Flebótomos de áreas com ocorrências de casos humanos de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Município de Seropédica, Estado do Rio de Janeiro

A leishmaniose tegumentar americana é causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania, que acomete a pele e mucosa; é primariamente uma infecção zoonótica. Inquéritos flebotomínicos foram realizados em quatro áreas com ocorrência de casos humanos de leishmaniose tegumentar americana do município de Seropédica. Utilizou-se a metodologia de coleta com capturas manuais no horário das 18 às 22h, durante 12 meses consecutivos. No período de outubro de 2004 e setembro de 2005, capturamos 2.390 exemplares pertencentes a quatro espécies, Lutzomyia intermedia com 97,1% do total coletado, seguida pela Lutzomyia whitmani 1,6%, Lutzomyia migonei 1,2% e Lutzomyia oswaldoi 0,1%. O Valão da Louça apresentou maior densidade flebotomínica, seguida pelas localidades de Km 39, Km 40 e Caçador. A baixa diversidade de espécie se deve a alterações significativas do ecótopo da região. Sugere-se que a transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no município de Seropédica esteja sendo veiculada pela Lutzomyia intermedia.

Memória espacial e/ou olfativa em flebotomíneos em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, sul do Brasil

Relata-se os resultados de uma investigação sobre a possibilidade da existência de memória em flebotomíneos em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, no Estado do Paraná. Capturaram-se flebotomíneos no Recanto Marista, Doutor Camargo, Estado do Paraná, Brasil, com armadilhas de Falcão, de 15/11/2007 a 26/11/2007, em dois galinheiros (G1 e G2). Foram capturados 2.080 flebotomíneos (1.000 em G1 e 1.080 em G2), que foram marcados e soltos. Nyssomyia neivai foi a espécie mais (90,5%) freqüente. Do total solto, recapturaram-se 168 (8%) flebotomíneos e a recaptura no G2 foi significativa. Os resultados evidenciam que é possível a existência de memória espacial, olfativa e/ou a fidelidade ao hospedeiro e que isto orientem os flebotomíneos no reconhecimento dos locais onde há disponibilidade de fontes de sangue.

Epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in an area of environmental tourism and ecotourism, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2006-2007

The aims of this study were to carry out a serological survey of canine leishmaniasis and identify the phlebotomine fauna in the urban area of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. The serological survey was conducted on a sample of 303 dogs, by means of the indirect immunofluorescence test. Phlebotomines were captured using automated light traps. The serological survey found that 30% of the dogs were seropositive, both from the center and from all districts of the town. A total of 2,772 specimens of phlebotomines were caught and the species most found was Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4%), which corroborated its role as the vector of for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the region. Phlebotomines of the species Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (the main vector for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis) and Nyssomyia whitmani (the vector for Leishmania (Viannia) brasiliensis) were also caught. The findings indicate the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance, with attention towards diminishing the vector breeding sites and the transmission of these diseases in that region.

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Governador Valadares, a transmission area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: A study on the phlebotomine sandfly fauna was carried out in an endemic area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the municipality of Governador Valadares, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Captures were undertaken using HP light traps in four districts, on three nights per month, for one year (from January to December 2008). Correlations between climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) and the numbers of sandflies collected was observed. RESULTS: 5,413 phlebotomine specimens were caught and were identified as belonging to 12 species. Of these specimens, 2,851 (52%) were females and 2,562 (48%) were males. CONCLUSIONS: Lutzomyia intermedia predominated (29.9% of the species caught), thus suggesting that they were responsible for transmission of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, together with L. whitmani, which was also found in the area (4.3%). The presence of L. longipalpis (11.9%), the main vector for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, is an important finding, which makes rigorous entomological surveillance of the area necessary.

