Polymorphism in Populations of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Agent of Visceral Leishmaniasis, Suggests the Existence of a Species Complex

Abstract

Lutzomyia longipalpis has been incriminated as the most important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America and recently it also has been associated with the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in come Central American countries. Because leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal disease Lu. longipalpk has received great attention leading to the publication of several studies (including behaviour, vectorial capacity and taxonomy).This compilation includes the literature proposing the existence of Lu longipalpis as a species' complex consisting of at least three different species, suggesting important implications for leishmaniasis transmission.