Persistent cutaneous canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an area with predominance of Nyssomyia neivai in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Leishmaniose cutânea canina persistente causada por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis em uma área com predomínio de Nyssomyia neivai no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a neglected zoonotic disease caused mainly by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, which is endemic throughout Brazil. Canine ACL cases were investigated in a rural area of Monte Mor, São Paulo, where a human ACL case had been confirmed. Dogs were evaluated through clinical and laboratory diagnosis including serology, cytological tissue preparations and PCR on skin lesions, lymph node and bone marrow samples. Entomological investigations on sandflies trapped in the surroundings of the study area were performed for 14 months. Nyssomyia neivai was the predominant phlebotomine species, comprising 94.65% of the captured specimens (832 out of 879). This species was the most abundant in all trapping sites, including human homes and dog shelters. Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri and Expapilata firmatoi were also captured. Two of the three dogs examined were positive for anti-Leishmania IgG in ELISA using the antigen Fucose mannose ligand and skin samples were positive for L. (V.) braziliensis in PCR, but all the samples collected were negative for L. (L.) infantum. One of the dogs had a confirmed persistent infection for more than one year.

Resumo A leishmaniose tegumentar Americana (LTA) é uma doença zoonótica negligenciada, causada principalmente por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, sendo endêmica em todo o Brasil. Foram investigados casos de LTA canina em uma área rural da cidade de Monte Mor, São Paulo, onde foi confirmado um caso humano de LTA. Os cães foram avaliados por diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial, incluindo sorologia, esfregaços microscópicos e PCR de amostras em lesões de pele, linfonodos e medula óssea. Também foram realizadas investigações entomológicas durante 14 meses, usando-se armadilhas luminosas para flebotomíneos nas proximidades da área de estudo. Nyssomyia neivai foi a espécie de flebotomíneo predominante com 94,65% dos espécimes capturados (832 de 879). Essa espécie foi a mais abundante em todos os locais de captura, incluindo-se abrigos para humanos e cães. Foram também capturadas as espécies Ny. whitmani, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia monticola, Evandromyia cortellezzii, Pi. fischeri e Expapilata firmatoi. Dos três cães examinados, dois apresentaram IgG anti-Leishmania positivo no ELISA, usando-se o antígeno "Fucose mannose ligand", PCR da lesão de pele positivo para L. (V.) braziliensis e negativo em todas amostras para L. (L.) infantum. Um dos cães apresentou infecção persistente por mais de um ano.

Phylogenetic relationships of closely-related phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Nyssomyia genus and Lutzomyia subgenus

BACKGROUND The Nyssomyia genus and Lutzomyia subgenus include medical important species that are Latin American leishmaniases vectors. Little is known about the phylogenetic relationships of closely-related species in each of these taxonomic groups that are morphologically indistinguishable or differentiated by very subtle details. OBJECTIVES We inferred the phylogenetic relationships of closely-related species within both the Nyssomyia genus and the Lutzomyia subgenus using a cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) fragment. METHODS The sampling was carried out from 11 Argentinean localities. For genetic analyses, we used GenBank sequences in addition to our sequences from Argentina. Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) genetic distance and nucleotide divergence (Da) was calculated between closely-related species of Nyssomyia genus, Lutzomyia subgenus and between clades of Lutzomyia longipalpis complex. FINDINGS The K2P and Da values within species of Nyssomyia genus and Lutzomyia subgenus were lower than the divergence detected between clades of Lu. longipalpis complex. The haplotype network analyses within Lutzomyia subgenus showed shared haplotypes between species, contrary to Nyssomyia genus with none haplotype shared. Bayesian inference within Nyssomyia genus presented structuring by species. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study evidences the phylogenetic proximity among closely-related species within Nyssomyia genus and Lutzomyia subgenus. The COI sequences of Nyssomyia neivai derived from the present study are the first available in GenBank.

