Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil is transmitted by the phlebotomine
Lutzomyia longipalpis
and in some midwestern regions by
Lutzomyia cruzi
. Studies of the phlebotomine fauna, feeding habits and natural infection rate by
Leishmania
contribute to increased understanding of the epidemiological chain of leishmaniases and their vectorial capacity. Collections were performed in Jaciara, state of Mato Grosso from 2010-2013, during which time 2,011 phlebotomines (23 species) were captured (68.70%
Lu. cruzi and 20.52%
Lutzomyia whitmani
).
Lu. cruzi females were identified by observing the shapes of the cibarium (a portion of the mouthpart) and spermatheca, from which samples were obtained for polymerase chain reaction to determine the rates of natural infection. Engorged phlebotomines were assessed to identify the blood-meal host by ELISA. A moderate correlation was discovered between the number of
Lu. cruzi and the temperature and the minimum rate of infection was 6.10%. Twenty-two females were reactive to the antisera of bird (28%), dog (3.30%) and skunk (1.60%). We conclude that
Lu. cruzi and
Lu. whitmani have adapted to the urban environment in this region and that
Lu. cruzi is the most likely vector of VL in Jaciara. Moreover, maintenance of
Leishmania in the environment is likely aided by the presence of birds and domestic and synanthropic animals.
