Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 148
Filter
Add more filters

Publication year range
1.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 30(10): 2099-2107, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39320166

ABSTRACT

Bartonella spp. are opportunistic, vectorborne bacteria that can cause disease in both animals and humans. We investigated the molecular occurrence of Bartonella spp. in 634 phlebotomine sand fly specimens, belonging to 44 different sand fly species, sampled during 2017-2021 in north and northeastern Brazil. We detected Bartonella sp. DNA in 8.7% (55/634) of the specimens by using a quantitative real-time PCR targeting the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer intergenic region. Phylogenetic analysis positioned the Lutzomyia longipalpis sand fly-associated Bartonella gltA gene sequence in the same subclade as Bartonella ancashensis sequences and revealed a Bartonella sp. sequence in a Dampfomyia beltrani sand fly from Mexico. We amplified a bat-associated Bartonella nuoG sequence from a specimen of Nyssomyia antunesi sand fly. Our findings document the presence of Bartonella DNA in sand flies from Brazil, suggesting possible involvement of these insects in the epidemiologic cycle of Bartonella species.


Subject(s)
Bartonella Infections , Bartonella , Insect Vectors , Phylogeny , Psychodidae , Animals , Bartonella/genetics , Bartonella/isolation & purification , Bartonella/classification , Brazil/epidemiology , Psychodidae/microbiology , Insect Vectors/microbiology , Bartonella Infections/microbiology , Bartonella Infections/epidemiology , Bartonella Infections/transmission , DNA, Bacterial/genetics
2.
Med Vet Entomol ; 38(1): 83-98, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37867259

ABSTRACT

In this study, we analysed the molecular and morphometric differences of several populations of the putative sand fly vector Psychodopygus davisi (Root, 1934) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Brazil. We amplified the 658 base pair fragments of the DNA barcoding region-cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene-for 57 specimens of P. davisi and three specimens of Psychodopygus claustrei (Abonnenc, Léger & Fauran, 1979). We merged our data with public sequences of the same species available from GenBank. Then, the combined dataset-87 sequences and 20 localities-was analysed using population structure analysis and different species delimitation approaches. Geometric morphometry of wings was performed for 155 specimens of P. davisi populations from the North, Midwest and Southeast Brazilian regions, analysing the differences in centroid sizes and canonical variates. Molecular analysis indicated high intraspecific genetic distance values for P. davisi (maximum p distance = 5.52%). All algorithms identified P. davisi and P. claustrei as distinct molecular taxonomic units, despite the low interspecific distance (p distance to the nearest neighbour = 4.79%). P. davisi sequences were split into four genetic clusters by population structure analysis and at least five genetic lineages using intermediate scenarios of the species delimitation algorithms. The species validation analysis of BPP strongly supported the five-species model in our dataset. We found high genetic diversity in this taxon, which is in agreement with its wide geographic distribution in Brazil. Furthermore, the wing analysis showed that specimens from the Southeast Region of Brazil are different from those in the North and the Midwest. The evolutionary patterns of P. davisi populations in Brazil suggest the presence of candidate species, which need to be validated in future studies using a more comprehensive approach with both genomic data and morphological characters.


Subject(s)
Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Animals , Brazil , Psychodidae/genetics , Biological Evolution , Algorithms , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/veterinary , Phylogeny
3.
Parasitol Res ; 123(6): 253, 2024 Jun 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38922451

