Humidity and temperature preference in two Neotropical species of sand flies.

BACKGROUND: Arthropods vector a multitude of human disease-causing organisms, and their geographic ranges are shifting rapidly in response to changing climatic conditions. This is, in turn, altering the landscape of disease risk for human populations that are brought into novel contact with the vectors and the diseases they carry. Sand flies in the genera Lutzomyia and Pintomyia are vectors of serious disease-causing agents such as Leishmania (the etiological agent of leishmaniasis) and may be expanding their range in the face of climate change. Understanding the climatic conditions that vector species both tolerate physiologically and prefer behaviorally is critical to predicting the direction and magnitude of range expansions and the resulting impacts on human health. Temperature and humidity are key factors that determine the geographic extent of many arthropods, including vector species. METHODS: We characterized the habitat of two species of sand flies, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Pintomyia evansi. Additionally, we studied two behavioral factors of thermal fitness-thermal and humidity preference in two species of sand flies alongside a key aspect of physiological tolerance-desiccation resistance. RESULTS: We found that Lu. longipalpis is found at cooler and drier conditions than Pi. evansi. Our results also show significant interspecific differences in both behavioral traits, with Pi. evansi preferring warmer, more humid conditions than Lu. longipalpis. Finally, we found that Lu. longipalpis shows greater tolerance to extreme low humidity, and that this is especially pronounced in males of the species. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results suggest that temperature and humidity conditions are key aspects of the climatic niche of Lutzomyia and Pintomyia sand flies and underscore the value of integrative studies of climatic tolerance and preference in vector biology.

One piece of the puzzle: Modeling vector presence and environment reveals seasonality, distribution, and prevalence of sandflies and Leishmania in an expansion area.

The recent geographic spread of Leishmania infantum along the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay has been highlighted. In our previous study, Lutzomyia longipalpis was found in 55 of 123 patches surveyed, and in some patches, sandflies were found at higher densities, forming hotspots. Based on the One Health approach, we investigated the seasonality of the vector, the presence of parasite DNA, and the environmental factors that contribute to vector and parasite dispersal in these previously described hotspots in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Entomological surveys were conducted monthly for one year. Fourteen hotspots peridomicile and six intradomicile were sampled. PCR was used to assess the prevalence of Leishmania DNA in sandflies. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression was used to determine the association of micro- and mesoscale environmental variables with the occurrence and abundance of the three most abundant sandfly species sampled. A total of 3543 species were captured, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the predominant species (71.78%) of the 13 species found. Evandromyia edwardsi, Expapillata firmatoi, Micropygomyia ferreirana and Pintomyia christenseni were reported for the first time in the region. NDVI, distance to water, precipitation, west-to-east wind, wind speed, maximum and minimum relative humidity, and sex were significant variables associated with vector presence/abundance in the environment. Vector presence/abundance in the peridomicile was associated with precipitation, altitude, maximum temperature, minimum and maximum relative humidity, west-to-east wind, wind speed, and sex. Leishmania DNA was detected in an average of 21% of Lu. longipalpis throughout the year. Vector abundance is concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas, with some specimens present in different parts of the city and some sites with high vector abundance. This distribution suggests that the risk of actual contact between humans and parasite vectors in urban areas during the epidemic period is associated with patches of peri-urban vegetation and then extends into urban areas.

Molecular Detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in Sandflies from the State of Yucatan, Mexico.

Background: Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne zoonotic diseases of public health relevance within the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The state of Yucatan is a vulnerable and receptive area to localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) due to its proximity to the high-transmission endemic states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. Autochthonous cases of LCL caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana have been documented in the state, showing a geographical expansion of the disease. Materials and Methods: Using CO2-supplemented Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps and Shannon traps, we captured anthropophilic sandflies in the surroundings of a locality with recent records of autochthonous cases of LCL. Sandflies carrying Leishmania DNA were evidenced using PCR. Results: A total of 140 Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) females of four species were captured: Lutzomyia (Tricholateralis) cruciata (Coquillett), Psathyromyia (Psathyromyia) shannoni (Dyar), Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva), and Dampfomyia (Coromyia) deleoni (Fairchild and Hertig). Molecular results showed that 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3-12.9%) of Lu. cruciata and 43.8% (95% CI = 19.8-70.1%) of Pa. shannoni showed evidence of carrying L. (L.) mexicana DNA. Conclusion: We provide evidence of anthropophilic sandflies carrying L. mexicana DNA in a municipality with recorded autochthonous cases of LCL caused by this parasite species in the state of Yucatan, suggesting the emergence of new focus of LCL in Mexico.

