Vectorial competence of Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neiva to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis

Abstract

Introduction: The leishmaniases are zoonoses caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. and transmitted between vertebrates host by the bite of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) femeales. Leishmania (Vianna) braziliensis is the main agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil, and it has been associated with mucocutaneous form and presents the most extensive geographic distribution. The main species of sandflies involved in the transmission of L. (V.) braziliensis are Nyssomyia whitmani, Ny. intermedia, Ny neivai, Psychodopygus wellcomei and Migonemyia migonei. Other species such as Pintomyia fischeri, Pi. pessoai, Expapillata firmatoi are suspected of participating in the transmission of this parasite and are present in areas of disease transmission. In the southern region of Brazil and Paulista Plateau area is suspected that Ny. neivai is the vector involved in the transmission of L. braziliensis. In Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and the coastal region and the Ribeira Valley and Paraíba River in São Paulo state Ny. intermedia has been identified as an important vector considering its frequent presence in the home and especially in the areas of livelihoods and forest. Objetive: Evaluate the vector competence of Nyssomyia intermedia and Nyssomyia neivai for Leishmania braziliensis. Methods: from wild specimens collected in Iporanga municipality (SP) especimens of the first generation will be obtained. After emergence of the females, hamsters infected with L. braziliensis will be exposed to females blood feeding. The engorged females in hamsters will be monitored daily from the second day and a sample of 10% will be dissected for parasitological examination to verify the presence of flagellates and their state of development. After the oviposition of females fed on infected hamsters, a sound hamster will be exposed. The hamsters bitten by potentially infective female will be monitored to confirm the presence of lesions and absence of these will be euthanized to verify infection by molecular techniques of PCR. Expected results: demonstrate the vector competence of Ny. intermedia and Ny. neivai to Leishmania braziliensis.