Correction: Diversity, distribution and natural Leishmania infection of sand flies from communities along the Interoceanic Highway in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009000.].

Comparison of sand fly trapping approaches for vector surveillance of Leishmania and Bartonella species in ecologically distinct, endemic regions of Peru.

BACKGROUND: In Peru, the information regarding sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis and bartonellosis in the Amazon region is limited. In this study, we carried out sand fly collections in Peruvian lowland and highland jungle areas using different trap type configurations and screened them for Leishmania and Bartonella DNA. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Phlebotomine sand flies were collected in Peruvian Amazon jungle and inter Andean regions using CDC light trap, UV and color LED traps, Mosquito Magnet trap, BG Sentinel trap, and a Shannon trap placed outside the houses. Leishmania spp. screening was performed by kDNA PCR and confirmed by a nested cytochrome B gene (cytB) PCR. Bartonella spp. screening was performed by ITS PCR and confirmed by citrate synthase gene (gltA). The PCR amplicons were sequenced to identify Leishmania and Bartonella species. UV and Blue LED traps collected the highest average number of sand flies per hour in low jungle; UV, Mosquito Magnet and Shannon traps in high jungle; and Mosquito Magnet in inter Andean region. Leishmania guyanensis in Lutzomyia carrerai carrerai and L. naiffi in Lu. hirsuta hirsuta were identified based on cytB sequencing. Bartonella spp. related to Bartonella bacilliformis in Lu. whitmani, Lu. nevesi, Lu. hirsuta hirsuta and Lu. sherlocki, and a Bartonella sp. related to Candidatus B. rondoniensis in Lu. nevesi and Lu. maranonensis were identified based on gltA gene sequencing. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: UV, Blue LED, Mosquito Magnet and Shannon traps were more efficient than the BG-Sentinel, Green, and Red LED traps. This is the first report of L. naiffi and of two genotypes of Bartonella spp. related to B. bacilliformis and Candidatus B. rondoniensis infecting sand fly species from the Amazon region in Peru.

Diversity, distribution and natural Leishmania infection of sand flies from communities along the Interoceanic Highway in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

The Peruvian-Brazilian border is a highly endemic tegumentary leishmaniasis region in South America. The interoceanic highway is a commercial route that connects Peru and Brazil through Madre de Dios and has raised concerns about its impact on previously undisturbed areas. In order to assess leishmaniasis transmission risk along this highway, we conducted a surveillance study of the sand fly populations in this area. Sand flies were collected between 2009 and 2010 along transects at 200 m, 600 m and 1000 m from six study sites located along the highway (Iberia, La Novia, Alto Libertad, El Carmen, Florida Baja, Mazuko and Mavila) and an undisturbed area (Malinowski). Collected specimens were identified based on morphology and non-engorged females of each species were pooled and screened by kinetoplast PCR to detect natural Leishmania infections. A total of 9,023 specimens were collected belonging to 54 different Lutzomyia species including the first report of Lu. gantieri in Peru. Four species accounted for 50% of all specimens (Lutzomyia carrerai carrerai, Lu. davisi, Lu. shawi and Lu. richardwardi). El Carmen, Alto Libertad, Florida Baja and Malinowski presented higher Shannon diversity indexes (H = 2.36, 2.30, 2.17 and 2.13, respectively) than the most human disturbed sites of Mazuko and La Novia (H = 1.53 and 1.06, respectively). PCR detected 10 positive pools belonging to Lu. carrerai carrerai, Lu. yuilli yuilli, Lu. hirsuta hirsuta, Lu. (Trichophoromyia) spp., and Lu. (Lutzomyia) spp. Positive pools from 1,000 m transects had higher infectivity rates than those from 600 m and 200 m transects (9/169 = 5.3% vs 0/79 = 0% and 1/127 = 0.8%, p = 0.018). El Carmen, accounted for eight out of ten positives whereas one positive was collected in Florida Baja and Mazuko each. Our study has shown differences in sand fly diversity, abundance and species composition across and within sites. Multiple clustered Lutzomyia pools with natural Leishmania infection suggest a complex, diverse and spotty role in leishmaniasis transmission in Madre de Dios, with increased risk farther from the highway.

[Update on tegumentary leishmaniasis and carrion's disease vectors in Peru]. / Vectores de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria y la enfermedad de carrión en el Perú: una actualización.

