Levantamento de flebotomíneos às margens do rio Mossoró no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Objective: Visceral leishmaniasis is transmitted by Lutzomyia longipalpis. The city of Mossoró, northeast Brazil, has high prevalence of the disease. Also, areas near the river Mossoró, conducive to vector presence, still has no record of risk factors for disease, an epidemiological study of these areas making it necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the sandfly density and the influence of environmental variables on this fauna in areas on the river Mossoró. Methods: It was realized an entomological survey with CDC light traps and the influence of temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed on the sand flies were analyzed. Results: We observed the presence of sandflies throughout the year, the largest amount (71.3%) in peridomestic. Of the total captured sandflies, 92.2% were of the species L. longipalpis. Regarding sex, number of male insects exceeded the number of females in 62.4%. Comparing the vector density to environmental factors, it is clear that the high temperature and humidity, presence of rain and low wind speeds, make the enabling environment. Conclusion:Note the importance of characterizing these areas near the river Mossoró, with entomological studies because these studies are relevant in the development of surveillance policies and disease control