Sand fly population dynamics in areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A three-year study on sand fly population dynamics in Paraty, Brazil, revealed that the highest density of these disease vectors occurs between November and March, with a peak in January. Four species—Nyssomyia intermedia, Pintomyia fischeri, Migonemyia migonei, and Nyssomyia whitmani—were found year-round, posing persistent risks for American cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission. Researchers used CDC light traps, Shannon traps, and manual suction to capture 102,937 sand flies across peridomiciliary and forest areas, identifying seasonal patterns that correlate with increased human-vector contact during warmer months.

Vieira, V. R., de Aguiar, G. M., de Azevedo, A. C. R., Rangel, E. F., & Guimarães, A. É. (2023). Sand fly population dynamics in areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, Municipality of Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20702-w