Spatial distribution and effects of land use and cover on cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors in the municipality of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT The municipality of Paracambi (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) reports sporadic cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Previous studies detected Nyssomyia intermedia (Diptera: Psychodidae) as the main vector in the region, but its spatial distribution and the presence of other vector species have not been evaluated. This study aims at filling this knowledge gap, by studying the ecology of sand flies, their spatiotemporal distribution, and correlation with land use/cover. Two campaigns of monthly sand fly collections using light traps and manual captures were conducted in 1992-1994 and 2001-2003. Females were dissected to detect natural Leishmania infections. The spatial distribution of sand flies was assessed using kernel density maps. Correlations with land use/cover were evaluated by extracting satellite imagery data around the capture points. A total of 17,232 sand flies from 13 species were captured. Medically important species included Ny. intermedia, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia fischeri and Ny. whitmani. No Leishmania-infected females were detected. Highest densities were detected in the peri-urban areas Cascata and Sabugo, and in rural areas São José and Mutirão. Ny. intermedia had statistically significant correlations with pasture and agricultural areas. Present results strengthened that Ny. intermedia and Mg. migonei are the main local ACL vectors. Correlations with land use evidence the association between ACL and anthropic environmental change.

Preliminary observations of the urbanization and domiciliation of the American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: The American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is expanding in peri-urban environments. Methods: An entomological survey was conducted in the area of the occurrence of an autochthonous urban case of ACL. Sandflies and a parasitological slide of the human case were submitted for molecular diagnosis. Results: Nyssomyia whitmani and Ny. antunesi were the most frequently collected species. Ny. whitmani and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata were positive for Leishmania guyanensis and L. lainsoni, respectively. The human case tested positive for L. lainsoni. Conclusions: Sandflies and Leishmania parasites present in urban forest may occur frequently in nearby domiciliary environments; thus, these areas must be monitored.

The transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Guarujá, on the Coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To perform an entomological survey, evaluating the circulation of Leishmania spp. in sand flies captured from the new foci of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the coastal region of São Paulo state. METHODS Sand flies were captured from November 2016 to September 2018 using light traps of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the neighborhood where VL cases were reported. Leishmania spp. circulation was evaluated by gut dissection and molecular analysis of the females captured. RESULTS Nyssomyia intermedia was the more frequent species (90,7%) within the 1,203 sand flies captured. We found no flagellates in dissected females, but two pools containing females of Ny. intermedia presented DNA of L. infantum. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Ny. intermedia might be involved in the establishment of this new VL focus in Sao Paulo. However, before incriminating this species as a L. infantum vector, further studies should investigate other vectorial capacity parameters, including competence, survival, and feeding habits.

Identification of the sex chromosome system in a sand fly species, Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l.

In many animal species, sex determination is accomplished by heterogamety i.e., one of the sexes produces two types of gametes, which upon fertilization will direct the development toward males or females. Both male ("XY") and female ("ZW") heterogamety are known to occur and can be easily distinguished when the sex-chromosomes are morphologically different. However, this approach fails in cases of homomorphic sex chromosomes, such as the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. (Psychodidae, Diptera), which is the main vector of visceral leishmaniosis in Brazil. In order to identify the heterogametic sex in L. longipalpis s.l., we did a whole-genome sequencing of males and females separately and used the "Y chromosome Genome Scan" (YGS) method to find sex-specific sequences. Our results, which were confirmed by PCR, show that L. longipalpis s.l. has XY system. The YGS method can be especially useful in situations in which no morphological difference is observed in the sex-chromosomes or when fresh specimens are not readily available.

First molecular evidence of frogs as a food source for sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in Brazilian caves.