Survey of protozoan vector-borne diseases in dogs from Atlantic Rainforest fragment around Billings Dam, São Paulo, Brazil / Levantamento de protozoários transmitidos por vetores em cães de um fragmento de Mata Atlântica nos arredores da Barragem Billings, São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Vector-borne diseases are currently one of the biggest public health concerns worldwide. Dogs, being the closest companion animals to humans, are considered the main reservoir of some of these diseases in the urban environment. Therefore, the study of the disease behavior in dogs can help to understand the disease affecting human health. Serological and molecular diagnoses of Babesia vogeli, Rangelia vitalli, Leishmania infantum, and other trypanosomatids, were performed by immunochromatographic and PCR assays, respectively, on dogs in a dog shelter located in an Atlantic Forest fragment near the Billings Dam, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo-Brazil. Our molecular diagnostic results showed a high prevalence of Babesia vogeli, at 20.9% (17/81). No other protozoan was detected in any of the tests. Determining the prevalence of major vector-borne diseases is essential to establish preventive and control measures for zoonotic diseases in animals kept in shelters, in order to minimize the impact of vector-borne diseases on animal health.

RESUMO: As doenças transmitidas por vetores são atualmente um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública. Os cães, sendo os animais de companhia mais próximos dos seres humanos, são considerados os principais reservatórios de algumas dessas doenças no ambiente urbano, e o estudo de seu comportamento em cães ajuda a entender a doença como um todo na saúde humana. Diagnósticos sorológicos e moleculares de Babesia vogeli, Rangelia vitalli, Leishmania infantum e outros tripanossomatídeos, em um abrigo para cães localizado em um fragmento da Mata Atlântica próximo à Barragem Billings, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram realizadas sorologias e diagnósticos moleculares, no ensaio de PCR foram utilizados marcadores moleculares de oligonucleotídeos específicos para alguns protozoários de importância na saúde animal, como Babesia vogeli, Rangelia vitalli, Leishmania infantum e outros tripanossomatídeos. Nossos resultados de diagnóstico molecular mostraram uma alta prevalência de 20,9% (17/81) de Babesia vogeli. Nenhum outro protozoário foi detectado em nenhum dos testes. A determinação da prevalência das principais doenças transmitidas por vetores é essencial para estabelecer medidas preventivas e de controle de doenças zoonóticas em animais mantidos em abrigos. Essas medidas devem ser propostas para minimizar o impacto de doenças transmitidas por vetores na saúde animal.

Ecology of phlebotomine sand flies in an area of leishmaniasis occurrence in the Xakriabá Indigenous reserve, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Leishmania and spread by hematophagous phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae). The aim of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine fauna, endophily and exophily of the species found, and possible influence of climatic factors on their populations. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Xakriabá Indigenous Reserve (XIR) in the municipality of São João das Missões in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Insects were collected over three consecutive nights in the last week of each month for 12 months from July 2015 to May 2016 from four houses in four different villages. Two traps were set up in each house: one in the intra-domicile and another in the peri-domicile. RESULTS: A total of 2,012 phlebotomine sand fly specimens representing 23 species and belonging to 10 different genera were captured and identified. Among the studied villages, Riacho do Brejo showed the highest density and diversity of phlebotomine sand flies. The species Lutzomyia longipalpis (80.3%) and Nyssomyia intermedia (7.3%), which are major vectors of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively, had the highest population densities, both in the intra- and peri-domicile. No correlation was observed between climatic factors and the density of phlebotomine sand flies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study may contribute to a better understanding and targeting of the measures for preventing and controlling leishmaniasis by the authorities responsible for indigenous health.

Description of the genital atrium of three Lutzomyia species in the subgenus Psathyromyia (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebominae) from the Central Brazilian Amazon / Descripción del atrio genital de tres especies de Lutzomyia del subgénero Psathyromyia (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebominae) de la Amazonía Central Brasileña

Phlebotomine sand flies are responsible for the transmission of the etiological agents of several diseases, including protozoan parasites that cause leishmaniases. In the Lutzomyia França genus, the females of some species are morphologically similar, and the morphological characters normally used to identify them are unreliable. The aim of this study was to distinguish between females of cryptic Lutzomyia França species from the subgenus Psathyromyia Barretto by analyzing the armature in the genital atrium (AGA). The species studied were Lutzomyia dendrophyla Mangabeira, L. scaffi Damasceno & Arouck and L. shannoni sensulato Dyar. Lab-reared females were dissected to isolate the genital atrium and spermathecae. The AGA of each species was then photographed, and the arrangement of spines described. We conclude that the AGA can be a useful tool for distinguishing between female cryptic species of the subgenus Psathyromyia.

