Lutzomyia longipalpis
is the main vector of
Leishmania infantum chagasi
, the causative agent of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). Although there is strong evidence that
Lu. longipalpis is a species complex, not all data concerning populations from Brazil support this hypothesis. The issue is still somewhat controversial for this large part of
Lu. longipalpis distribution range even though that it is the Latin American region contributing to most of the cases of AVL. In this mini-review we consider in detail the current data for the Brazilian populations and conclude that
Lu. longipalpis is a complex of incipient vector species with a complexity similar to
Anopheles gambiae
s.s. in Africa.