Genus and species of phlebotomine sand flies have been recorded and described in caves in Brazil, but no study has provided the food source used by sand flies in these environments. Herein, we identified the blood source used by sand fly species in caves located at "Quadrilátero Ferrífero" (QF), Minas Gerais state. Specimens were manually collected near or on anurans inside ferruginous caves in Serra do Gandarela National Park and Serra do Rola Moça State Park. Males and females were placed in vials with 70% alcohol and stored at -10°C. Females engorged, after specific identification, had DNA extracted and followed for PCR amplification using specific primers. Sequencing was analyzed in the GenBank and Barcode of Life. A total of 198 specimens were collected (107 females and 91 males), all of them belonging to species Sciopemyia aff. microps (88.89%), Sciopemyia sordellii (10.61%), or Martinsmyia oliveirai (0.50%). When it comes to the females, 89 were S. aff. microps and 18 S. sordellii. Nineteen engorged females of S. aff. microps were analyzed and most of them (n=18) presented blood from Bokermannohyla martinsi and one contained blood from Scinax fuscovarius. The blood present in engorged females of S. sordellii (n=4) was from B. martinsi. Sciopemyia genus specimens are commonly found in collections carried out inside natural caves, but this was the first study to prove that females of this genus feed on cold-blooded animals in nature. HIGHLIGHTS: • Here we proved that sand flies feed in cold-blooded animals in in Brazilian caves. • Females of the Sciopemyia genus were for the first time found feeding in natural habitats. • Anurans of the family Hylidae were identified as source by molecular analyzes. • Insect bloodmeal identification can help assessing the fauna in several biomes. • This is the first record of S. aff. microps in caves of Brazil.

Increasing putative vector importance of Trichophoromyia phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Despite some phlebotomines being well recognised as vectors of leishmaniasis agents, vector importance of those belonging to the genus Trichophoromyia has not been extensively studied. The present study provides evidence regarding the putative vector role played by some species of Trichophoromyia on leishmanine enzootics, based on literature reports and findings obtained from field experiments conducted in the ecotopes of Pará State, Brazil. The species Th. ubiquitalis, Th. velascoi, Th. auraensis, Th. ininii and Th. brachipyga possess minimal criteria to be included in the list of suspected leishmanine vectors. However, knowledge on man-biting behavior, substantiation of vector competence and determination of epidemiological implications are limited for all of the above mentioned species. Published studies together with present data draw attention to prioritize these phlebotomine species in entomological surveillance programs and studies on experimental susceptibility to Leishmania spp. infection.

A new species of Parasycorax and new records of Sycorax (Diptera: Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) from southern Brazil.

Sycoracinae is a subfamily of Psychodidae, currently with 45 extant species (Curler Jacobson 2012; Santos et al. 2013) classified in three genera: Sycorax Haliday in Curtis; Parasycorax Duckhouse and Aposycorax Duckhouse (Duckhouse 1972; Young 1979). Sycorax comprises a majority of this diversity with 40 extant species, 15 of which are recorded from the Neotropical region (Curler Jacobson 2012; Santos et al. 2013). Four fossil species of Sycorax have also been described (Curler Jacobson 2012), including one from middle Miocene Amazonian amber (Petrulevicius et al. 2011). In contrast, Parasycorax includes only four extant species; three from South America and one from the Philippines (Santos et al. 2009) and a fossil species from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Stebner et al. 2015). Here we describe a new species of Parasycorax and provide an updated key to males of all extant and fossil species of the genus. In addition, Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira Falqueto and Sycorax espiritosantensis Santos Bravo are recorded for Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil.

LutzoDex™-A digital key for Brazilian sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae) within an Android App.

Here we present an Android mobile application (app) for the identification of Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly species. The app, which is named LutzoDex™, relies on information included in a data source with morphological and morphometrical characters. This tool can present up to seven answer options to a question. Images of morphological structures can be referenced to make identification easier, and users can see a list of possible species based on the features they report. Maps are also used to determine the geographical distribution and whether the species is incriminated or suspected as a vector of Leishmania spp. in Brazil. The app is available free of charge in both English and Portuguese in the Google Play Store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=max.com.lutzodexhl=pt_BR.