Los flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) son responsables por la transmisión de agentes etiológicos de varias enfermedades, incluyendo protozoarios parásitos que causan las leishmaniosis. En el género Lutzomyia França, las hembras de algunas especies tienen morfologías semejantes y los carácteres morfológicos utilizados para identificarlas no son confiables. El objetivo de este estudio fué distinguir las hembras de especies crípticas del subgénero Psathyromyia Barretto analizando la armadura del área genital (AGA). Las especies estudiadas fueron Lutzomyia dendrophyla Mangabeira-Filho, Lutzomyia scaffi Damansceno & Arouck y Lutzomyia shannoni sensulato Dyar. Las hembras criadas en laboratorio fueron diseccionadas para aislar la genitalia y la espermateca, las armaduras fueron fotografiadas y la distribución de las espinas fue descrita. Concluímos que la AGA puede ser una herramienta útil para distinguir las hembras crípticas del subgénero Psathyromyia.

Population dynamics of the mood-sucking insects and detection of pathogens in the rodents from xisha islands of china / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the popukton dynamics of blood-sucking insects and detect the pathogen of rodents in Xisha Islands of China, so as to provide information for prevention and control of infectious diseases in the area. Methods From January to July in 2014. we collected blood-sucking msccis in Yongxing and Shi Islands twice a month using light traps. The specimens were identified by morphologic characters and molecular markers. Meanwhile, the population size was calculated. The pathogenic infections of rodints were detected by immuno-collcadal gold chromatographic test stnps and PCR assay. And the ectoparasates in the rodents were initially identified by morphologic characters. Krsilts The dominant species of blood-sucking insects in Xisha Islands were species of Genus Cutex, Armine res and Cuticoides, and in Apnl the population density of biting midge was the highest (55. 55%. 6 984/12 573). Phlebotomine sandfly specimen was also collected and identified as Sergentomyia baily (n= 11) by mtDNA-CO I sequences. The positive rates of Staphylococcus aureus aiterotoxin type A and Botulinum toxin type A were 3. 45% (1/29) and 14.00% (7/50) in the rodent serum samples, while all the samples were negative for Tsutsugamushi disease and Plague antibodies. Srta58 gene of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi was amplified by nested FCR m 70 rodent’s spkren tissues, with the positive rate bang 11. 43% (8/70). A total of 248 ectoparasites were collected, and 93.55% (232/248) of them was gamasid mites. Conclusion The population dynamics of blood-sucking insects has no obvious change. Phtebotamme sandflies has been first recorded in Xisha Islands. The infection rates by Rickettsia tsutsugaimslx i and two bacterial toxins are high.

Biological aspects of immature stage of Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes and Coutinho) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in laboratory conditions

Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes and Coutinho, 1939) has been considered as a complex of cryptic species, and some of the populations of this complex plays an important role in the transmission of Leishmania spp. in Brazil. The present study reports the biological aspects concerning the productivity out of eggs and the development time of the descendants of females obtained in Dourados municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state. The females were captured with modified electric aspirators, fed in hamsters and further individualized in containers for breeding. At the insectary, temperature and relative humidity were maintained on average of 24.5 °C and 67.3%, respectively. From 944 females 3737 eggs were obtained, 748 (20.0%) evolved to the stage of larvae, and 93 (12.4%) of these reached adult stage. The life cycle lasted 80.6 days and the last larval instar was the longest. The use of a higher protein diet revealed a significant improvement in larval development.