Sandfly frequency in a clean and well-organized rural environment in the state of Paraná, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Sandflies caught in Santa Juliana Farm in Sarandi, State of Paraná, Brazil, were assessed in terms of their fauna, seasonality, and frequency in the homes and in shelters of domestic animals around the homes, as well as in the nearby forest. METHODS: In Santa Juliana Farm, there are no records of cases of ACL, differing from other relatively clean and organized areas where surveys of sandflies have been conducted in Paraná. Samples were collected with Falcão light traps, fortnightly from 22:00 to 02:00 hours, from November 2007 to November 2008. RESULTS: A total of 4,506 sandflies were captured, representing 13 species, predominantly Nyssomyia whitmani (71.8%). More sandflies were collected in the forest (52.6%) than outside the forest (residences and pigsty) (47.4%). However, Ny. whitmani was collected in greater numbers outside (38.3%) than inside the forest (33.5%). Most sandflies were collected in the warmer months and during periods with regular rainfall. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cleaning and organization around the houses could reduce sandfly population in peridomicile. Constructing shelters for animal at a distance of approximately 100m from domiciles is recommended to prevent the invasion of sandflies, as this farm has an area of preserved forest, with wild animals and sandflies present to maintain the enzootic cycle of Leishmania.

Ecological aspects of the sandfly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: An epidemiological study was undertaken to identify determinant factors in the occurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil. The ecological aspects of the phlebotomine fauna were investigated. METHODS: Sandflies were sampled with automatic light traps from February 2004 to June 2006 at 25 sites in the urban and rural areas of Itambaracá, and in Porto Almeida and São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTS: A total of 3,187 sandflies of 15 species were captured. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (34.4%), followed by Pintomyia pessoai (32.6%), Migonemyia migonei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8.8%), and Pintomyia fischeri (2.7%), all implicated in the transmission of Leishmania. Males predominated for Ny. neivai, and females for the other vector species, with significant statistical differences (p < 0.001). Nyssomyia neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei, and Pi. fischeri presented the highest values for the Standardized Species Abundance Index (SSAI). The highest frequencies and diversities were found in the preserved forest in Porto Almeida, followed by forests with degradation in São Joaquim do Pontal and Vila Rural. CONCLUSIONS: Sandflies were captured in all localities, with the five vectors predominating. Ny. neivai had its highest frequencies in nearby peridomestic environments and Pi. pessoai in areas of preserved forests. The highest SSAI values of Ny. neivai and Pi. pessoai reflect their wider dispersion and higher frequencies compared with other species, which seems to indicate that these two species may be transmitting leishmaniasis in the area.

Phlebotomine sandflies fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) at rural settlements in the municipality of Cáceres, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is expanding across Brazil, including the State of Mato Grosso (MT). The aim of this study was to characterize the phlebotomine sandfly fauna at threerural settlements located in the municipality of Cáceres, MT, from August 2010 to July 2011. METHODS: Sandfly captures were conducted at the forest border and in intra and peridomicile areas with automatic light traps, biweekly, from 5pm to 6am. RESULTS: Of the 630 sandflies collected, 348 were female, and 282 were male. Captured specimens were distributed across 11 genera - Brumptomyia, Evandromyia, Expapillata, Lutzomyia, Martinsmyia, Micropygomyia, Nyssomyia, Pintomyia, Psathyromyia, Psychodopygus, and Sciopemyia - and 28 species. Among these, six species had not been marked yet in MT (Brumptomyia avellari, Br. mangabeirai, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Micropygomyia echinatopharynx, Micropygomyia peresi, and Pa. campograndensis). Nyssomyia whitmani was the most abundant species across ecotopes at all settlements. Interestingly, Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi were found in sympatry. CONCLUSIONS: The disorganized occupation of the environment that is happening at the rural settlements of Mata Comprida, Laranjeira I and II could provide opportunities for the domiciliation of wild populations of phlebotomine, including vectors of leishmaniasis. Therefore, more studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease in these areas and its impact on the human population.