Surveillance of phlebotomine fauna and Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) infection in an area highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia. / Vigilancia de la fauna flebotomínea e infección de Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) en un área de alta endemia de leishmaniasis visceral en Colombia

INTRODUCTION: The study of the interaction between the parasite, the vector and the mammalian hosts, including man, allows to understand the behavior of the leishmaniases. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of Lutzomyia species and to detect the Leishmania infection in Didelphis marsupialis in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phlebotomine fauna and individuals of D. marsupialis were collected with CDC and Tomahawk™ traps, respectively. The species of Lutzomyia were identified using the Young and Duncan key (1994). Ear and tail biopsies and blood samples from D. marsupialis were taken to identify the Leishmania species by amplifying a fragment of the gene associated with the 70 kD heat shock protein. RESULTS: Seven Lutzomyia species were identified: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana and Lu. trinidadensis. The first three species have epidemiological importance in Colombia because of their implications in the transmission of the Leishmania parasite. Sixty-five tissue samples from 19 D. marsupialis individuals were negative for Leishmania spp. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the Lutzomyia species that have been identified as vectors for Leishmania inside and around houses in the village of El Bledo, in El Carmen de Bolívar represents a risk of infection. Furthermore, the presence of Lu. panamensis is reported for first time in El Carmen de Bolívar in Colombia. Although the lack of detection of Leishmania spp. in D. marsupialis samples may suggest that D. marsupialis does not play an important role in the transmission cycle of Leishmania in this region, it is necessary to carry out further longitudinal studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Introducción. El estudio de la interacción entre el parásito, el vector y los huéspedes mamíferos, incluido el hombre, permite entender el comportamiento de la leishmaniasis. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de especies del género Lutzomyia y detectar la infección por Leishmania spp. en Didelphis marsupialis en un área endémica de leishmaniasis visceral. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron flebotomíneos y D. marsupialis con trampas CDC y Tomahawk™, respectivamente. Las especies de Lutzomyia se identificaron usando la clave de Young y Duncan, 1994. Se tomaron biopsias de oreja, cola y muestras de sangre de D. marsupialis para diagnosticar Leishmania spp. mediante la amplificación de un fragmento del gen de la proteína de choque térmico de 70 kD. Resultados. Se identificaron siete especies de Lutzomyia: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana y Lu. trinidadensis. Las tres primeras especies son reconocidas como vectores en el país por estar implicadas en la transmisión de Leishmania spp. En total, 65 muestras de tejidos de oreja, cola y de sangre provenientes de 19 D. marsupialis fueron negativas para Leishmania spp. en la PCR-HSP70. Conclusiones. La presencia de flebotomíneos con importancia epidemiológica en la zona evaluada representa un riesgo de transmisión. Asimismo, Lu. panamensis es reportada por primera vez en El Bledo (Carmen de Bolívar). La ausencia de Leishmania spp. en D. marsupialis podría sugerir que esta especie no tiene un papel importante en el ciclo de transmisión de Leishmania en la vereda El Bledo, por lo que es necesario profundizar en estudios longitudinales para corroborar esta hipótesis.

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), present in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in western Boyacá, Colombia / Flebótomos (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), presentes en una zona endémica de leishmaniasis cutánea en el occidente de Boyacá, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Sandflies are known for having vector species of the tropical disease Leishmaniasis, a disease which is of an endemic nature in Western Boyacá, where the town of Otanche is one of the main source of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Objective: To identify the species of sandfly present in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in West Boyacá. Methods: The search and collection of sandflies was carried out using CDC gravid traps, over a period of twelve hours (18:00- 06:00). Identification was carried out by revising the genitalia on both male and female samples under a microscope. The distribution took as reference households with a history of people infected with this disease, locating them intra, peri and extra domicile. Results: Were recollected 361 individuals (252 females and 109 male), belonging to 9 genres and 16 species. 60% of all recollected phlebotominae consists of Nyssomyia yuilli and Nyssomyia trapidoi. Other species recollected and relevant, due to vector precedent, are Lutzomyia hartmanni, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi and Psychodopygus carrerai. Conclusion: It was established that, due to its abundance and vector precedent for the country and the area under study, Nyssomyia yuilli and Nyssomyia trapidoi constitute the species of phlebotominae which may be involved in the transmission of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the region.