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by different species of Leishmania is transmitted by Phlebotominae sandflies. This disease remains a public health concern in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine Leishmania infection in sandflies and reservoir rodents in six rural regions of Nahavand, located in western Iran. From May to October 2022, sandflies and rodents were collected and identified at the species level. Additionally, rodents' skin lesions and earlobe specimens were collected separately for microscopic and molecular examination. All specimens were tested for Leishmania DNA by PCRs targeting the parasite's ITS-2 and 18S rRNA gene and positive were Sanger sequenced. A total of 3396 sandflies belonging to seven subgenera and 11 species, i.e., Phlebotomus papatasi (42.7%), P. major (20.6%), P. mascitti (0.3%), P. neglectus (0.2%), P. alexandri (0.2%), P. turanicus (0.3%), Sergentomyia murgabiensis (18.1%), S. dentata (10.5%), S. theodori (5.8%), S. antennata (1.1%), and S. pawlowski (0.1%) were identified. Based on the species population, 29 pools of sandflies were examined for the presence of Leishmania DNA using conventional PCR (cPCR), and individual DNAs were tested when positive. Leishmania major DNA was detected in two P. papatasi and Leishmania sp. in one P. major individual sandfly. This is the first report of Leishmania infection in sandflies from Hamadan province. The captured rodents (n = 61) belonged to four families and seven species, i.e., Arvicola amphibius (37.7%), Mus musculus (29.5%), Microtus socialis (13.1%), Apodemus sylvaticus (11.5%), Talpa davidiana (4.9%), Apodemus witherbyi (1.6%), and Rattus norvegicus (1.6%). Microscopic and molecular examinations of the rodent lesions and earlobes scored negative results. The presence of Leishmania in the Phlebotominae sandflies in Nahavand indicates a potential threat to humans and animals in the region. Regular monitoring and examination of the sandflies' population and timely diagnosis and treatment of new patients are strongly recommended.


Subject(s)
DNA, Protozoan , Leishmania , Psychodidae , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Rodentia , Animals , Iran , Psychodidae/parasitology , Psychodidae/classification , Rodentia/parasitology , Leishmania/genetics , Leishmania/classification , Leishmania/isolation & purification , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/transmission , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/veterinary , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Female , Male
4.
Med Vet Entomol ; 37(2): 308-315, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36533381

ABSTRACT

The species Sciopemyia sordellii (Diptera, Phlebotominae) is widely distributed throughout the American continent. This raises doubts about their identity as a single biological entity and points to the occurrence of species complex. Here, we review the geographic distribution of S. sordellii in the Neotropical region, as well as data on its biology and ecology. Records were obtained from literature and from specimens deposited in biological collections. In total, 149 records were analysed, from 12 countries in America. However, after taxonomic revision, some specimens were wrongly identified as S. sordellii, especially those from Peru, putting in doubt the occurrence of the species in that country. In Brazil, it has been recorded in all five geographic regions and collected in different biomes, besides to other ecotypes such as caves. Furthermore, its presence in an anthropized environment has also been reported. Some studies have also diagnosed Leishmania DNA in S. sordellii, indicating that parasite circulation is being maintained between the reservoir hosts. The data evaluated in our study allowed us to provide updated information on the distribution of S. sordellii in America, which may be useful in the taxonomy of this species.


Subject(s)
Psychodidae , Animals , Ecosystem , Brazil , Ecotype , Biology
5.
Med Vet Entomol ; 37(4): 845-858, 2023 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37649415

ABSTRACT

Sand flies have expanded their areas of distribution, thereby increasing the risk of pathogen transmission in non-endemic areas. To establish efficient prevention and control strategies for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens, it is important to understand seasonal dynamics of their vectors. In Mexico, there are several areas where the contact between sand flies, hosts and reservoirs favours the transmission of the pathogen. We compared sand fly communities in a forest management area and a conserved area in Noh-Bec, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The analysis included species diversity, activity peaks and molecular detection of pathogens. Sand flies were collected from November to December 2021 and April to May 2022, during 84 night-traps. The conserved area showed higher numbers and greater species heterogeneity of sand flies as compared with the other sites. The ß-diversity analysis revealed that sites disturbed by logging (S1, S2, S3) had greater similarity (90%) in their sand fly species composition than a conserved area (S4) (similarity = 36%). Although none of the specimens were infected with Leishmania, we detected Wolbachia (19.4%) in all four sites, as well as Bartonella (3.25%) only in the disturbed sites. Further studies on the dynamics of sand fly populations and their association with pathogens are necessary.