Blood feeding patterns of Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera, Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area of the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the blood feeding sources of Nyssomyia intermedia (Ny. intermedia) and Nyssomyia neivai (Ny. neivai), which are Leishmania vectors and the predominant sandfly species in the Ribeira Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil, an endemic area for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods Specimens were captured monthly between February 2001 and December 2003 on a smallholding and a small farm situated in the Serra district in the Iporanga municipality. The blood meals of 988 engorged females were tested using the avidin-biotin immunoenzymatic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven blood meal sources were investigated: human, dog, chicken, bovine, pig, horse and rat. Results The results showed that among the females that fed on one or more blood sources, the respective percentages for Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai, respectively, were as follows: human (23% and 36.8%), pig (47.4% and 26.4%), chicken (25.7% and 36.8%) and dog (3.9% and 0%), and the differences in the blood sources between the two species were statistically significant (p = 0.043). Conclusions Both species had predominant reactivity for one or two blood sources, and few showed reactivity indicating three or four sources. Many different combinations were observed among the females that showed reactivity for more than one source, which indicated their opportunistic habits and eclecticism regarding anthropic environmental conditions. .

The phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Guarai, state of Tocantins, with an emphasis on the putative vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural settlement and periurban areas

Phlebotomine sandflies were captured in rural settlement and periurban areas of the municipality of Guaraí in the state of Tocantins (TO), an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Forty-three phlebotomine species were identified, nine of which have already been recognised as ACL vectors. Eleven species were recorded for the first time in TO. Nyssomyia whitmani was the most abundant species, followed by Evandromyia bourrouli, Nyssomyia antunesi and Psychodopygus complexus. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and the evenness index were higher in the rural settlement area than in the periurban area. The evaluation of different ecotopes within the rural area showed the highest frequencies of Ev. bourrouli and Ny. antunesi in chicken coops, whereas Ny. whitmani predominated in this ecotope in the periurban area. In the rural settlement area, Ev. bourrouli was the most frequently captured species in automatic light traps and Ps. complexus was the most prevalent in Shannon trap captures. The rural settlement environment exhibited greater phlebotomine biodiversity than the periurban area. Ps. complexus and Psychodopygus ayrozai naturally infected with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were identified. The data identified Ny. whitmani as a potential ACL vector in the periurban area, whereas Ps. complexus was more prevalent in the rural environment associated with settlements.

Phlebotomine sandfly fauna and natural Leishmania infection rates in a rural area of Cerrado (tropical savannah) in Nova Mutum, State of Mato Grosso in Brazil

Introduction American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) has been reported in every municipality of the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, but the transmission epidemiology remains poorly understood. Our study was developed in a rural area of the Nova Mutum municipality where four autochthonous cases of ACL were reported in 2009. Our aims were to describe the local phlebotomine sandfly fauna and to investigate the infection rates and infecting Leishmania species in the captured sandflies. Methods Entomological captures were performed bimonthly at 10 fixed sites close to the edge of a forested area between June 2011 and April 2012. Results A total of 3,743 phlebotomine sandflies belonging to 31 distinct species were captured. Approximately 75% of the specimens were females. The most abundant species (45.4%) was Lutzomyia antunesi, which was consistently captured at every site. Species that are epidemiologically important for ACL, such as L. flaviscutellata, L. whitmani and L. umbratilis, were also captured. L. antunesi and L. ubiquitalis were naturally infected by Leishmania braziliensis or Le. guyanensis, with minimum infection rates of 0.88% and 6.67%, respectively. Surprisingly, L. antunesi was infected by Le. infantum (synonym chagasi). Conclusions The natural infection of L. antunesi and L. ubiquitalis by Leishmania sp. suggests that these species might play a role in the zoonotic cycle of ACL in Nova Mutum. The presence of Le. infantum in L. antunesi suggests that there may be a risk of an outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Nova Mutum. .

