RESUMO
More than 1600 mammals were examined for infections of Leishmania mexicana. Fourteen infected rats belonging to three species were trapped. A fourth species was experimentally infected. More than 3000 sandflies attracted to rats and oppusums are recorded, principal species being Lutzomyia cruciata, L.flaviscutellata, L. panamensis, L. shannoni, L.permira and L. trinidadensis. More than 2000 sandflies were dissected and flagellates found in twelve. Three strains from L. flaviscutellata proved to be infections of Leishmania mexicana. Many observations on the ecology of the rats and the sandflies are presented and discussed. It is concluded, in the light of the ecological observations, that the rat Ototylomys phyllotis is the principal reservoir host and the fly Lutzomyia flaviscutellata is the principal vector of Leishmania mexicana in British Honduras (Summary)