The first canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak in Campinas, State of São Paulo Southeastern Brazil

Introduction Early detection of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) outbreak in animals is crucial for controlling this disease in non-endemic areas. Methods Epidemiological surveillance (2009-2012) was performed in Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Results In 2009, Leishmania chagasi was positively identified in four dogs. Entomological research and three serological studies (2010-2012) were undertaken as monitoring measures; these approaches revealed a moderate prevalence of Leishmania present in 4% of the canine population. Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the predominant species identified. Conclusions Detection of an AVL outbreak in dogs in an area with an evolving natural landscape containing sand flies is crucial for control programs.

Studies on Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the Campus FIOCRUZ Mata Atlântica, Jacarepaguá, in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The presence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in the communities of the Campus FIOCRUZ Mata Atlântica (CFMA) in the City of Rio de Janeiro initiated the investigation of the Phlebotominae fauna in the Atlantic Forest to determine the occurrence of putative ACL vectors associated with the enzootic cycle. METHODS: For 24 consecutive months, sand flies were captured inside the forest and in the border area near the communities. RESULTS: The following sand fly species were identified: Brumptomyia brumpti, Brumptomyia cunhai, Brumptomyia nitzulescui, Lutzomyia edwardsi, Lutzomyia pelloni, and Lutzomyia quinquefer. Other identified sand fly vectors, such as Lutzomyia intermedia (the predominant species), Lutzomyia migonei, Lutzomyia whitmani, Lutzomyia fischeri, and Lutzomyia hirsuta hirsuta, are associated with ACL transmission, and the vector for American visceral leishmaniases (AVL), Lutzomyia longipalpis, was also found. CONCLUSIONS: All sand fly vectors were found in both studied environments except for Lutzomyia whitmani, which was only identified in the forest. This study represents the first identification of Lutzomyia longipalpis in the CFMA, and the epidemiological implications are discussed.

Phlebotominae sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae): potential vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis agents in the area associated with the Santo Antônio Hydroelectric System in Western Amazonian Brazil

INTRODUCTION: An entomological study was conducted as part of a vector-monitoring program in the area associated with the Santo Antônio hydroelectric system in State of Rondônia, Western Amazonian Brazil. METHODS: Fourteen sampling sites were surveyed to obtain data on the potential vectors of Leishmania spp. in the area. Sand flies were collected from 2011 to 2014 during the months of January/February (rainy season), May/June (dry season), and September/October (intermediary season) using light traps arranged in three vertical strata (0.5, 1, and 20m). RESULTS : A total of 7,575 individuals belonging to 62 species/subspecies were collected. The five most frequently collected sand flies were Psychodopygus davisi (Root) (36.67%), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (Mangabeira) (8.51%), Nyssomyia umbratilis (Ward & Fraiha) (6.14%), Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (Mangabeira) (5.74%), and Psychodopygus complexus (Mangabeira) (5.25%). These species have been implicated in the transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis agents in the Brazilian Amazon region and described as potential vectors of this disease in the study area. CONCLUSIONS: Additional surveillance is needed, especially in areas where these five species of sand fly are found.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma sp. and Blastocrithidia sp. (Trypanosomatidae) in phlebotomine sand flies (Psychodidae) in the Federal District of Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION : This study describes the occurrence of trypanosomatids in phlebotomines in Brasília, Brazil. METHODS : Two hundred and ten females of 13 sand fly species were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using different molecular markers (D7 24Sα rRNA, kDNA, and ITS1) and sequencing. RESULTS : PCR revealed trypanosomatid-positive samples from Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia evandroi, which were negative by kDNA and ITS1 Leishmania-specific PCRs. DNA sequence analysis of D7 24Sα rRNA amplicons indicated the occurrence of Blastocrithidia sp. and Trypanosoma sp. in Nyssomyia whitmani and Evandromyia evandroi, respectively. CONCLUSIONS : Two trypanosomatid species other than Leishmania sp. were found to circulate in sand flies in Central Brazil.