Resumen Introducción: Los flebótomos, son conocidos por tener especies vectoras de la enfermedad tropical Leishmaniasis, enfermedad que se presenta con carácter endémico en el occidente del departamento de Boyacá, donde el municipio de Otanche es uno de los principales focos de leishmaniasis cutánea. Objetivo: Identificar las especies de flebótomos presentes en una zona endémica de leishmaniasis cutánea en el occidente del Boyacá. Métodos: La búsqueda y recolección de los flebótomos se realizó con trampas CDC durante doce horas (18:00- 06:00), tomando como referencia viviendas con antecedentes de personas que hubieran tenido la enfermedad, ubicándolas en el intra, peri y extradomicilio. La identificación se realizó por medio de revisión del órgano genital de machos y hembras al microscopio. Resultados: Se colectaron 361 individuos (252 hembras y 109 machos), pertenecientes a 9 géneros y 16 especies, de las cuales, el 60% de toda la flebótomofauna recolectada está representada por Nyssomyia yuilli y Nyssomyia trapidoi. Otras especies colectadas y con importancia por antecedentes vectoriales son Lutzomyia hartmanni, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi y Psychodopygus carrerai. Conclusión: Se estableció, que por sus altas abundancias y por sus antecedentes vectoriales para el país y para la zona de estudio, Nyssomyia yuilli y Nyssomyia trapidoi, constituyen las especies de flebótomos que pueden estar implicadas en la transmisión de leishmaniasis cutánea en la zona de estudio

TOXIC ACTIVITY OF PYRETHROIDS IN Lutzomyia longipalpis (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) FROM MAGDALENA RIVER BASIN, COLOMBIA / Actividad tóxica de piretroides en Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) procedente del Valle del Magdalena Medio, Colombia

ABSTRACT The study aimed to determine the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin, alpha-cypermethrin, and deltamethrin in L. longipalpis, through concentration-mortality bioassays. The test here was performed following WHO guidelines, but instead of using exposure WHO recipients and impregnated papers, 250 ml Wheaton glass bottles treated with 1 ml of insecticide solution were used. Batches of ten females of L. longipalpis were exposed to five concentrations of each pyrethroid that caused between 5 and 100 % mortality in this species. After 1 h of exposure, the females were transferred to observation recipients, and mortality was recorded 24 h later. The lethal concentrations (g/ml) that killed 50 and 95 % (LC50 and LC95) of the exposed L. longipalpis females were 0.05 and 0.86 for lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.24 and 3.62 for alpha-cypermethrin and 0.53 and 4.72 for deltamethrin. Based on the LC50 obtained, lambda-cyhalothrin is the most toxic pyrethroid for L. longipalpis, followed by alpha-cypermethrin and deltamethrin. It is expected that these data may be useful in studies on the effects of sub-lethal concentrations of the three pyrethroids on the behavior of L. longipalpis and studies on the vector susceptibility to these pyrethroids.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la toxicidad de los piretroides lambdacialotrina, deltametrina y alfacipermetrina en L. longipalpis, a través de ensayos concentración-mortalidad. Los ensayos se hicieron siguiendo los lineamientos de la OMS, pero en lugar de los recipientes de exposición y de los papeles impregnados de la OMS, se utilizaron botellas de vidrio Wheaton de 250 ml tratadas con 1 ml de solución de insecticida en alcohol absoluto. Grupos de 10 hembras de L. longipalpis sin alimentación sanguínea fueron expuestos a cinco concentraciones de cada piretroide, que causaron entre el 5 y 100 % de mortalidad. Pasada una hora de exposición, las hembras se trasladaron a los recipientes de observación y la mortalidad se registró 24 h después. Las concentraciones (g/ml) que mataron el 50 y el 95 % (CL50 y CL95) de las hembras expuestas de L. longipalpis fueron de 0,05 y 0,86 para la lambdacialotrina, 0,24 y 3,62 para la alfacipermetrina y 0,53 y 4,72 para la deltametrina. Basados en las CL50 obtenidas, la lambdacialotrina fue el piretroide con mayor toxicidad para L. longipalpis, seguido por la alfacipermetrina y la deltametrina. Se espera que estos datos puedan ser útiles en estudios de los efectos de concentraciones sub-letales de los tres piretroides en el comportamiento de L. longipalpis y en estudios de la susceptibilidad del vector a los mismos.

