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. 2013 Nov 13;6(1):325.
doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-325.

Leishmaniasis transmission in an ecotourism area: potential vectors in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Bruno Moreira Carvalho  1 , Michele Maximo, Wagner Alexandre Costa, Antonio Luís Ferreira de Santana, Simone Miranda da Costa, Taiana Amancio Neves da Costa Rego, Daniela de Pita Pereira, Elizabeth Ferreira Rangel
Affiliations

Leishmaniasis transmission in an ecotourism area: potential vectors in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Bruno Moreira Carvalho et al. Parasit Vectors. .

Abstract

Background: The south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, in Brazil, is endemic for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases and is frequently visited by tourists from different parts of the world. Since the complex epidemiology of leishmaniases demands local studies, the goal of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine sand fly fauna and leishmaniases transmission in Ilha Grande, an ecotourism area of Angra dos Reis municipality.

Methods: Sand fly fauna was sampled in three monitoring stations using HP light traps in domiciles, peridomiciles and forests. Species abundance was evaluated by the Index of Species Abundance. A Leishmania natural infection survey was done using multiplex PCR and dot blot hybridization.

Results: During 15 consecutive months of sand fly monitoring, 1093 specimens from 16 species were captured. The potential leishmaniases vectors found were Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) intermedia, L. migonei, L. (N.) flaviscutellata, L. (Psychodopygus) ayrozai and L. (Lutzomyia) longipalpis. Five species were new records in Ilha Grande: L. (Sciopemyia) microps, L. termitophila, L. firmatoi, L. rupicola and L. (P.) ayrozai. Higher species richness was found inside forest areas, although potential leishmaniases vectors were present in deforested areas, peridomiciles and inside houses. Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia and L. migonei were the most abundant species. Females of L. migonei showed a high rate (10.3%) of natural infection by Leishmania (Viannia) sp., probably Leishmania (V.) braziliensis.

Conclusions: The detection of leishmaniases transmission and potential vectors in Ilha Grande is of public health concern, especially because tourists are frequently visiting the island. Besides reinforcing the epidemiological importance of L. (N.) intermedia in Rio de Janeiro State, the role of L. migonei in cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission is highlighted with its high rate of Leishmania natural infection. The finding of L. (L.) longipalpis confirmed the human autochthonous case of visceral leishmaniasis from the island. The presence of L. (N.) flaviscutellata in peridomestic areas is also an important finding, since the species is involved in the transmission of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. Health education practices directed to the local community and tourists are important control actions that can be taken in Ilha Grande to reduce the burden of leishmaniases.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Location of Ilha Grande in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro State. Sand fly monitoring stations are highlighted as MS1: Vila do Abraão, MS2: Enseada das Estrelas and MS3: Praia Vermelha.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sand fly monitoring station 1, Vila do Abraão, showing sampled domiciles. Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis (RJ).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sand fly monitoring station 2, Enseada das Estrelas, showing sampled domiciles. Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis (RJ).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Sand fly monitoring station 3, Praia Vermelha, showing sampled domiciles. Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis (RJ).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Standardized Index of Species Abundance (SISA) of captured Phlebotomine sand flies in monitoring stations - MS1: Vila do Abraão; MS2: Enseada das Estrelas; MS3: Praia Vermelha. Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis (RJ), July 2010 to September 2011.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Results of Leishmania natural infection survey. A) 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis of Multiplex PCR products. Lanes: M, molecular weight marker (100 bp); 1, negative control; 2-4, Lutzomyia sp. males; 5-9, negative females; 10-12, positive Lutzomyia migonei females; 13, positive control. B) Dot blot hybridization with Leishmania (Viannia)-specific biotinylated probe.
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