Flebotomíneos da floresta de terra firme da Amazônia Peruana (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Um total de 1030 flebotomíneos, pertencentes a 14 espécies, foram coletados com armadilha tipo Shannon e isca humana, nos meses de Julho e Agosto de 1991, nos horários das 18:00 h. às 21:00 h., nas localidades de San Juan, San Pedro e 25 de Diciembre localizadas na Amazônia Peruana. As fêmeas foram mais abundantes do que os machos (96,98% e 3,02% respectivamente). Os subgêneros Psychodopygus (49,27% e 7 spp. coletadas) e Nyssomyia (48,79% e 4 spp. coletadas) comportaram o maior número de espécies e indivíduos. As espécies Lutzomyia richardwardi (48,4%) e L. carrerai (29,2%) foram as mais abundantes. Na localidade de San Juan foi coletado o maior número de indivíduos (55,2%), porém o maior número de espécies foi obtido na localidade de 25 de Diciembre. Quanto a estratégia de coleta, o mesmo número de espécies (12 spp.) foram obtidos com ambas as armadilhas, porém um maior número de indivíduos foi capturado com a técnica de isca humana.

Flebotomíneos (Díptera: Psychodidae) de uma Floresta Primária de Terra Firme da Estação Experimental de Silvicultura Tropical, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Estudos sobre o levantamento da fauna de flebótomos foram realizados numa floresta primária de terra firme da Estação Experimental de Silvicultura Tropical (EEST) do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), durante os meses de outubro de 1998 a março de 1999. Utilizando-se de armadilhas luminosas CDC colocadas a 1m, 10m e 20 metros de altura do solo, foram coletados 7.409 flebótomos, pertencentes a dois gêneros, Lutzomyia (99,98 %) e Brumptomyia (0,02%), abrangendo 39 espécies. Dentro do gênero Lutzomyia, os subgêneros mais representados foram Nyssomyia, com 39,43%, e Psychodopygus com 22,68%. O número de flebotomíneos coletados foi crescente, a partir do início da estação chuvosa.

Seleção de leveduras da Região Amazônica para produção de protease extracelular

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar 50 leveduras isoladas a partir de diferentes substratos da Região Amazônica e selecionar uma espécie de maior atividade proteolítica. Entre as 26 espécies identificadas predominaram Candida aquatica (12%) e Candida tropicalis (10%). A fermentação submersa foi realizada em Extrato de Malte suplementado com gelatina 1%, Candida intermedia foi a que expressou maior atividade proteolítica, halo = 25 mm e 273 U/mL, crescimento máximo a 30 ºC, viabilidade celular 6,2 x 10(6) UFC, em 48 horas, não demonstrou características de patogenicidade e a melhor densidade do inóculo foi 3%, utilizando-se culturas com 24 horas de crescimento em ágar Malte.

Infecção natural por tripanosomatídeos (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) em Lutzomyia umbratilis (Diptera: Psychodidae) em áreas de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Amazonas, Brasil

Durante o período de 2002 a 2003 foram realizadas coletas de flebotomíneos em duas áreas do estado do Amazonas (Base de treinamento militar - BI1 e Tarumã Mirim). Nessas coletas foram capturadas um total de 1.440 fêmeas de Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) umbratilis. Lu.umbratilis é a principal responsável pela transmissão da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) ao norte do Rio Amazonas. Do total coletado apenas 15 espécimens (ou 1,04%) apresentaram infecção natural por tripanosomatídeos, sendo 12 na BI1 e 3 em Tarumã-Mirim. Isso representou uma taxa de infecção de 1,66% (12 dos 720 capturados em BI1) e 0,42% (3 dos 720 em Tarumã-Mirim). Estes resultados confirmam as informações prévias por outros autores de reduzidos valores de infecção natural por tripanosomatídeos em flebotomíneos, mesmo em áreas altamente endêmicas para leishmaniose.