Distribution of Leishmania infantum vector species in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Since entomological surveillance is the main control strategy for visceralleishmaniasis, updated information on the distribution and ecology of involved vector species isnecessary for planning preventive measures.

Objective. To present the updated and geo-referenced distribution of L. longipalpis and L.evansi, vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia, considering their relationship with their habitat.

Materials and methods. Distribution was estimated from records of the sand fly specimenscollected since 1967.The information was organized in a database from which the localitieswere selected and geographically analyzed with Arc view in order to develop the distributionmaps.Results. 40 localities were established for L. longipalpis along the upper (24), middle (11) andlower (5) Magdalena river valley. L. evansi was recorded in 19 localities of the middle (5) andlower (14) Magdalena valley.

Conclusions. Both species showed consistent association with dry tropical forest (sensuHoldridge 1967), confirming the epidemiological risk for visceral leishmaniasis in these areas.