Resumo A distribuição geográfica das leishmanioses, sem dúvida, tem se expandido, e agora está sendo relatada em áreas previamente consideradas como não endêmicas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se existe alguma variação na estrutura e na composição das comunidades de flebotomíneos ao longo de um gradiente ambiental – em habitats classificados como mesicos e xericos, em diferentes períodos climáticos (chuva e seca). Além disso, testamos se havia diferenças na razão sexual entre ambientes mais umidos e mais secos. Um total de 535 espécimes de flebotomíneos pertencentes a 18 espécies foram registradas. Riqueza, abundância e composição de espécies foram significativamente maiores nos habitats xericos (Floresta semidecidual) em comparação com os habitats mesicos (Floresta Ciliar). Revelamos diferenças específicas entre os habitats, nas assembleias de flebotomíneos, uma vez que a composição da comunidade muda com a distância geográfica entre os pontos de amostragem. Estes resultados levaram à conclusão de que as condições ambientais disponíveis para cada espécie de fletomonineo varia dentro do habitat, tendo em conta o grau de umidade na floresta assim como a estação climatica (seca-chuva). O presente estudo dá uma contribuição valiosa para o conhecimento da fauna de flebotomíneos, no bioma Mata Atlântica.

Abstract The geographical distribution of leishmaniasis has undoubtedly expanded, and is now being reported to be in areas that were previously non-endemic. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether there is any variation in the structure and in the composition of phlebotomine communities along an environmental gradient - from a mesic to a xeric environment, across different climatic periods (rainy and dry seasons). Furthermore, we test whether there were differences in sex ratio of sand flies between wet and dry environments. A total of 535 specimens of sand flies belonging to 18 species were recorded. Richness, abundance, and composition of species were significatively higher in the xeric environment (semidecidual Forest) compared to the mesic environment (Riparina Forest). We unveiled site specific differences in sand fly collections since the community composition changes with the geographic distance among the sampling points. These results led to the conclusion that for sand flies species, the environmental conditions available for each species could be different within the habitat taking into account the degree of humidity in the forest as well as the climatic season (dry or wet). The present study gives a valuable contribution to the knowledge of sand flies, as a group of insects, from the Atlantic Forest biome.

SUMMARY Intestinal parasites are a major public health problem in developing countries, most prevalent in areas where sanitation is poor and the population's hygiene is inadequate. They affect people of all ages, although school-age children are the most susceptible. In this study, we investigated the presence of intestinal parasites in the shared environments of a public school in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais State. From December 2012 to February 2013, samples were collected for three months (once a month) by using the Graham method (1941), in duplicate, by affixing a 6 x 5 cm clear tape, six times in each collection site, in a space of about 30 cm2. Then, each tape was positioned longitudinally on a microscope slide and the identification of the biological forms of the parasites was performed with the aid of a 40X objective from an optical microscope. Eleven sites were selected for sampling. Cysts of Entamoeba coli were the most frequently found in this study (50%), followed by Hymenolepis diminuta eggs (27.6%), Iodamoeba butschllii cysts (5.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (5.6%), Taenia species eggs (5.6%) and hookworm eggs (5.6%). The highest positivity rates were found in the samples drawn from the cafeteria's eating table. The results have indicated the need to improve the cleaning in the school environments, as well as the development of educational practices that may help in the preservation of public health.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o repasto sanguíneo de fêmeas de flebotomíneos capturadas no município de Governador Valadares, área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral e tegumentar no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Entre maio de 2011 e janeiro 2012 foram realizadas capturas com armadilhas luminosas HP em quatro bairros. Foram capturados 2.614 exemplares (2.090 machos e 524 fêmeas). Noventa e sete fêmeas ingurgitadas foram identificadas como pertencentes às espécies Lutzomyia longipalpis(82,1%) e Lutzomyia cortelezzii(17,9%). Considerando a alimentação simples e a mista, o ensaio imunoenzimático revelou em Lutzomyia longipalpisuma predominância de sangue de galinhas (43,6%), mostrando o importante papel que galinhas podem exercer no peridomicílio, aumentando a chance de contato dos flebotomíneos com outros vertebrados e, consequentemente, o risco de transmissão da leishmaniose.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to identify blood meals of female sandflies captured in the municipality of Governador Valadares, an endemic area of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From May 2011 to January 2012, captures were performed using HP light traps in four districts. There were 2,614 specimens (2,090 males and 524 females) captured; 97 engorged females were identified belonging to the species Lutzomyia longipalpis (82.1%) and Lutzomyia cortelezzii (17.9%). Considering simple and mixed feeding, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed a predominance of chicken blood (43.6%) in Lutzomyia longipalpis, showing the important role that chickens exert around the residential areas of Governador Valadares. This finding increases the chances of sandflies contact with other vertebrates and consequently the risk of leishmaniasis transmission.

This study investigated the sandfly fauna of two quartzite caves in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, located in the municipality of Diamantina, state Minas Gerais. From August 2010-July 2011, entomological sampling was performed in the caves of Salitre and Monte Cristo with two HP light traps exposed in the photic and aphotic zones of each cave. The sandfly fauna consisted of 17 species, among which Lutzomyia cipoensis was predominant (54.76%). The male/female ratio in the total captures was 1:2.5. The aphotic zone showed the highest frequency of specimens captured (65%). A greater density of sandflies occurred during the summer (January-February), coinciding with the period of higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia pessoai, proven or suspected vectors of leishmaniasis, is of concern because the area is visited by many tourists.

A new species of Brazilian phlebotomine sandfly found in Brazil, municipality of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, is described based on males and females collected in a quartzite cave. The body of spermathecae is continuous to the individual duct, lanky and tapering at the end, with conical shaped, not striated and presenting the head with dense setae. The male presents gonostyle with four spines and a small subterminal seta and gonocoxite with one group of persistent setae. The paramere is simple with a group of small setae on the dorsal apex. The morphological features of this new species permit its inclusion in the migonei group.

Nine Neotropical species of Bruchomyia Alexander, 1920 have been previously described, all from South America. A new species of this rare genus, collected in caverns of the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is described and named Bruchomyia mineira sp. nov. The new species is morphologically similar to B. argentina Alexander, 1920, but they can be differentiated from each other by characters of the eyes, M2 vein and base of gonostylus.

Montes Claros foi considerada área de transmissão intensa para leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Este trabalho avaliou a fauna de flebotomíneos após a aplicação do inseticida. Entre setembro de 2005 e agosto de 2006, foram realizadas capturas com 20 armadilhas luminosas CDC em 10 bairros do município, no intra e no peridomicílio de cada residência. Dois ciclos de borrifação com cipermetrina foram realizados nos meses de novembro/2005 e maio/2006. Coletou-se 636 exemplares pertencentes a 10 espécies, com predominância de Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%). Machos foram coletados com maior frequência (70%). O peridomicílio apresentou a maior porcentagem dos espécimens capturados (85,8%). Observou-se que as principais espécies foram sensíveis ao tratamento com o inseticida. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do número de flebotomíneos coletados devido ao uso de cipermetrina nos domicílios e seus anexos, mas com efeito residual atuante entre dois e quatro meses.

Montes Claros in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was considered an intense transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated sand fly fauna after insecticide application. Captures were performed in 10 districts from September 2005 to August 2006 with CDC light traps inside and outside each residence. Cypermethrin was sprayed in two cycles during November/2005 and May/2006. The 636 specimens collected, belonging to 10 species, were predominantly Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%), and most frequently males (70%). The highest percentage of specimens were captured in areas surrounding domiciles (85.8%). The main species were observed to be sensitive to treatment with the insecticide. The results showed a reduction in the number of sand flies collected after use of cypermethrin in homes and annexes, and with residual effect lasting from two to four months.

Montes Claros foi considerada área de transmissão intensa para leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Este trabalho avaliou a fauna de flebotomíneos após a aplicação do inseticida. Entre setembro de 2005 e agosto de 2006, foram realizadas capturas com 20 armadilhas luminosas CDC em 10 bairros do município, no intra e no peridomicílio de cada residência. Dois ciclos de borrifação com cipermetrina foram realizados nos meses de novembro/2005 e maio/2006. Coletou-se 636 exemplares pertencentes a 10 espécies, com predominância de Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%). Machos foram coletados com maior frequência (70%). O peridomicílio apresentou a maior porcentagem dos espécimens capturados (85,8%). Observou-se que as principais espécies foram sensíveis ao tratamento com o inseticida. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do número de flebotomíneos coletados devido ao uso de cipermetrina nos domicílios e seus anexos, mas com efeito residual atuante entre dois e quatro meses.

Montes Claros in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was considered an intense transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated sand fly fauna after insecticide application. Captures were performed in 10 districts from September 2005 to August 2006 with CDC light traps inside and outside each residence. Cypermethrin was sprayed in two cycles during November/2005 and May/2006. The 636 specimens collected, belonging to 10 species, were predominantly Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%), and most frequently males (70%). The highest percentage of specimens were captured in areas surrounding domiciles (85.8%). The main species were observed to be sensitive to treatment with the insecticide. The results showed a reduction in the number of sand flies collected after use of cypermethrin in homes and annexes, and with residual effect lasting from two to four months.