Surveillance of phlebotomine fauna and Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) infection in an area highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia / Vigilancia de la fauna flebotomínea e infección de Didelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) en un área de alta endemia de leishmaniasis visceral en Colombia

Abstract Introduction: The study of the interaction between the parasite, the vector and the mammalian hosts, including man, allows to understand the behavior of the leishmaniases. Objective: To determine the presence of Lutzomyia species and to detect the Leishmania infection in Didelphis marsupialis in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: Phlebotomine fauna and individuals of D. marsupialis were collected with CDC and Tomahawk™ traps, respectively. The species of Lutzomyia were identified using the Young and Duncan key (1994). Ear and tail biopsies and blood samples from D. marsupialis were taken to identify the Leishmania species by amplifying a fragment of the gene associated with the 70 kD heat shock protein. Results: Seven Lutzomyia species were identified: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana and Lu. trinidadensis. The first three species have epidemiological importance in Colombia because of their implications in the transmission of the Leishmania parasite. Sixty-five tissue samples from 19 D. marsupialis individuals were negative for Leishmania spp. Conclusions: The presence of the Lutzomyia species that have been identified as vectors for Leishmania inside and around houses in the village of El Bledo, in El Carmen de Bolívar represents a risk of infection. Furthermore, the presence of Lu. panamensis is reported for first time in El Carmen de Bolívar in Colombia. Although the lack of detection of Leishmania spp. in D. marsupialis samples may suggest that D. marsupialis does not play an important role in the transmission cycle of Leishmania in this region, it is necessary to carry out further longitudinal studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Resumen Introducción. El estudio de la interacción entre el parásito, el vector y los huéspedes mamíferos, incluido el hombre, permite entender el comportamiento de la leishmaniasis. Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de especies del género Lutzomyia y detectar la infección por Leishmania spp. en Didelphis marsupialis en un área endémica de leishmaniasis visceral. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron flebotomíneos y D. marsupialis con trampas CDC y Tomahawk™, respectivamente. Las especies de Lutzomyia se identificaron usando la clave de Young y Duncan, 1994. Se tomaron biopsias de oreja, cola y muestras de sangre de D. marsupialis para diagnosticar Leishmania spp. mediante la amplificación de un fragmento del gen de la proteína de choque térmico de 70 kD. Resultados. Se identificaron siete especies de Lutzomyia: Lu. evansi, Lu. gomezi, Lu. panamensis, Lu. dubitans, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. rangeliana y Lu. trinidadensis. Las tres primeras especies son reconocidas como vectores en el país por estar implicadas en la transmisión de Leishmania spp. En total, 65 muestras de tejidos de oreja, cola y de sangre provenientes de 19 D. marsupialis fueron negativas para Leishmania spp. en la PCR-HSP70. Conclusiones. La presencia de flebotomíneos con importancia epidemiológica en la zona evaluada representa un riesgo de transmisión. Asimismo, Lu. panamensis es reportada por primera vez en El Bledo (Carmen de Bolívar). La ausencia de Leishmania spp. en D. marsupialis podría sugerir que esta especie no tiene un papel importante en el ciclo de transmisión de Leishmania en la vereda El Bledo, por lo que es necesario profundizar en estudios longitudinales para corroborar esta hipótesis.

Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), present in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in western Boyacá, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Sandflies are known for having vector species of the tropical disease Leishmaniasis, a disease which is of an endemic nature in Western Boyacá, where the town of Otanche is one of the main source of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVE: To identify the species of sandfly present in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in West Boyacá. METHODS: The search and collection of sandflies was carried out using CDC gravid traps, over a period of twelve hours (18:00- 06:00). Identification was carried out by revising the genitalia on both male and female samples under a microscope. The distribution took as reference households with a history of people infected with this disease, locating them intra, peri and extra domicile. RESULTS: Were recollected 361 individuals (252 females and 109 male), belonging to 9 genres and 16 species. 60% of all recollected phlebotominae consists of Nyssomyia yuilli and Nyssomyia trapidoi. Other species recollected and relevant, due to vector precedent, are Lutzomyia hartmanni, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi and Psychodopygus carrerai. CONCLUSION: It was established that, due to its abundance and vector precedent for the country and the area under study, Nyssomyia yuilli and Nyssomyia trapidoi constitute the species of phlebotominae which may be involved in the transmission of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the region.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los flebótomos, son conocidos por tener especies vectoras de la enfermedad tropical Leishmaniasis, enfermedad que se presenta con carácter endémico en el occidente del departamento de Boyacá, donde el municipio de Otanche es uno de los principales focos de leishmaniasis cutánea. OBJETIVO: Identificar las especies de flebótomos presentes en una zona endémica de leishmaniasis cutánea en el occidente del Boyacá. MÉTODOS: La búsqueda y recolección de los flebótomos se realizó con trampas CDC durante doce horas (18:00- 06:00), tomando como referencia viviendas con antecedentes de personas que hubieran tenido la enfermedad, ubicándolas en el intra, peri y extradomicilio. La identificación se realizó por medio de revisión del órgano genital de machos y hembras al microscopio. RESULTADOS: Se colectaron 361 individuos (252 hembras y 109 machos), pertenecientes a 9 géneros y 16 especies, de las cuales, el 60% de toda la flebótomofauna recolectada está representada por Nyssomyia yuilli y Nyssomyia trapidoi. Otras especies colectadas y con importancia por antecedentes vectoriales son Lutzomyia hartmanni, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi y Psychodopygus carrerai. CONCLUSIÓN: Se estableció, que por sus altas abundancias y por sus antecedentes vectoriales para el país y para la zona de estudio, Nyssomyia yuilli y Nyssomyia trapidoi, constituyen las especies de flebótomos que pueden estar implicadas en la transmisión de leishmaniasis cutánea en la zona de estudio.