Leishmania infection and host-blood feeding preferences of phlebotomine sandflies and canine leishmaniasis in an endemic European area, the Algarve Region in Portugal

The Algarve Region (AR) in southern Portugal, which is an international tourist destination, has been considered an endemic region of zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum since the 1980s. In the present study, phlebotomine and canine surveys were conducted to identify sandfly blood meal sources and to update the occurrence of Leishmania infection in vectors and dogs. Four sandfly species were captured: Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus sergenti and Sergentomyia minuta. In one P. perniciosus female, L. infantum DNA was detected. Blood meal tests showed that this species had no host preferences and was an opportunistic feeder. An overall canine leishmaniasis (CanL) seroprevalence of 16.06% was found; the seroprevalence was 3.88% in dogs housed in kennels and 40.63% in dogs that attended veterinary clinics. The simultaneous occurrence of dogs and P. perniciosus infected with L. infantum in the AR indicates that the region continues to be an endemic area for CanL. Our results reinforce the need for the systematic spatial distribution of phlebotomine populations and their Leishmania infection rates and the need to simultaneously perform pathogen monitoring in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts to investigate the transmission, distribution and spreading of Leishmania infection.

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.

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from caves of the quartzite Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study investigated the sandfly fauna of two quartzite caves in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, located in the municipality of Diamantina, state Minas Gerais. From August 2010-July 2011, entomological sampling was performed in the caves of Salitre and Monte Cristo with two HP light traps exposed in the photic and aphotic zones of each cave. The sandfly fauna consisted of 17 species, among which Lutzomyia cipoensis was predominant (54.76%). The male/female ratio in the total captures was 1:2.5. The aphotic zone showed the highest frequency of specimens captured (65%). A greater density of sandflies occurred during the summer (January-February), coinciding with the period of higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia pessoai, proven or suspected vectors of leishmaniasis, is of concern because the area is visited by many tourists.

Ecological aspects of the sandfly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil / Aspectos ecológicos da fauna flebotomínea (Diptera, Psychodidae) em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, sob influência de complexo hidrelétrico no rio Paranapanema, Estado do Paraná, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: An epidemiological study was undertaken to identify determinant factors in the occurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil. The ecological aspects of the phlebotomine fauna were investigated. METHODS: Sandflies were sampled with automatic light traps from February 2004 to June 2006 at 25 sites in the urban and rural areas of Itambaracá, and in Porto Almeida and São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTS: A total of 3,187 sandflies of 15 species were captured. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (34.4%), followed by Pintomyia pessoai (32.6%), Migonemyia migonei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8.8%), and Pintomyia fischeri (2.7%), all implicated in the transmission of Leishmania. Males predominated for Ny. neivai, and females for the other vector species, with significant statistical differences (p < 0.001). Nyssomyia neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei, and Pi. fischeri presented the highest values for the Standardized Species Abundance Index (SSAI). The highest frequencies and diversities were found in the preserved forest in Porto Almeida, followed by forests with degradation in São Joaquim do Pontal and Vila Rural. CONCLUSIONS: Sandflies were captured in all localities, with the five vectors predominating. Ny. neivai had its highest frequencies in nearby peridomestic environments and Pi. pessoai in areas of preserved forests. The highest SSAI values of Ny. neivai and Pi. pessoai reflect their wider dispersion and higher frequencies compared with other species, which seems to indicate that these two species may be transmitting leishmaniasis in the area.

INTRODUÇÃO: Em estudo epidemiológico desenvolvido para identificar fatores determinantes na ocorrência da leishmaniose tegumentar americana em áreas impactadas por complexo hidrelétrico no rio Paranapanema, Estado do Paraná, Brasil, foram investigados aspectos ecológicos da fauna flebotomínea. MÉTODOS: Os flebotomíneos foram amostrados com armadilhas automáticas luminosas de fevereiro/2004 a junho/2006, em 25 pontos, distribuídos na área urbana, periurbana e rural da Cidade de Itambaracá e Vila Rural, além das localidades de Porto Almeida e São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTADOS: No total capturou-se 3.187 flebotomíneos de 15 espécies. Predominaram Nyssomyia neivai (34,4%), Pintomyia pessoai (32,6%), Migonemya migonei (11,6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8,8%) e Pintomyia fischeri (2,7%), todas com capacidade de transmissão de Leishmania. Para Ny. neivai, predominaram os machos e para as outras vetoras, fêmeas, com diferença estatística significante (p < 0,001). Segundo o índice de abundância das espécies padronizado, as mais abundantes foram: Ny neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei e Pi. fischeri. As maiores frequências e diversidade das espécies foram encontradas em Porto Almeida em áreas com matas mais preservadas, seguida por São Joaquim do Pontal e Vila Rural, com matas mais degradadas. CONCLUSÕES: Os flebotomíneos foram capturados em todas as localidades amostradas, com predominância de cinco espécies vetoras, destacando-se Ny. neivai, com suas frequências mais elevadas nas proximidades de peridomicílios e Pi. pessoai nas áreas de matas mais preservadas. Os altos índices de abundância das espécies padronizados para Ny. neivai e Pi. pessoai indicam que estas duas espécies podem transmitir a leishmaniose tegumentar na área investigada.

