Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Researchers identified four Leishmania species infecting sand flies in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, highlighting potential risks for leishmaniasis transmission. The study found Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (Viannia) lainsoni in multiple sand fly species, including Lutzomyia whitmani, while Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum was prevalent in Lutzomyia wellcomei and Lu. sordellii. Molecular analysis of 2,190 female sand flies collected from peridomiciliary areas between September 2012 and August 2013 revealed infection rates up to 20%. These findings underscore the need for surveillance and control measures to mitigate cutaneous leishmaniasis and prevent visceral leishmaniasis outbreaks in this UNESCO-listed conservation area, a major tourist destination.

Pereira-Filho, A. A., Fonteles, R. S., Bandeira, M. d. C. A., Moraes, J. L. P., Rebêlo, J. M. M., & Melo, M. N. (2018). Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Journal of Medical Entomology, 55(4), 989–994. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjy014