First report of Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) and Pintomyia fisheri (Pinto, 1926) in a transmission area of American cutaneuous leishmaniasis, in south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

The epidemiology of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is driven by the presence of vectors infecting humans with Leishmania spp parasites, in this way sand flies regarding to Lutzomyia genera. The emergence and re-emergence of this disease around the world calls for studies to identify geographical distribution of vectors and reservoir species associated with zoonotic transmission of the parasite. Although cases of ACL have been reported in Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, the epidemiological aspects of the disease remain unknown. In this way, an entomological survey of phlebotomine sand flies was carried out in the city, aiming at detecting the presence of potential vectors. HP traps light were able to capture a sample of phlebotomines composed of Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho) in the peridomiciliary of both urban and rural area. In other hand, Pintomyia fischeri (Pinto, 1926) and L. shannoni (Dyar, 1929) were collected just in the rural area of the municipality. Despite the low densities found, this is the first report of N. whitmani, the main vector of ACL and P. fischeri, a potential vector of ACL in the municipality of Lavras. The present record not only contributes to our knowledge of the geographical distribution of sand flies, but can also be used to understanding of the epidemiological aspects of the Leishmania transmission that can be used to design better vector control strategies to mitigate the incidence of ACL in endemic areas.