Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) and urbanization of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
The article discusses habits related to the vectorial competence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, along with evidence confirming the importance of this sand fly species in the epidemiological chain of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. A new epidemiological profile for visceral leishmaniasis is also postulated, associated with domestic environments and the role of Lu. longipalpis in this process, its sylvatic origin, and its capacity to adapt to a wide range of habitats. Another sand fly species, Lu. cruzi, is mentioned as a vector of visceral leishmaniasis in some municipalities in Central Brazil, based on studies in endemic areas of the country.
Rangel
Elizabeth F
EF
Laboratório de Transmissores de Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. efrangel@ioc.fiocruz.br
Vilela
Maurício L
ML
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D011576:Psychodidae / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D014507:Urbanization