Among approximately 190 species of Lutzomyia in Peru, only a small number have been identified as vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Western and inter-Andean valleys. These include L. peruensis, L. verrucarum, L. tejadai, L. ayacuchensis, and L. pescei. In the Amazon region, L. yuilli yuilli, L. chagasi, L. davisi, and L. auraensis are naturally infected, among the subgenera Leishmania and Viannia. L. auraensis is newly reported as a potential vector of leishmaniasis in neotropical regions. Among the primary and most widely distributed vectors of human bartonellosis or Carrión's disease, L. verrucarum and L. peruensis are predominant in the Andean regions of northern, central, and southern Peru. Other potential vectors of Carrion's disease are L. serrana in the Monzon Valley, Huamalies, and Huanuco; L. pescei in Apurímac and Cusco; and L. robusta and L. maranonensis in Jaén, San Ignacio, and Utcubamba provinces, and the high forests of Peru. Because of the high prevalence of leishmaniasis and bartonellosis outside of known endemic areas in Peru, it is necessary to update data and distribution maps of these disease vectors. This may improve both prevention and control measures. Existing information about sandfly vectors in Peru is also provided in this article.

De las aproximadamente 190 especies de Lutzomyia en el Perú, solo un reducido número han sido incriminadas como vectores de leishmaniasis tegumentaria en valles occidentales e interandinos: Lutzomyia (Lu.) peruensis, Lu. verrucarum, Lu. tejadai, Lu. ayacuchensis, Lu. pescei; mientras que en la región amazónica Lu. yuilli yuilli, Lu. chagasi, Lu. davisi y Lu. auraensis han sido encontradas infectadas naturalmente con Leishmania del subgénero Viannia. Lutzomyia auraensis constituye un nuevo reporte como vector potencial de leishmaniasis en regiones neotropicales. En relación a los vectores de la bartonellosis humana o enfermedad de Carrión, Lu. verrucarum y Lu. peruensis son los vectores principales y de más amplia distribución en regiones andinas del norte, centro y sur del Perú. Otros potenciales vectores de la enfermedad de Carrión son Lu. serrana en el valle del Monzón, Huamalíes, Huánuco, Lu. pescei en Apurímac y Cusco; Lu. robusta y Lu. maranonensis en las provincias de Jaén, San Ignacio y Utcubamba, selva alta del Perú. Debido a la alta prevalencia de la leishmaniasis y bartonellosis en el Perú y a su dispersión que sobrepasa los límites de las áreas endémicas conocidas, es necesario actualizar tanto la información como los mapas de distribución de los vectores de estas enfermedades, para contribuir con el mejoramiento de las medidas de prevención y control. La información existente sobre flebotomíneos vectores en el Perú ha sido reunida en este artículo.

Distribution and identification of sand flies naturally infected with Leishmania from the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an important health problem in the New World affecting civilian and military populations that are frequently exposed in endemic settings. The Peruvian region of Madre de Dios located near the border with Brazil is one of the most endemic CL regions in South America with more than 4,451 reported cases between 2010 and 2015 according to the Peruvian epidemiology directorate. However, little is known regarding the diversity and distribution of sand fly vectors in this region. In this study, we aimed to characterize the sand fly fauna in this endemic setting and identify sand fly species naturally infected with Leishmania possibly involved in pathogen transmission. METHODS: Sand fly collections were carried out during 2014 and 2015 in the communities of Flor de Acre, Villa Primavera, Mavila and Arca Pacahuara using CDC light traps and Shannon traps. Collected specimens were identified and non-blood-fed females were selected for Leishmania infection screening using kinetoplastid DNA-PCR (kDNA-PCR) and nested Real time PCR for species identification. RESULTS: A total of 10,897 phlebotomines belonging to the genus Lutzomyia (58 species) and Brumptomyia (2 species) were collected. Our study confirmed the widespread distribution and abundance of Lutzomyia (Trichophoromyia) spp. (24%), Lu. whitmani (19.4%) and Lu. yucumensis (15.8%) in the region. Analysis of Shannon diversity index indicates variability in sand fly composition across sites with Villa Primavera presenting the highest sand fly diversity and abundance. Leishmania screening by kDNA-PCR resulted in 45 positive pools collected from Flor de Acre (34 pools), Mavila (10 pools) and Arca Pacahuara (1 pool) and included 14 species: Lu. yucumensis, Lu. aragoi, Lu. sallesi, Lu. sherlocki, Lu. shawi, Lu. walkeri, Lu nevesi, Lu. migonei, Lu. davisi, Lu. carrerai, Lu. hirsuta, Lu. (Trichophoromyia) spp., Lu. llanosmartinsi and Lu. whitmani. Lutzomyia sherlocki, Lu. walkeri and Lu. llanosmartinsi had the highest infection rates (8%, 7% and 6%, respectively). We identified Leishmania guyanensis in two Lu. whitmani pools, and L. braziliensis in two Lu. llanosmartinsi pools and one Lu. davisi pool. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our collections there is high sand fly diversity in Madre de Dios, with differences in sand fly abundance and species composition across sites. We identified 14 sand fly species naturally infected with Leishmania spp., having detected natural infection with L. (V.) guyanensis and L. (V.) braziliensis in three sand fly species. These results suggest the presence of several potential vectors that vary in their spatial and geographical distribution, which could explain the high prevalence of CL cases in this region.

