EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF PHLEBOTOMINE SAND FLIES (DIPTERA: PHLEBOTOMINAE) IN BLUMENAU, SC, BRAZIL, AN AREA OF TRANSMISSION OF AMERICAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS

Abstract

Since 259 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were recorded in the year 2005 in the city ofBlumenau, in the southern state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In order to obtain more information onthe transmission cycle of the disease in this city, this study aimed to conduct a survey of patientsaffected by American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) and to evaluate and characterize the sandfly fauna in the city. A questionnaire was completed by the patient or guardian, containing elevenquestions about their health, housing and its surroundings, proximity of the forest and presence ofdomestic and wild animals when confirmed cases of ACL were found. Collections of sand flies wereperformed in 14 residences divided between four districts (Badenfurt, Central Itoupava, Old andProgress). These districts were chosen because they showed the highest number of cases. The insectswere collected for three consecutive nights per month, from April to October 2008, using CDC traps.From the households selected for the survey, fifteen patients were identified, 53.3% female and46.6% male. All residences were within 200 m of the forest, 85.7% reported the presence of wildlifenear homes and 72.2% reported having a domestic animal. Two hundred and seventy-five specimensfrom eight species were obtained. Nyssomyia neivai (42.9%) and Pintomyia fischeri (38.2%) werethe most prevalent species.