Alternative Method for the Mass Rearing of Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) cruzi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Laboratory Setting.
The understanding of the transmission dynamics of Leishmania spp. Ross as well as the epidemiology and spread of leishmaniasis is related to parasite-vector-host interactions. These interactions can be studied using specimens of a sand fly population reared in the laboratory, exposing individuals to experimental infection for the investigation of vector competence and parameters of the vectorial capacity of the species. The present study sought to describe an alternative method for the implantation of a Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) cruzi colony with wild specimens captured in the municipality of Corumbá, Brazil. With Method 1, engorged females were individualized for oviposition. The eggs were transferred to an acrylic petri dish with a layer of plaster on the bottom, on which food was placed after hatching of the first larvae. With Method 2, females were kept in groups for oviposition in containers, in which soil and food were placed on their bottom for the larvae. In addition, the exposure time of the larvae to light was reduced in comparison with Method 1. With Method 2, a significantly greater number of specimens of Lu. cruzi was obtained. The ratio between the number of emerged adults and the females followed for oviposition was 0.42 with Method 1 and 2.75 with Method 2. The optimization of the rearing conditions for Lu. cruzi will enable the establishment of a colony providing a sufficient number of specimens to develop experimental infection by Leishmania as well as vectorial competence and some parameters of the vectorial capacity of this sand fly.
Postgraduate Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo - USP, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - São Paulo, SP, BRA 01246-904. Corresponding author, e-mail: efalcao.oliveira@gmail.br.
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Oliveira
Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Cidade Universitária, s/n, Campo Grande, MS, BRA 79090-900.
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Fernandes
Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Cidade Universitária, s/n, Campo Grande, MS, BRA 79090-900.
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Oshiro
Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - UFMS, Cidade Universitária, s/n, Campo Grande, MS, BRA 79090-900.
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Oliveira
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo - USP, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715 - São Paulo, SP, BRA 01246-904.
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Galati
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D004772:Entomology / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D011576:Psychodidae / Q000254:growth & development*; D011679:Pupa / Q000254:growth & development
Lutzomyia cruzi; colony; rearing; sand fly