Identification of Blood Meals from Potential Arbovirus Mosquito Vectors in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.

The transmission dynamics of many arboviruses in the Amazon Basin region have not been fully elucidated, including the vectors and natural reservoir hosts. Identification of blood meal sources in field-caught mosquitoes could yield information for identifying potential arbovirus vertebrate hosts. We identified blood meal sources in 131 mosquitoes collected from areas endemic for arboviruses in the Peruvian Department of Loreto by sequencing polymerase chain reaction amplicons of the cytochrome b gene. Psorophora (Janthinosoma) albigenu, Psorophora (Grabhamia) cingulata, Mansonia humeralis, Anopheles oswaldoi s.l., and Anopheles benarrochi s.l. had mainly anthropophilic feeding preferences; Aedes (Ochlerotatus) serratus, and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) fulvus had feeding preferences for peridomestic animals; and Culex (Melanoconion) spp. fed on a variety of vertebrates, mainly rodents (spiny rats), birds, and amphibians. On the basis of these feeding preferences, many mosquitoes could be considered as potential enzootic and bridge arbovirus vectors in the Amazon Basin of Peru.

Vectores de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria y la enfermedad de carrión en el Perú: una actualización / Update on tegumentary leishmaniasis and carrion's disease vectors in Peru

RESUMEN De las aproximadamente 190 especies de Lutzomyia en el Perú, solo un reducido número han sido incriminadas como vectores de leishmaniasis tegumentaria en valles occidentales e interandinos: Lutzomyia (Lu.) peruensis, Lu. verrucarum, Lu. tejadai, Lu. ayacuchensis, Lu. pescei; mientras que en la región amazónica Lu. yuilli yuilli, Lu. chagasi, Lu. davisi y Lu. auraensis han sido encontradas infectadas naturalmente con Leishmania del subgénero Viannia. Lutzomyia auraensis constituye un nuevo reporte como vector potencial de leishmaniasis en regiones neotropicales. En relación a los vectores de la bartonellosis humana o enfermedad de Carrión, Lu. verrucarum y Lu. peruensis son los vectores principales y de más amplia distribución en regiones andinas del norte, centro y sur del Perú. Otros potenciales vectores de la enfermedad de Carrión son Lu. serrana en el valle del Monzón, Huamalíes, Huánuco, Lu. pescei en Apurímac y Cusco; Lu. robusta y Lu. maranonensis en las provincias de Jaén, San Ignacio y Utcubamba, selva alta del Perú. Debido a la alta prevalencia de la leishmaniasis y bartonellosis en el Perú y a su dispersión que sobrepasa los límites de las áreas endémicas conocidas, es necesario actualizar tanto la información como los mapas de distribución de los vectores de estas enfermedades, para contribuir con el mejoramiento de las medidas de prevención y control. La información existente sobre flebotomíneos vectores en el Perú ha sido reunida en este artículo.

ABSTRACT Among approximately 190 species of Lutzomyia in Peru, only a small number have been identified as vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Western and inter-Andean valleys. These include L. peruensis, L. verrucarum, L. tejadai, L. ayacuchensis, and L. pescei. In the Amazon region, L. yuilli yuilli, L. chagasi, L. davisi, and L. auraensis are naturally infected, among the subgenera Leishmania and Viannia. L. auraensis is newly reported as a potential vector of leishmaniasis in neotropical regions. Among the primary and most widely distributed vectors of human bartonellosis or Carrión's disease, L. verrucarum and L. peruensis are predominant in the Andean regions of northern, central, and southern Peru. Other potential vectors of Carrion's disease are L. serrana in the Monzon Valley, Huamalies, and Huanuco; L. pescei in Apurímac and Cusco; and L. robusta and L. maranonensis in Jaén, San Ignacio, and Utcubamba provinces, and the high forests of Peru. Because of the high prevalence of leishmaniasis and bartonellosis outside of known endemic areas in Peru, it is necessary to update data and distribution maps of these disease vectors. This may improve both prevention and control measures. Existing information about sandfly vectors in Peru is also provided in this article.