Subject(s)
Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Animals , Mexico , Insect Vectors , Forests
6.
Parasitol Res ; 122(12): 2933-2944, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37773460

ABSTRACT

Trichophoromyia auraensis (Mangabeira, 1942) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) has a wide geographic distribution in the western region of the Amazon biome, where it is a putative Leishmania vector. Here, we reported for the first time a population of this species in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, in the eastern Amazon, from which we DNA-barcoded and compared with previously processed specimens from Acre State, in the western Amazon. For this, we analyzed the DNA barcoding fragment (658 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of Trichophoromyia species using phylogenetic gene trees, and species delimitation algorithms. The analyses of COI barcodes showed high values of genetic distance (mean K2P = 5.17) and well-supported clades/MOTUs for the eastern and western populations of T. auraensis, which may indicate a possible complex of cryptic species. The western population of this taxon merged with the close-related sand fly Trichophoromyia velezbernali Posada-López, Galvis and Galati, 2018 from Colombia, which may be associated with the recent speciation history and introgression between these populations. These evidences should be evaluated with a more comprehensive sampling in terms of analyzed populations and molecular markers.


Subject(s)
Leishmania , Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Phylogeny , Psychodidae/genetics , Leishmania/genetics , Phlebotomus/genetics , DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
7.
J Vector Borne Dis ; 60(4): 453-456, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38174527

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives: Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America. In Mexico, this species has been recorded in endemic areas of leishmaniasis transmission, but it has never been detected as infected with Leishmania sp. This study aimed to explore the presence of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. from samples collected with a human baited trap from an endemic region of leishmaniasis in southeastern Mexico. Methods: This is a prospective study where a total of 45 specimens of Lu. longipalpis s.l. collected in two sites of Yucatan state with records of leishmaniasis were tested. The nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer was amplified for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Results: Two females were positive for Leishmania DNA. None of the specimens positive for parasite DNA were found fed or gravid. Our finding represents the first record of infection by Leishmania in Lu. longipalpis s.l. for the country. Interpretation & conclusion: More studies are necessary to understand the potential role of this vector species in the transmission cycle of the causative agent of leishmaniasis in the southeastern and other regions of Mexico.


Subject(s)
Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniasis, Visceral , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Animals , Female , Humans , Psychodidae/parasitology , Mexico , Prospective Studies , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis/epidemiology , Leishmania infantum/genetics , DNA , Brazil/epidemiology
8.
Med Vet Entomol ; 36(4): 408-423, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35582971

ABSTRACT

Brazilian caves, one of the many tourist attractions of the country, may act as a shelter for insects, such as sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), natural hosts of various microorganisms including parasites of the genus Leishmania Ross, 1903. In the last decades, with the increasing global need for sustainable development, ecotourism has emerged as one of the major activities in Brazil. However, the constant monitoring in environmentally protected areas is not often carried out, endangering visitors and professionals, especially due to the occurrence of zoonoses. Several sand fly species have already been recorded in Brazilian caves, drawing attention to the possibility of Leishmania transmission at this ecotope. Indeed, this current systematic review summarizes the fauna of cave-dwelling sand flies in Brazil, focusing on their biological behaviour and the occurrence of potential vectors of Leishmania parasites.


Subject(s)
Kinetoplastida , Leishmania , Psychodidae , Animals , Brazil , Caves
9.
Parasitol Res ; 121(11): 3327-3330, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36109382

ABSTRACT

Sand flies are hematophagous dipterans and are considered vectors of the parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania, which can infect mammals, including humans, and subsequently cause leishmaniasis. Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), southern Brazil, was considered free of this disease for the last few decades. However, several autochthonous cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been recorded in different municipalities in recent years. Since 2017, cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) have been reported in the municipality of Santa Maria, located in the central region of RS. In 2021, two cases of human VL were confirmed in the city, resulting in one death. To capture the possible vectors involved in the disease transmission cycle, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) modified light traps were installed in the peridomestic residential areas. These points were situated in two city districts where cases of CVL had been reported from January 2021 to January 2022. In the 41 sample collections of sand flies, 9 specimens of Lutzomyia longipalpis were identified, confirming the municipality as an area of VL transmission, according to Brazilian sanitary standards. The spread of Leishmania spp. has been occurring efficiently, resulting in a negative impact on the One Health. This study reports the first detection of L. longipalpis in the central region of RS.