Sand fly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Serra da Mocidade Nacional Park: report of vectors and putative vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and new records for the state of Roraima, Brazil.

Phlebotomine sand flies are insects of medical importance, as they are vectors of viruses, bacteria and trypanosomatids of the genus Leishmania Ross, the causative agent of leishmaniasis (Forattini 1973). During the past 20 years approximately 500,000 cases of leishmaniasis have been reported in Brazil. Most of these cases were reported in the North and Northeast regions. In the State of Roraima, almost 2,000 cases, including both cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), have been reported during the past three years (SINAN 2017). Usually the transmission by infected female sand flies occurs in wild or rural areas, but there have also been recorded cases and vector captures in urban environments. Some sand fly species are known to enter houses in search of resting places and blood meal sources; as a result of this behavior, they are remarkably adaptable to new environments (Carvalhoet al. 2010).

First record of the sand fly Warileya (Hertigia) hertigi from Antioquia, Colombia

Introduction: The genus Warileya is one of the least-known taxa of sandflies, comprising only nine species, i.e., W. (Warileya) phlebotomanica, W. (Hertigia) hertigi, W. (W.) rotundipennis, W. (W.) nigrosacculus, W. (W.) yungasi, W. (W.) fourgassiensis, W. (W.) lumbrerasi, W. (W.) euniceae and W. (W.) leponti. Objective: To document the presence of a species of the genus Warileya in Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: Sandflies were collected in a cavern of the Cañón del Río Claro Natural Reserve, of the municipality of San Francisco, Antioquia department, Colombia. Phlebotomine sampling was carried out using a CDC light trap during three consecutive nights in May of 2008. Taxonomical determination was based on a revision of the type material of the species and through the use of standard keys for American sandflies. Results: Five male and two female sandflies were taxonomically identified as W. (H.) hertigi. In both sexes, the absence of setal scars in the anepisternum, proepimeron and clypeus; the presence of two transverse rows of setal scars in the tergites; and the short length of the vena gamma were notable. Conclusion: The finding of W. (H.) hertigi increases the number of sandfly species found in Antioquia department to 64. In total, 164 sandfly species have been recorded in Colombia.

