Monitoring of Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva, 1912 in an area of intense transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil.
Urban increase of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil is associated with the adaptation of its vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, to environments modified by humans. The present study reports the results of an entomological monitoring of L. longipalpis and the effect of environmental variables on its population density. Sandflies were captured in the municipality of Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, from January 2005 to December 2006. Two CDC light traps were placed monthly for four consecutive nights in the peridomicile of selected households. Data analysis was based on the chi-square test and linear regression. A total of 2,087 sandflies were captured, 99.86% of which were L. longipalpis. A higher proportion of females were captured (p < 0.05). Monthly analysis of the variables temperature, relative humidity and rainfall did not show a significant influence on population density. However, there were seasonal differences: approximately 70% of sand flies were captured during the rainy season (p < 0.05). The predominant species, L. longipalpis, is present in substantial number, representing a public health risk. Therefore, because of higher prevalence during the rainy season, we recommend intensified VL control measures before and during this season to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Amóra
Sthenia Santos Albano
SS
Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGCV, Universidade Estadual do Ceará-UECE, Fortaleza, CEP 60740-000, Brazil.
Bevilaqua
Claudia Maria Leal
CM
Dias
Edmilson de Castro
Ede C
Feijó
Francisco Marlon Carneiro
FM
Oliveira
Paula Gabriela Melo de
PG
Peixoto
Gislayne Christianne Xavier
GC
Alves
Nilza Dutra
ND
Oliveira
Lorena Mayana Beserra de
LM
Macedo
Iara Térsia Freitas
IT
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011576:Psychodidae; D012621:Seasons