Subject(s)
Leishmania , Leishmaniasis, Visceral , Leishmaniasis , Psychodidae , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Dogs , Humans , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/parasitology , Mammals , Psychodidae/parasitology
10.
Med Vet Entomol ; 35(3): 400-407, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33524182

ABSTRACT

Brazil is one of the countries that concentrates 90% of all tegumentary and visceral leishmaniases cases and Bahia is one of the highly affected states. In the present report, we consolidated secondary data from several complementary databases that allowed us to record the sand fly species identified including areas of Leishmania spp. transmission in the state of Bahia. We then overlayed the geographical distribution data onto maps of vegetational aspects found across the state. Overall, 21 602 records of phlebotomine sand flies occurrence between 1949 and 2016 were analysed, encompassing 85% of Bahia's municipalities. Seventy-six sand fly species under 17 genera were enlisted. Among described species, 27 were proven or putative Leishmania spp. vectors and three were considered exclusively endemic in the state. Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia whitmani were found in 74, 29 and 27% of municipalities, respectively. Salvador, the state capital and major city presented records for 21 different sand fly species, including known vectors for leishmaniasis. In particular, a wide distribution of Evandromyia sallesi was detected for this city. This consolidated account on phebotomine fauna and distribution may be explored for improving the planning and deployment of vector-focused leishmaniasis control measures in affected areas of Bahia.


Subject(s)
Leishmania , Leishmaniasis , Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Animals , Brazil , Leishmaniasis/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis/veterinary
11.
Med Vet Entomol ; 35(3): 302-314, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33249628

ABSTRACT

Despite the medical importance of sandflies as vectors (Diptera: Phlebotominae) of Leishmania spp., immature stages of phlebotomine sandflies have never been found in the wild in Mexico. In the present investigation, we sought to identify specific microhabitats associated with the presence of sandfly immature stages. Field work was conducted in 11 localities of the Yucatan Peninsula and we collected soil samples from each site during two periods (November 2007 to April 2008, November 2008). Soil samples were transported to our base camp and were processed using the Berlese's funnels. We processed a total 242 soil samples with an average weight of 362 ± (SD) 317 gr. From these samples, we were able to recover 51 phlebotomine larvae in five different microhabitats and largest number was obtained from mammal burrows (88%) and from tree-buttresses of Brosimium alicastrum (Berg) (6%). We identified larval microhabitat for Brumptomyia hamata (Fairchild & Hertig) and those specimens provided the material to describe for the first time the fourth instar larva. We also include information of a larval microhabitat of Lutzomyia cruciata (Coquillett). In addition, we recorded a total of 4872 arthropods from 15 taxa in all those soil samples in which sandfly larvae were found, being Collembola (76%) and Acari (10%) the most abundant.


Subject(s)
Phlebotomus , Psychodidae , Animals , Insect Vectors , Larva , Mexico
12.
Med Vet Entomol ; 35(3): 267-283, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33480064

ABSTRACT

A species complex (= species group, species series) is an assemblage of species, which are related morphologically and phylogenetically. Recent research has revealed several arthropod vector species that were believed to be a single nominal species actually representing a group of closely related species, which are sometimes morphologically indistinguishable at one or more developmental stages. In some instances, differences in terms of vector competence, capacity, or both have been recorded. It highlights the importance of detecting and studying species complexes to improve our understanding of pathogen transmission patterns, which may be vectored more or less efficiently by different species within the complex. Considering more than 540 species, about one-third of the phlebotomine sand flies in the New World present males and/or females morphologically indistinguishable to one or more species. Remarkably, several of these species may act in transmission of pathogenic agents. In this article, we review recent research on species complexes in phlebotomine sand flies from the Americas. Possible practical implications of recently acquired knowledge and future research needs are also discussed.


