Distribution of Lutzomyia whitmani in phytoregions of the state of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil

Authors

  • José Manuel Macário Rebêlo Universidade Federal do Maranhão; Departamento de Patologia; Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores
  • Roseno Viana Rocha Fundação Nacional de Saúde
  • Jorge Luiz Pinto Moraes Fundação Nacional de Saúde
  • Gildário Amorim Alves Fundação Nacional de Saúde
  • Francisco Santos Leonardo Fundação Nacional de Saúde

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009005000072

Keywords:

Psychodidae^i2^sgrowth & developm, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, Disease Vectors, Rural Zones, Urbanization, Biogeography

Abstract

The study had the aim of characterizing the geographical distribution of Lutzomyia whitmani s.l. in the state of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil. Between 1992 and 2005, 9,600 specimens (65.1% males and 34.9% females) were caught in the rural and urban zones of 35 municipalities in regions consisting of forests, savanna and mixed vegetation with coconut plantations, sandbanks and heath. Greater abundance was observed in areas surrounding dwellings (91.6%) than inside the dwellings (8.4%). The presence of the vector in different phytoregions and in rural and urban areas favors the transmission of tegumentary leishmaniasis in these environments. This taxon may constitute a complex of species in Maranhão, which can be confirmed by molecular biology studies.

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Published

2009-12-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 6 (2009)

Section

Brief Communication

How to Cite

Rebêlo, J. M. M., Rocha, R. V., Moraes, J. L. P., Alves, G. A., & Leonardo, F. S. (2009). Distribution of Lutzomyia whitmani in phytoregions of the state of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil . Revista De Saúde Pública, 43(6), 1070-1074. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102009005000072