Phlebotomine sandflies fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) at rural settlements in the municipality of Cáceres, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Fauna flebotomínica (Diptera: Psychodidae) em assentamentos rurais no Município de Cáceres, Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is expanding across Brazil, including the State of Mato Grosso (MT). The aim of this study was to characterize the phlebotomine sandfly fauna at threerural settlements located in the municipality of Cáceres, MT, from August 2010 to July 2011. METHODS: Sandfly captures were conducted at the forest border and in intra and peridomicile areas with automatic light traps, biweekly, from 5pm to 6am. RESULTS: Of the 630 sandflies collected, 348 were female, and 282 were male. Captured specimens were distributed across 11 genera - Brumptomyia, Evandromyia, Expapillata, Lutzomyia, Martinsmyia, Micropygomyia, Nyssomyia, Pintomyia, Psathyromyia, Psychodopygus, and Sciopemyia - and 28 species. Among these, six species had not been marked yet in MT (Brumptomyia avellari, Br. mangabeirai, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Micropygomyia echinatopharynx, Micropygomyia peresi, and Pa. campograndensis). Nyssomyia whitmani was the most abundant species across ecotopes at all settlements. Interestingly, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi were found in sympatry. CONCLUSIONS: The disorganized occupation of the environment that is happening at the rural settlements of Mata Comprida, Laranjeira I and II could provide opportunities for the domiciliation of wild populations of phlebotomine, including vectors of leishmaniasis. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease in these areas and its impact on the human population.

INTRODUÇÃO: As leishmanioses encontram-se em expansão no Brasil, inclusive no Estado de Mato Grosso (MT). A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar a fauna flebotomínica emtrês assentamentos rurais localizados no município de Cáceres, MT, entre agosto de 2010 e julhode 2011. MÉTODOS: As coletas foram realizadas na margem da mata, no intra e peridomicílio com armadilhas automáticas luminosas, quinzenalmente, das 17h às 6h. RESULTADOS: Foram coletados 630 exemplares, sendo 348 fêmeas e 282 machos. Os espécimes foramdistribuídos em 11 gêneros: Brumptomyia, Evandromyia, Expapillata, Lutzomyia, Martinsmyia,Micropygomyia, Nyssomyia, Pintomyia, Psathyromyia, Psychodopygus e Sciopemyia e 28 espécies, sendo que dentre estas, seis não haviam sido assinaladas em MT (Brumptomyia avellari, Br. mangabeirai, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Micropygomyia echinatopharynx, Micropygomyia peresi e Pa. campograndensis). Ressalta-se o encontro de Nyssomyia whitmani, espécie mais abundante nos diferentes ecótopos em todos os assentamentos. Destaca-se também a presençadas espécies Lutzomyia longipalpis e Lutzomyia cruzi em simpatria. CONCLUSÕES: A ocupação desordenada do ambiente, como vem ocorrendo nos assentamentos Mata Comprida, LaranjeiraI e II, pode proporcionar a domiciliação de populações selváticas de flebotomíneos, dentre estes os vetores das leishmanioses, tornando-se necessários maiores estudos para entender a dinâmica de transmissão dessas morbidades nestes locais.

Sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from Central Amazonia and four new records for the Amazonas state, Brazil / Flebotomíneos da Amazônia Central e quatro novos registros para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Sand flies from Central Amazonia and four new records for the Amazonas state, Brazil. A survey was conducted in May and June 2008 to study the fauna of insects in Central Amazonia, Brazil. As part of the survey, we report here that sixty species of phlebotomine were identified, totaling 13,712 specimens from 13 genera. The collection sites were located at the border between the states of Pará and Amazonas, comprising three municipalities from the Amazonas state (Borba, Maués, and Nhamundá). Malaise, CDC and Shannon traps were used to collect the insects. Most of the sand flies were collected by CDC traps (89.5%), while Malaise and Shannon traps collected 7% and 3.5%, respectively. The most abundant genera, representing 97.1% of the total sand flies identified were: Trichopygomyia Barretto, 1962 (47.6%), Psathyromyia Barretto, 1962 (17.9%), Psychodopygus Mangabeira, 1941 (17.5%) and Trichophoromyia Barretto, 1962 (14.3%). The genera with the largest number of species identified were: Psychodopygus (14), Psathyromyia (10), Evandromyia Mangabeira, 1941 (7), Trichophoromyia (5) and Trichopygomyia (5). The most abundant species was Trichopygomyia trichopyga (Floch & Abonnenc, 1945), which represented 29% of the total sand flies identified. Here we also report new records for four species in the Amazonas state: Ps. complexus (Mangabeira, 1941), Ps. llanosmartinsi Fraiha & Ward, 1980, Ty. pinna (Feliciangeli, Ramirez-Pérez & Ramirez, 1989), and Th. readyi (Ryan, 1986). The results of this study provide new, additional information on the distribution of sand flies in the Amazon and increase the number of species in the Amazonas state from 127 to 131.

Flebotomíneos da Amazônia Central e quatro novos registros para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Um levantamento foi conduzido em maio e junho de 2008 para estudar a fauna de insetos da Amazônia Central, Brasil. Como parte desta pesquisa, foram registradas 60 espécies de um total de 13.712 espécimes pertencentes a 13 gêneros. Os locais de coleta localizaram-se na fronteira dos estados do Pará e do Amazonas, incluindo três municípios do estado do Amazonas (Borba, Maués e Nhamundá). Armadilhas do tipo Malaise, CDC e Shannon foram utilizadas para coletar os insetos. A maioria dos flebotomíneos foi coletada em armadilhas CDC (89,5%), enquanto que as armadilhas Malaise e de Shannon coletaram 7% e 3,5%, respectivamente. Os gêneros mais abundantes, representando 97,1% do total de flebotomíneos identificados foram: Trichopygomyia Barretto, 1962 (47,6%), Psathyromyia Barretto, 1962 (17,9%), Psychodopygus Mangabeira, 1941 (17,5%) e Trichophoromyia Barretto, 1962 (14,3%). Os gêneros com o maior número de espécies identificadas foram Psychodopygus (14), Psathyromyia (10), Evandromyia Mangabeira, 1941 (7), Trichophoromyia (5) e Trichopygomyia (5). A espécie mais abundante foi Trichopygomyia trichopyga (Floch & Abonnenc, 1945) a qual representou 29% do total de flebotomíneos identificados. Também são registradas quatro novas espécies para o estado do Amazonas: Ps. complexus (Mangabeira, 1941), Ps. llanosmartinsi Fraiha & Ward, 1980, Ty. pinna (Feliciangeli, Ramirez-Pérez & Ramirez, 1989), e Th. readyi (Ryan, 1986). Os resultados deste estudo fornecem informações novas e adicionais sobre a distribuição de flebotomíneos da Amazônia e aumenta o número de espécies no estado do Amazonas de 127 para 131.

Sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) no complexo Parque do Sabiá, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Between April 2003 and May 2009 phlebotomine sandflies were collected in Parque do Sabiá complex, Uberlândia municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using CDC and Shannon traps. The objective was to associate the sandfly species captured to the risk of the transmission of leishmaniasis in the municipality. The 126 captured specimens belonging to six species of phlebotomine, among which Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) davisi (Root, 1934) predominated with 113 specimens (89.7 percent). The remaining captured species were Lutzomyia (Pintomyia) mamedei Oliveira, Afonso, Dias & Brazil, 1994 - five specimens (3.9 percent); Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942) - four specimens (3.2 percent); Lutzomyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938) - two specimens (1.6 percent); Brumptomyia avellari (Costa Lima, 1932) - one specimen (0.8 percent); and Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) - one specimen (0.8 percent). The collection of species that may be involved in the transmission of Leishmania reveals the need for continuous entomological surveillance.