Subject(s)
Insect Vectors , Psychodidae , Animals , Female , Male
13.
Med Vet Entomol ; 34(4): 420-431, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32590879

ABSTRACT

Sandfly specimens from the subgenus Evandromyia (Aldamyia) Galati, 2003 (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) were collected between 2012 and 2019 from nine localities in seven Brazilian states, morphologically-identified, and then DNA barcoded by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coi) gene. Forty-four new barcode sequences generated from 10 morphospecies were combined with 49 previously published sequences from the same subgenus and analysed using sequence-similarity methods (best-match criteria) to assess their ability at specimen identification, while four different species delimitation methods (ABGD, GMYC, PTP and TCS) were used to infer molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Overall, seven of the 11 morphospecies analysed were congruent with both the well-supported clades identified by phylogenetic analysis and the MOTUs inferred by species delimitation, while the remaining four morphospecies - E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi, E. lenti and E. piperiformis - were merged into a single well-supported clade/MOTU. Although E. carmelinoi, E. evandroi and E. lenti were indistinguishable using coi DNA barcodes, E. piperiformis did form a distinct phylogenetic cluster and could be correctly identified using best-match criteria. Despite their apparent morphological differences, we propose on the basis of the molecular similarity of their DNA barcodes that these latter four morphospecies should be considered members of a recently-diverged species complex.


Subject(s)
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods , Psychodidae , Animals , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics , Phylogeny , Psychodidae/classification , Psychodidae/genetics
14.
J Gen Virol ; 100(6): 938-949, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31050631

ABSTRACT

The genus Phlebovirus (order Bunyavirales, family Phenuiviridae) comprises 57 viruses that are grouped into nine species-complexes. Sandfly-transmitted phleboviruses are found in Europe, Africa and the Americas and are responsible for febrile illness and infections of the nervous system in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of sandfly-transmitted phleboviruses in connected and isolated forest habitats throughout the Panama Canal area in Central Panama. In total, we collected 13 807 sandflies comprising eight phlebotomine species. We detected several strains pertaining to five previously unknown viruses showing maximum pairwise identities of 45-78 % to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genes of phleboviruses. Entire coding regions were directly sequenced from infected sandflies as virus isolation in cell culture was not successful. The viruses were tentatively named La Gloria virus (LAGV), Mona Grita virus (MOGV), Peña Blanca virus (PEBV), Tico virus (TICV) and Tres Almendras virus (TRAV). Inferred phylogenies and p-distance-based analyses revealed that PEBV groups with the Bujaru phlebovirus species-complex, TRAV with the Candiru phlebovirus species-complex and MOGV belongs to the proposed Icoarci phlebovirus species-complex, whereas LAGV and TICV seem to be distant members of the Bujaru phlebovirus species-complex. No specific vector or habitat association was found for any of the five viruses. Relative abundance of sandflies was similar over habitat types. Our study shows that blood-feeding insects originating from remote and biodiverse habitats harbour multiple previously unknown phleboviruses. These viruses should be included in future surveillance studies to assess their geographic distribution and to elucidate if these viruses cause symptoms of disease in animals or humans.


Subject(s)
Phlebovirus/genetics , Phlebovirus/isolation & purification , Psychodidae/virology , Africa , Animals , Europe , Genome, Viral/genetics , Humans , Insect Vectors/virology , Panama , Phlebotomus Fever/virology , Phylogeny
15.
Med Vet Entomol ; 33(1): 89-98, 2019 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30198066

