An entomological field evaluation of larval biology of sandfly in Kala-azar endemic focus of Bihar--exploration of larval control tool.

ABSTRACT

Knowing the exact breeding places inside the habitat is very important to plan the larval control strategy. Information regarding larval biology in relation to different seasons will be more useful to organize insecticide spray schedule at a particular month of maximum immature density to bring down the adult sandfly density. In the present study, maximum number of soil samples were found positive in the month of January and minimum in the month of September. Maximum positive soil samples were collected from cattle sheds, minimum in mixed dwellings and in case of human dwellings all soil samples were negative. Comparison of two methods for the isolation of immature stages showed that direct microscopic observation is superior to sugar flotation technique.