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Effect of Abiotic Factors on Seasonal Population Dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Northeastern Brazil

2006; Oxford University Press; Volume: 43; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/jmedent/43.5.990

1938-2928

Maria de Fátima Freire de Melo Ximenes, Eloy G. Castellón, Maria de Fátima de Souza, Alexandre A.L. Menezes, José W. Queiroz, Virgínia Penéllope Macedo E Silva, Selma M. B. Jerônimo,

Insect Pest Control Strategies

The resurgence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil increases the need for studies to elucidate the spatial and temporal dynamics of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva) (Diptera: Psychodidae), the vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Sand flies were captured in peridomestic habitats biweekly for 3 yr. Cross-correlation tests and spectral analysis were used to analyze the simultaneous and lag-time correlations between Lu. longipalpis population densities and abiotic factors of temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, and rainfall. Distinct seasonal patterns were observed for males and females, with intervals of 6 mo between population peaks for males and 12 mo for females. Peak female population densities lagged 3 mo behind the maximum annual temperature. Female population density was negatively correlated with relative humidity. An increase in average wind velocity was followed by a decrease in the number of females for 2 wk. Understanding the relationship between the seasonal population dynamics of Lu. longipalpis and abiotic factors will contribute to the design of better control measures to decrease transmission of L. infantum and consequently the incidence of leishmaniasis.