ABSTRACT

The spatiotemporal population dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) were evaluated in a city in Argentina in which visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Over 14 sampling sessions, 5244 specimens of five species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) were captured, of which 2458 (46.87%) specimens were L. longipalpis. Generalized linear models were constructed to evaluate the associations between L. longipalpis abundance and explanatory variables derived from satellite images. The spatial variable 'stratum' and the temporal variable 'season' were also included in the models. Three variables were found to have significant associations: the normalized difference vegetation index; land surface temperature, and low urban coverage. The last two of these were associated with L. longipalpis abundance only during summer and winter, respectively. This variation between seasons supports the development of models that include temporal variables because models of distributions of the abundance of a species may show different critical variables according to the climatic period of the year. Abundance decreased gradually towards the downtown area, which suggests that L. longipalpis responds to a meta-population structure, in which rural-periurban source populations that persist over time may colonize adjacent areas. This information allows for a spatiotemporal stratification of risk, which provides public health authorities with a valuable tool to help optimize prevention measures against visceral leishmaniasis.


Subject(s)
Animal Distribution , Ecosystem , Insect Vectors/physiology , Psychodidae/physiology , Animals , Argentina , Cities , Female , Male , Population Dynamics , Seasons , Spacecraft , Spatio-Temporal Analysis
16.
Med Vet Entomol ; 32(2): 197-205, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29178206

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to study the distribution of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psycodidade) abundance in time and space in an area in northeastern Argentina with vector transmission of visceral and tegumentary leishmaniasis. For this, 51 households were selected using a 'worst scenario' criterion where one light trap was set during two consecutive nights in peridomiciles in the transitions between the four seasons, and the environment was surveyed simultaneously. The relationships of phlebotomine assemblage structure and the most abundant species with seasonality and environmental variables were evaluated using a canonical correspondence analysis and generalized linear mixed models, respectively. A total of 5110 individuals were captured. Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) were the most abundant species captured in all samplings (98.3% of the total capture). The period of highest abundance of Lu. longipalpis was early autumn, and it was distributed in the most urbanized areas. Nyssomyia whitmani occupied mainly the less urbanized areas, showing peaks of abundance in early spring and summer. Other species were captured in low numbers and showed seasonal-spatial variations similar to those of Ny. whitmani. We confirmed Leishmania spp. vector persistence throughout the year in spatial patches of high abundance even during the less favorable season.


Subject(s)
Animal Distribution , Housing , Insect Vectors/physiology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/transmission , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/transmission , Psychodidae/physiology , Animals , Argentina , Cities , Environment , Leishmania/physiology , Seasons
17.
Med Vet Entomol ; 31(4): 392-401, 2017 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28815634

ABSTRACT

The aims of the study were to (a) investigate the effect of trapping methods on alpha diversity; and (b) enhance the knowledge of the sandfly assemblage in the state of Quintana Roo. Field work was undertaken in a tropical forest of southern Mexico from August 2013 to July 2014. Sampling was conducted monthly during three consecutive nights. For each trapping night, 12 different types of trap were operated from 18.00 to 24.00 hours in four transects. Measures of alpha community diversity were based on the quantification of the number of species (Chao 2, Jackknife 2, Clench's equation, Margalef's index) and the community structure, as well as the dominance (Simpson and Berger-Parker indexes) and evenness (Shannon's entropy index, true diversity of the Jost and Pielou index). With a total sampling effort of 1728 night-traps, 16 101 phlebotomine sandflies were collected; they represented two genera and 13 species. Diversity estimates of 100% (Chao 2 and Clench's equation) and 85% (Jackknife 2) of potential species in the study area were calculated. Shannon traps and CDC light traps indicated the largest number of species, but only Shannon traps showed the greatest abundance. This inventory of sandflies is an important activity to enhance our knowledge of sandfly assemblages and guilds. The ultimate goal of studying alpha diversity in sandflies would be to have a better understanding of the population dynamics and all complex networks of interactions that may, in turn, be associated with the epidemiology of the disease.


Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Entomology/methods , Insect Control/methods , Psychodidae/classification , Animals , Mexico , Phlebotomus/classification , Population Dynamics
18.
Med Vet Entomol ; 31(4): 373-380, 2017 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28707301

ABSTRACT

The Lutzomyia subgenus (Diptera: Psychodidae) includes sibling species with morphologically indistinguishable females. The aims of this study were to analyse variations in the size and shape of wings of species within the Lutzomyia subgenus and to assess whether these analyses might be useful in their identification. Wings (n = 733) of 18 species deposited in Brazilian collections were analysed by geometric morphometrics, using other genera and subgenera as outgroups. Shape variation was summarized in multivariate analyses and differences in wing size among species were tested by analysis of variance. The results showed significant variation in the sizes and shapes of wings of different Lutzomyia species. Two clusters within the Lutzomyia subgenus were distinguished in analyses of both males and females. In Cluster 1 (Lutzomyia ischnacantha, Lutzomyia cavernicola, Lutzomyia almerioi, Lutzomyia forattinii, Lutzomyia renei and Lutzomyia battistinii), scores for correct reclassification were high (females, kappa = 0.91; males, kappa = 0.90), whereas in Cluster 2 (Lutzomyia alencari, Lutzomyia ischyracantha, Lutzomyia cruzi, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia gaminarai and Lutzomyia lichyi), scores for correct reclassification were low (females, kappa = 0.42; males, kappa = 0.48). Wing geometry was useful in the identification of some species of the Lutzomyia subgenus, but did not allow the identification of sibling species such as L. longipalpis and L. cruzi.


Subject(s)
Psychodidae/anatomy & histology , Psychodidae/classification , Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology , Animals , Brazil , Female , Male , Species Specificity
19.
Med Vet Entomol ; 31(2): 214-219, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28369993

ABSTRACT

A new species of phlebotomine sandfly is described and illustrated using male and female specimens collected in the provinces of Jujuy and Tucumán, Argentina. Both male and female morphological characters allow the inclusion of the new species within the Pintomyia genus, Pifanomyia subgenus, serrana series (Diptera: Psychodidae). The species was denominated as Pintomyia salomoni n. sp., and is closely related to Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) torresi and Pintomyia (Piffanomyia) boliviana.


Subject(s)
Psychodidae/anatomy & histology , Psychodidae/classification , Animals , Argentina , Female , Male
20.
J Am Mosq Control Assoc ; 32(2): 103-16, 2016 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27280348

ABSTRACT

Phlebotominae are the vectors of Leishmania parasites. It is important to have available surveillance and collection methods for the sand fly vectors. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate and compare traps for the collection of sand fly species and to analyze trap catches along months and transects. Field evaluations over a year were conducted in an endemic area of leishmaniasis in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. A randomized-block design was implemented in study area with tropical rainforest vegetation. The study design utilized 4 transects with 11 trap types: 1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap with incandescent bulb (CDC-I), 2) CDC light trap with blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (CDC-B), 3) CDC light trap with white LEDs (CDC-W), 4) CDC light trap with red LEDs (CDC-R), 5) CDC light trap with green LEDs (CDC-G), 6) Disney trap, 7) Disney trap with white LEDs, 8) sticky panels, 9) sticky panels with white LEDs, 10) delta-like trap, and 11) delta-like trap with white LEDs. A total of 1,014 specimens of 13 species and 2 genera (Lutzomyia and Brumptomyia) were collected. There were significant differences in the mean number of sand flies caught with the 11 traps; CDC-I was (P  =  0.0000) more effective than the other traps. Other traps exhibited the following results: CDC-W (17.46%), CDC-B (15.68%), CDC-G (14.89%), and CDC-R (14.30%). The relative abundance of different species varied according to trap types used, and the CDC-I trap attracted more specimens of the known vectors of Leishmania spp., such as like Lutzomyia cruciata, Lu. shannoni, and Lu. ovallesi. Disney trap captured more specimens of Lu. olmeca olmeca. Based on abundance and number of species, CDC light traps and Disney traps appeared to be good candidates for use in vector surveillance programs in this endemic area of Mexico.


Subject(s)
Insect Control/instrumentation , Insect Vectors , Psychodidae , Animals , Insect Control/standards , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/prevention & control , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/transmission , Mexico
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL