Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais

• Published in: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 2006-01, Vol.39 (1), p.51-55
• Main Authors: Resende, Marcelo Carvalho de, Camargo, Maria Cristina Viana, Vieira, Jaqueline Reis Marinho, Nobi, Regina Celi Antunes, Porto, Maria Nunes, Oliveira, Claudia Di Lourenzo, Pessanha, José Eduardo, Cunha, Maria da Consolação Magalhães, Brandão, Silvana Teles
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Brazil; Control; Female; Humans; Insect Vectors; Leishmaniasis; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous - transmission; Leishmaniasis, Visceral - transmission; Male; Population Density; Population levels; Psychodidae; Sand fly; Seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; Seasons; TROPICAL MEDICINE
• ISSN: 0037-8682; 1678-9849; 0037-8682; 1678-9849
• DOI: 10.1590/S0037-86822006000100010

Between October, 1997 and September, 1999 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais a study of seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis was carried out in three distinct areas of the municipality. Sand flies were sampled at 15-day intervals in three residences, in each of which two CDC light traps were installed, one indoors and the other in the peridomicile. A total of 397 sand flies were captured in the three areas, with 65%, 30% and 1% of specimens collected in the eastern, northeast and Barreiro districts, respectively. The overall proportions of sand flies collected inside and around the houses were similar (57% vs 43%) and this pattern was seen for both Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia whitmani . The highest population levels during the two years of the study were from October to March. From October onwards, numbers increased constantly until February. A gradual fall was seen from April onwards until the lowest levels were reached in the months of June, July and August.