Entre abril de 2003 e maio de 2009, realizaram-se capturas de flebotomíneos no complexo Parque do Sabiá, município de Uberlândia, estado de Minas Gerais, utilizando-se armadilhas CDC e de Shannon. O objetivo foi associar as espécies encontradas ao risco de transmissão de leishmanioses no município. Foram capturados 126 exemplares, distribuídos em seis espécies de flebotomíneos. Houve predomínio de Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) davisi (Root, 1934) com 113 espécimes (89,7 por cento). As demais espécies capturadas foram Lutzomyia (Pintomyia) mamedei (Oliveira, Afonso, Dias & Brazil, 1994) - cinco espécimes (3,9 por cento); Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942) - quatro espécimes (3,2 por cento); Lutzomyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938) - dois espécimes (1,6 por cento); Brumptomyia avellari (Costa Lima, 1932) - um espécime (0,8 por cento) e Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) - um espécime (0,8 por cento). A captura de espécies que podem estar envolvidas na veiculação de Leishmania revela a necessidade de uma vigilância entomológica constante.

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.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the State of Pernambuco / Flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) no Estado de Pernambuco

INTRODUCTION: Phlebotomine sand flies are small insects of great medical relevance. This article presents an updated list of the phlebotomine sand flies occurring in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: A review of literature published since the 1940s up to May 2010 was conducted and voucher material deposited in reference collections were studied. RESULTS: A total of 37 phlebotomine species have previously been reported as occurring in Pernambuco, but the record of six species needs confirmation. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides an updated list of phlebotomine sand flies of Pernambuco, with some notes on their taxonomy, ecology, distribution and epidemiological relevance.

INTRODUÇÃO: Flebotomíneos são pequenos insetos de grande importância médica e veterinária. Este artigo apresenta uma lista atualizada dos flebotomíneos que ocorrem no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão da literatura publicada desde a década de 40 até maio de 2010 foi realizada e material testemunho depositado em coleções de referência foi estudado. RESULTADOS: Um total de 37 espécies de flebotomíneos foram previamente relatadas como presentes em Pernambuco, mas o registro de seis delas necessita de confirmação. CONCLUSÕES: Esse trabalho fornece uma lista atualizada de flebotomíneos de Pernambuco, com algumas notas sobre a sua taxonomia, ecologia, distribuição e relevância epidemiológica.

Application of predictive degree day model for field development of sandfly vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in northwest of Iran.

Background & objectives: Temperature plays a significant role in insect’s development where a rise in temperature, accelerates the insect’s metabolic rates, increases egg production and makes blood feeding more frequent. It also shortens the time period required for the development of pathogens within insects. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important vector-borne diseases transmitted by different sandfly species. In this study, a phenological model was used to estimate the number of generations, peak activity and temporal variability of sandflies in the main VL foci in northwest Iran. Methods: Development requirements of different life stages of a Phlebotomus papatasi laboratory colony were measured and were subjected to the formula for calculation of accumulated degree day (ADD) for field sandflies using the online soft (UC IPM), using horizontal cut-off method and single triangle model. Sandflies population dynamics was monitored in the field during the seasonal activity in the region and its association with the ADD was tested using SAS software. Results: Populations of sandflies accommodated well with the amount of accumulated degree days (ADD) in the region. During the seasonal activity, a total of 639 ADD were produced which was enough to support one complete life cycle and growth of the next generation up to late larval instar. Larvae of the second generation hibernate through winter and the first adult population appears in the mid to late June of the next year when they receive at least 182 ADD from the beginning of the spring. The highest population density of sandflies was observed in early August, followed by a rapid decrease in early September, with the adult population disappearing completely in late September. This is the first degree day model related to sandflies in the most important VL foci of Iran. Interpretation & conclusion: Further studies in various regions with variable climate are recommended in order to better estimate and understand the development time, population dynamics and activities of the vectors which in turn could be used in proper implementation of effective vector control programmes.