Influence of lysates of the salivary glands ofLutzomyia longipalpison the development of aLeishmania-major-like parasite in the skin of the golden hamster

Considerations on the effect of anti-sandfly antibodies on biological parameters of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)

The immunization of vertebrate hosts with vector components may be an alternative for the control of diseases transmitted by insects. In the present study we evaluated the effects of anti-sandfly antibodies on some of the biological parameters of female Lutzomyia longipalpis, a vector of visceral leishmaniasis. Rabbits were immunized with extracts of gut from blood-fed (GB) or sugar-fed (GS) females, carcass of sugar-fed (CS) or blood-fed (CB) females, and with repeated sandfly bites (BITE). Immune sera showed increased antibody titers compared to pre-immunized animals, and specific bands were detected by Western Blot. An analysis of biological parameters revealed a decline in fecundity in the group of females fed on rabbits immunized with GB and BITE. Longevity and mortality were studied in females with oviposition (parous) and without oviposition (nulliparous). Nulliparous females that fed on rabbits immunized with bites died in the highest percentage. A mortality analysis after egg laying revealed a peak on the fifth day in all the groups, but females fed on rabbit subjected to repeated bites showed a shift towards the third day.

Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae): a review

Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of AmericanVisceral Leishmaniasis (AVL) due to Leishmania chagasi in the New World. Despite its importance, AVL, a disease primarily of rural areas, has increased its prevalence and became urbanized in some large cities in Brazil and other countries in Latin America. Although the disease is treatable, other control measures include elimination of infected dogs and the use of insecticides to kill the sand flies. A better understanding of vector biology could also account as one more tool for AVL control. A wide variety of papers about L. longipalpis have been published in the recent past years. This review summarizes our current information of this particular sand fly regarding its importance, biology, morphology, pheromones genetics, saliva, gut physiology and parasite interactions.