INTRODUÇÃO: No município de Porteirinha, Estado de Minas Gerais, foram registrados 23 casos humanos de leishmaniose visceral (LV) nos anos de 1998 e 1999. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo envolvendo a tríade de ações preconizadas no controle da LV. Pacientes com leishmaniose humana foram tratados e cães sorologicamente positivos foram eutanasiados, trimestralmente. O inseticida piretróide α-cipermetrina foi aplicado nos bairros onde casos humanos foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Houve uma redução da soroprevalência canina e de flebotomíneos capturados, após a implementação das medidas de controle, refletindo na diminuição de casos humanos de leishmaniose visceral. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram a eficiência destas medidas quando empregadas em conjunto.

INTRODUCTION: In the town of Porteirinha, State of Minas Gerais, 23 human cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in 1998 and 1999 were recorded. METHODS: A study was conducted involving the triad of action recommended for the control of VL. Patients were treated and serologically positive dogs were euthanized quarterly. The pyrethroid insecticide α-cypermethrin was applied in the neighborhoods where human cases were recorded. RESULTS: A reduction in canine seroprevalence and sand flies occurred following the implementation of control measures, reflecting in a reduction in human cases of VL. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the efficiency of such control measures when used in association.

INTRODUÇÃO: Um estudo da fauna de flebotomíneos foi realizado em uma área endêmica para leishmaniose tegumentar americana no município de Governador Valadares, no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Capturas foram feitas com armadilhas luminosas HP em quatro bairros, três noites por mês, durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2008. A correlação entre fatores climáticos (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e pluviosidade) e o número de flebotomíneos coletados foi avaliada. RESULTADOS: Foram capturados 5.413 espécimes de flebotomíneos, distribuídos em 12 espécies, sendo 2.851 (52%) fêmeas e 2.562 (48%) machos. CONCLUSÕES: Lutzomyia intermedia foi predominante com 29,9% das espécies capturadas, sugerindo ser a responsável pela transmissão de LTA, juntamente com L. whitmani, que também foi encontrada na região (4,3%). A presença de L. longipalpis (11,9%), principal vetor de LV no Brasil, é um dado relevante tornando-se necessário uma rigorosa vigilância entomológica na região.

INTRODUCTION: A study on the phlebotomine sandfly fauna was carried out in an endemic area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the municipality of Governador Valadares, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Captures were undertaken using HP light traps in four districts, on three nights per month, for one year (from January to December 2008). Correlations between climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) and the numbers of sandflies collected was observed. RESULTS: 5,413 phlebotomine specimens were caught and were identified as belonging to 12 species. Of these specimens, 2,851 (52%) were females and 2,562 (48%) were males. CONCLUSIONS: Lutzomyia intermedia predominated (29.9% of the species caught), thus suggesting that they were responsible for transmission of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, together with L. whitmani, which was also found in the area (4.3%). The presence of L. longipalpis (11.9%), the main vector for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, is an important finding, which makes rigorous entomological surveillance of the area necessary.

INTRODUÇÃO: A leishmaniose visceral tem sido notificada em quase todos os estados do Brasil, e principalmente no norte de Minas Gerais, onde a doença é endêmica. Este estudo visou detectar a infecção natural de Lutzomyia longipalpis e identificar através da técnica de PCR/RFLP a espécie de Leishmania encontrada nos flebotomíneos do município de Janaúba. MÉTODOS: Utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas, foram capturadas 1.550 fêmeas de L. longipalpis, que agrupadas em pool de 10 exemplares foram submetidas à extração e amplificação de DNA, através das técnicas de PCR genérico e cacofonia. RESULTADOS: Dos 155 pools, seis apresentaram-se positivos para Leishmania sp., sendo a taxa de infecção do município de 3,9%. Através da PCR/RFLP determinou-se que o padrão de digestão das amostras positivas foi semelhante ao da cepa referência Leishmania chagasi (MHOM/BR/74/PP75). CONCLUSÕES: A detecção de infecção natural associada a estudos sobre a epidemiologia da LV sugere que L. longipalpis esteja envolvida na transmissão de L. infantum chagasi em Janaúba, principalmente nas áreas de intensa transmissão de LV.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis has been notified in nearly all states of Brazil, and particularly in the north of Minas Gerais, where the disease is endemic. The aim of this study was to detect natural infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis and, through the PCR/RFLP technique, identify Leishmania species found in sandflies in the municipality of Janaúba. METHODS: Using light traps, 1,550 females of L. longipalpis were caught and grouped into pools of 10 specimens to be subjected to DNA extraction and amplification, by means of generic PCR and cacophony. RESULTS: Out of the 155 pools, six were positive for Leishmania sp., and thus the infection rate in the municipality was 3.9%. Through PCR/RFLP, the digestion pattern among the positive samples was found to be similar to that of the reference strain of Leishmania chagasi (MHOM/BR/74/PP75). CONCLUSIONS: The detection of natural infection associated with studies on the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis suggests that L. longipalpis is involved in transmission of L. infantum chagasi in Janaúba, particularly in areas of intense transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.

