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The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene1993; 49(1); 68-75; doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1993.49.68

Host preferences of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis at an endemic focus of American visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia.

Abstract: Blood meals from 579 Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera:Psychodidae), collected in an endemic focus of American visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia, were identified by precipitin test. Sand fly collections were made during a 16-month period from the inside walls of two houses, a pigpen, and rock crevices in a small community (El Callejon) within the endemic area. Feeding patterns of the sand flies varied with locality and date of collection. Overall, bovine feedings predominated, but feedings were also recorded on pigs, equines, humans, dogs, opossums, birds, and reptiles. Calculation of the forage ratios for each host species indicated that cows and pigs were the preferred hosts of Lu. longipalpis in El Callejon. Results of this study suggest that Lu. longipalpis is an opportunistic feeder and is not highly anthropophilic nor strongly attracted to dogs.
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Publication Date: 1993-07-01 PubMed ID: 8352394DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1993.49.68Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study examines the feeding preferences of the sand fly species, Lutzomyia longipalpis, that contributes to the spread of American visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia, demonstrating that these insects favor bovines and pigs.

Study Methodology and Objectives

  • The research was conducted on 579 Lutzomyia longipalpis, a type of sand fly that play a role in the transmission of the disease, American visceral leishmaniasis.
  • The insects were collected over a 16-month period from residential areas, a pigpen, and rock crevices in a small endemic community in Colombia known as El Callejon.
  • A precipitin test, a method used in immunology to determine the source of antigens such as antibodies in a sample, was used to identify the sources of blood meals in the flies. This helped determine what animals the flies had been feeding on.

Data Analysis and Findings

  • The feedings patterns of the sand flies were found to vary based on the location and collection date.
  • Despite variability, bovine feeding was most common, with feedings also observed on pigs, equines, humans, dogs, opossums, birds, and reptiles.
  • A forage ratio calculation (a measure that indicates the preference of a predator for different types of prey) used for each host species suggested that cows and pigs were the preferred hosts for Lu. longipalpis in the specific area of study.

Implications of the Study

  • The results suggest the sand fly Lu. longipalpis is an opportunistic feeder, feeding on whatever host is most readily available rather than showing a particular preference.
  • Contrary to prior assumptions, the flies were not highly anthropophilic (human-attracted) or strongly attracted to dogs.
  • This data could impact control measures for American visceral leishmaniasis, as it indicates that efforts might be most effective if targeted at bovine and pig populations, rather than focusing solely on preventing bites on humans or dogs.

Cite This Article

APA
Morrison AC, Ferro C, Tesh RB. (1993). Host preferences of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis at an endemic focus of American visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 49(1), 68-75. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1993.49.68

Publication

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
ISSN: 0002-9637
NlmUniqueID: 0370507
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 1
Pages: 68-75

Researcher Affiliations

Morrison, A C
  • Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Ferro, C
    Tesh, R B

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Birds
      • Cattle
      • Colombia / epidemiology
      • Dogs
      • Feeding Behavior
      • Horses
      • Housing
      • Housing, Animal
      • Humans
      • Insect Vectors / physiology
      • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology
      • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / transmission
      • Opossums
      • Psychodidae / physiology
      • Reptiles
      • Species Specificity
      • Swine

      Grant Funding

      • AI-07404-02 / NIAID NIH HHS
      • AI-28528 / NIAID NIH HHS

      Citations

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