.

Report on a collection of Lutzomyia sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from the Middle Solimoes (Amazonas, Brazil)

Fifty-two species of Lutzomyia sand flies were identified in contemporaneous samples totalling only 1875 individuals, collected at the same site in tall primary terra-firme rainforest, near the south bank of the Solimoes River. The most abundant species belonged to the subgenera Trichophoromyia and Nyssomyia. The subgenera Psathyromyia, Nyssomyia and Psychodopygus represented the greatest number of species. A new, aberrant species of the subgenus Psathyromyia (L. cutellata) and the female of Lu. souzacastroi are described. The Phlebotominae are proposed as a suitable indicator group for biogeographic and diversity studies.

Leishmaniose no Estado do Amazonas: aspectos epidemiológicos, clinicos, terapêuticos / Leishmaniasis in the State of Amazonas-Brazil: epidemiological, clinical and therapeutical aspects

No presente säo estudados os principais aspectos relacionados a doenças vetores, reservatórios, agentes etiológicos e terapêutica da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Estado do Amazonas. Resalta-se a importância epidemiológica da leishmaniose na Amazônia como um todo e, em particular, na periferia urbana de Manaus. As dificuladades na resposta terapêutica com a N-metilglucamina e os resultados encorajadores com a pentamidina säo, também, discutidos