In the present paper, we evaluate the relationship between climate variables and population density of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Montes Claros, an area of active transmission of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in Brazil. Entomological captures were performed in 10 selected districts of the city, between September 2002-August 2003. A total of 773 specimens of L. longipalpiswere captured in the period and the population density could be associated with local climate variables (cumulative rainfall, average temperature and relative humidity) through a mathematical linear model with a determination coefficient (Rsqr) of 0.752. Although based on an oversimplified statistical analysis, as far as the vector is concerned, this approach showed to be potentially useful as a starting point to guide control measures for AVL in Montes Claros.

In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania chagasi parasites that are transmitted to man through the bites of infected females of Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies. In order to evaluate transmission risk and to clarify the epidemiology of this tropical disease, studies focused on the vector and favorable environmental conditions are of fundamental importance. In this work, we surveyed the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in Janaúba, a Brazilian municipality that is endemic for VL. During a two-year period, entomological captures were performed monthly in 15 districts with high, moderate and low profiles of VL transmission. A total of 14,591 phlebotomine sand flies were captured (92% L. longipalpis), with a predominance of males. Most specimens were captured in the peri-domicile setting, although the number of specimens captured in the intra-domicile setting emphasises the anthropophilic behaviour of this insect. The population density of L. longipalpis was modulated by climate variations, particularly with clear increases immediately after the rainy season. However, the pattern of distribution did not coincide with the occurrence of human or canine cases of VL. This suggests that the eco-epidemiology of VL is particular to each area of transmission and must be taken into account during the design of public health control actions.

Na localidade do Brejo do Mutambal, situado no município de Varzelândia (MG), área endêmica para leishmaniose tegumentar, foram realizadas capturas mensais sistemáticas utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2000. Foram capturadas 19 espécies de flebotomíneos, totalizando 6.756 exemplares. Lutzomyia intermedia (5,1%), L. migonei (0,4%) e L. whitmani (0,1%), relacionadas com a transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar, foram capturadas em número reduzido. Lutzomyia longipalpis foi a espécie predominante (34,8%), sugerindo também um risco de transmissão da leishmaniose visceral. A proporção de insetos capturados no peridomícilio foi de 91,7% enquanto no intradomicílio foi de 8,3%. A interferência de fatores climáticos (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e pluviosidade) sobre a dinâmica populacional de flebotomíneos foi avaliada.

Between January and December 2000, systematic monthly capture of phlebotomine sandflies was undertaken by means of light traps of CDC type in Brejo do Mutambal, an endemic area for American cutaneous leishmaniasis located in the municipality of Varzelândia, State of Minas Gerais. Nineteen phlebotomine species were captured, totaling 6,756 specimens. The species correlated with ACL transmission were captured in low numbers, as follows: Lutzomyia intermedia (5.1%), L. migonei (0.4%) and L. whitmani (0.1%). Lutzomyia longipalpis was the predominant species captured (34.8%), thus also suggesting a risk of visceral leishmaniasis transmission. The proportion of sandflies captured in areas surrounding homes was 91.7 % while 8.3% were captured inside homes. The interference of climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) on phlebotomine population dynamics was evaluated.

O comportamento e hábitos alimentares de algumas espécies da flebotomíneos têm sido útil na compreensão da epidemiologia das leishmanioses. No município de Porteirinha (MG), foram realizadas capturas mensais sistematizadas utilizando-se 28 armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC, durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2002. Foram capturadas 14 espécies de flebotomíneos, totalizando 1.408 exemplares. De acordo com o ambiente, os resultados obtidos mostraram que o peridomicílio apresentou a maior (53,3%) porcentagem dos espécimens encontrados na região, embora parte (46,7%) da fauna também tenha sido encontrada no intradomicílio. O repasto sanguíneo de 38 fêmeas de Lutzomyia longipalpis, provenientes do campo, foi identificado através da reação de precipitina. Os resultados indicam que Lutzomyia longipalpis foi a espécie predominante (65,1%), mostrando-se oportunista, podendo sugar uma ampla variedade de vertebrados.

Studies on the behavioral and feeding habits of some species of phlebotominae sand flies have contributed to the comprehension of the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. In the present work, systematic captures were performed monthly in the municipality of Porteirinha (MG) using 28 light traps (CDC) from January to December 2002. Fourteen different species of phlebotomine were captured in a total of 1,408 specimens. The highest percentage of individuals (53.3%) was collected in the peridomicile against 46.7% in the intradomicile. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the predominant species in that region. The blood feeding of 38 females of this species from the field was analyzed by precipitin reaction. The results indicated that Lutzomyia longipalpis is an opportunist (65.1%) species that feeds on a wide variety of vertebrates in nature.