title: Spatial dynamics of urban populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Caxias, State of Maranhão, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this paper, we report the ecology of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Caxias City, located in the eastern part of State of Maranhão, Brazil and highlight its seasonal and geographical distribution by environment. In addition, we discuss natural Leishmania infection and its relationship with visceral leishmaniasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 2007 and August 2009, the collection of sandflies was performed using Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps from 15 houses in 5 selected neighborhoods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lutzomyia longipalpis was present in all zones of the city. We also found that Lu. longipalpis was regularly detected both inside and around the house, predominantly in outdoor areas. In urban areas, Lu. longipalpis was present in both the dry and rainy seasons, with a higher density present in the latter. One female specimen of Lu. longipalpis was observed to have natural Leishmania infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of Lu. longipalpis was observed throughout the year during 2 seasonal periods, with a predominance in the rainy season. A low rate of natural Leishmania infection was observed in urban areas during the rainy season.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São LuisMA.
authors.forename: Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão
authors.initials: Mdo D
authors.lastname: Nascimento
authors.forename: Maria Helena
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Graça Maria de Castro
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: Francisco Santos
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Leonardo
authors.forename: Geusa Felipa de Barros
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Bezerra
authors.forename: Antonia Suely Guimarães e
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Valéria Cristina Pinheiro
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Silma Regina Ferreira
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: José Manuel Macário
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rebêlo
authors.forename: Reginaldo Peçanha
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Brazil
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D002947:Cities; D005260:Female; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011576:Psychodidae / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons; D014505:Urban Population