Natural Leishmania infection of Lutzomyia auraensis in Madre de Dios, Peru, detected by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Leishmania species of the Viannia subgenus are responsible for most cases of New World tegumentary leishmaniasis. However, little is known about the vectors involved in disease transmission in the Amazon regions of Peru. We used a novel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess Leishmania infections in phlebotomines collected in rural areas of Madre de Dios, Peru. A total of 1,299 non-blood fed female sand flies from 33 species were captured by using miniature CDC light traps. Lutzomyia auraensis was the most abundant species (63%) in this area. Seven of 164 pools were positive by PCR for Leishmania by kinetoplast DNA. The real-time PCR identified four Lu. auraensis pools as positive for L. (Viannia) lainsoni and L. (V.) braziliensis. The minimum infection prevalence for Lu. auraensis was estimated to be 0.6% (95% confidence interval = 0.20-1.42%). Further studies are needed to assess the importance of Lu. auraensis in the transmission of New World tegumentary leishmaniasis in hyperendemic areas of Peru.

Description of Lutzomyia chotensis, a new species of Peruvian Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae)

Lutzomyia chotensis sp. nov. (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from Cajamarca Department, Peru, is described and its taxonomic position discussed.

Vectores de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria en el valle del Rímac / Cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors study at Rimac valley

OBJETIVO: Determinar la composición de especies de Lutzomyia en el valle del Rímac. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El área estudiada fue el anexo de Ullupampa (2000 msnm), ubicado a 1 kilómetro de Surco, distrito de San Jerónimo de Surco, provincia de Huarochirí, Lima. Para la captura de flebotominos se utilizó trampa Shannon, trampas de luz CDC y captura directa con aspirador manual, en ambientes intra y peridomiciliarios y refugios naturales extradomiciliarios. RESULTADOS: Se identificó 1742 flebotominos del género Lutzomyia, de las cuales 52,6 por ciento corresponden a Lutzomyia verrucarum, 28,2 por ciento a Lutzomyia peruensis y 19,2 por ciento a Lutzomyia noguchi, las primeras abundantes en intra y peridomicilio y la última en medios extradomiciliarios. La densidad de Lutzomyia presenta variaciones estacionales, siendo mayor entre los meses de marzo y mayo. La actividad hematófaga horaria presenta un pico entre las 20 y 21 horas. CONCLUSIONES: Las viviendas rodeadas de cultivos de plantas frutales separadas por "pircas" y animales domésticos en el intradomicilio, favorecen la actividad hematófaga domiciliaria de L. peruensis y L. verrucarum, principales vectores de la leishmaniasis en el valle del Rímac.

Estudio clínico epidemiológico de bartonelosis humana en el valle del Monzón, Humalíes, Huánuco / Clinical and epidemiological study of human bartonellosis at Monzon valley, Humalies, Huanuco

OBJETIVO: Estudiar los casos de bartonelosis humana en valle del Monzón y determinar las especies de Lutzomyia que podrían jugar papel en la transmisión de la enfermedad en la zona. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudió casos de la enfermedad de Carrión en la selva alta del valle del Monzón, provincia de Huamalíes, Huánuco, donde entre 1997 y 1998 se presentó un brote epidémico. Para el diagnóstico de los casos se realizó frotis y gota gruesa, hemocultivo y serología. Para la captura de flebotominos, se utilizó trampas de luz CDC y trampa Shannon, en ambientes intra y peridomiciliarios. RESULTADOS: A lo largo de 21 localidades, la enfermedad afectó 140 personas, 25 de ellos entre 1 y 4 años de edad, 81 mujeres y 59 hombres; 121 presentaron la fase aguda de la enfermedad, 16 la fase intercalar y 3 la fase eruptiva. La población de la zona se dedica principalmente al cultivo de la coca, café y cacao. CONCLUSIÓN: Se estableció que el valle del Monzón es nueva zona endémica de bartonelosis humana, donde la transmisión ocurre principalmente en ambientes intra y peridomiciliarios, siendo Lutzomyia serrana el vector más probable.