Primer registro del flebotomíneo Warileya (Hertigia) hertigi en Antioquia, Colombia / First record of the sand fly Warileya (Hertigia) hertigi from Antioquia, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. El género Warileyaes uno de los taxones menos conocidos de los flebotomíneos, el cual está integrado por solo nueve especies: Warileya (Warileya) phlebotomanica, W. (Hertigia) hertigi, W. (W.) rotundipennis, W. (W.) nigrosacculus, W. (W.) yungasi, W. (W.) fourgassiensis, W. (W.) lumbrerasi, W. (W.) euniceae y W. (W.) leponti. Objetivo. Registrar el hallazgo de una especie del género Warileya en Antioquia, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Los flebotomíneos se recolectaron en una caverna de la Reserva Natural Cañón del Río Claro del municipio de San Francisco, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. El muestreo entomológico sehizo con una trampa de luz de tipo CDC, durante tres noches consecutivas, en mayo de 2008. La determinación taxonómica se basó en la revisión del material tipo de la especie y de las claves estándar para flebotomíneos americanos. Resultados. Se identificaron taxonómicamente cinco machos y dos hembras de flebotomíneos comoW. (H.) hertigi. En ambos sexos fue notoria la ausencia de cicatrices de setas en el anepisternón, el proepimerón y el clípeo, la presencia de dos hileras transversales de cicatrices de setas en los tergitos, y la longitud corta de la vena gamma. Conclusión. El hallazgo de W. (H.) hertigi incrementa a 64 el número de especies de flebotomíneos encontradas en el departamento de Antioquia. En total, 164 especies de flebotomíneos han sido registradas en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: The genus Warileyais one of the least-known taxa of sandflies, comprising only nine species, i.e., W. (Warileya) phlebotomanica, W. (Hertigia) hertigi, W. (W.) rotundipennis, W. (W.) nigrosacculus, W. (W.) yungasi, W. (W.) fourgassiensis, W. (W.) lumbrerasi, W. (W.) euniceae and W. (W.) leponti. Objective: To document the presence of a species of the genus Warileya in Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: Sandflies were collected in a cavern of the Cañóndel Río Claro Natural Reserve, of the municipality of San Francisco, Antioquia department, Colombia. Phlebotomine sampling was carried out using a CDC light trap during three consecutive nights in May of 2008. Taxonomical determination was based on a revision of the type material of the species and through the use of standard keys for American sandflies. Results: Five male and two female sandflies were taxonomically identified as W. (H.) hertigi. In both sexes, the absence of setal scars in the anepisternum, proepimeron and clypeus; the presence of two transverse rows of setal scars in the tergites; and the short length of the vena gamma were notable. Conclusion: The finding of W. (H.) hertigi increases the number of sandfly species found in Antioquia department to 64. In total, 164 sandfly species have been recorded in Colombia.

O papel da vigilância entomológica no primeiro foco ativo urbano de leishmaniose visceral do município do Rio de Janeiro / The role of entomological surveillance in the first urban active focus of visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Rio de Janeiro

INTRODUÇÃO: A leishmaniose Visceral (LV) é uma antropozoonose causada pela Leishmania infantum que avança nos últimos trinta anos a passos largos em sentido ao ambiente urbano. Desde 1977 há registros da doença em áreas periféricas do município do Rio de Janeiro, entretanto em 2011 foi descrita no bairro do Caju por meio do diagnóstico do parasita em cães infectados e da captura de espécimes de seu principal vetor. OBJETIVO: Este artigo tem por objetivo divulgar o trabalho primário de captura e identificação entomológica destes espécimes que proporcionou ações de vigilância no primeiro foco ativo urbano de LV na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, citado recentemente em diversos estudos, mas ainda não publicizado em todos os seus detalhes. MÉTODOS: As armadilhas luminosas CDC adaptadas foram instaladas de forma setorizada em área circular de 1000 m de raio a partir do suposto ponto focal, das 17h00m às 07h00m da manhã seguinte, entre junho e setembro de 2011. RESULTADOS: Foram capturados 253 espécimes de Lutzomyia longipalpis, dos quais 63,1% na área do canil, considerado o foco primário de dispersão dos vetores. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados descritos corroboram com artigos que indicam a urbanização do principal vetor da LV, salientando a importância de estudos mais detalhados sobre o seu ciclo biológico urbano e a necessidade da mudança dos paradigmas da vigilância das leishmanioses no Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis, Visceral (LV) is an anthropozoonosis caused by Leishmania infantum that was advanced in the last thirty years in the urban environment. Since 1977 there are records of the disease in peripheral areas of the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, however, in 2011 it was described in the Caju neighborhood by means of the diagnosis of the parasite in infected dogs and the capture of specimens of its main vector. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to disclose the primary work of entomological capture and identification of these specimens that provided surveillance actions in the first urban active focus of LV in the city of Rio de Janeiro, quoted recently in several studies, but not publicized in all its details. METHODS: The adapted CDC light traps were installed in a circular sector of 1000 m radius from the supposed focal point, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the following morning, between June and September 2011. RESULTS: A total of 253 specimens of Lutzomyia longipalpis were collected, 63.1% of which in the kennel area, considered the primary focus of dispersion of the vectors. CONCLUSION: The results described corroborate articles indicating the urbanization of the main vector of LV, stressing the importance of more detailed studies of its urban life cycle and the need of the changing paradigms of leishmaniasis surveillance in Brazil.