Nocturnal activity and biting rhythm of sand flies [diptera; psychodidae] in Al-Agool, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The study of phlebotomine sand flies activity and biting rhythms are of vital importance determining the period of maximum risk of Leishmania infection, prevention of transmission, and in successful control. This study was carried out aiming to reach a better understanding of the phlebotomine sandflies activity and biting rhythms in Al-Agool village, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia, an area of zonootic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Three collection methods were used to collect sand flies; CDC miniature light traps, sticky traps and aspirator collection off human bait, for six nights [12 hours each] in May and June, 2007. Four species were detected; Phlebotomus papatasi, P sergenti, Sergentomyia cyldei and S. antennata. P. papatasi was found to be the most abundant species [81%]. Sticky traps sampled the greater number of phlebotomine flies [43.4%], followed by light traps [31%], catching all of the 4 collected species. Human bait sampled 25.6%, only Phlebotomus species were collected by this method. Both sexes of collected sand flies displayed nocturnal activity with different patterns; the females nocturnal activity was repuscu1ar, exhibiting two peaks of activity, a larger one after dusk and a smaller one before dawn, whereas t of males was clearly nocturnal. Also, females biting rhythms follow that of nocturnal activity. This poses a greater risk for humans to be bitten and infected by the 'various sand fly-borne pathogens. This is especially important in intra-domiciliary settings during the night, in particular, after dusk and before dawn