Studies on the feeding habits of Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia (Diptera, Psychodidae), vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil Estudos sobre os hábitos alimentares de Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia (Diptera, Psychodidae), vetor de leishmaniose cutânea no Brasil

The precipitin test was applied to identify the blood meal sources of Lutzomyia intermedia, collected in two distinct habitats: inside houses and in the peridomicile, in Mesquita, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, a transmission area of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. The following antisera were tested: human, avian, equine, rodent, and opossum. From a total of 370 females analyzed, 128 specimens from the domicile and 59 from the peridomicile reacted with specific antisera. The anthropophily of L. intermedia was confirmed in both habitats; likewise, the feeding of this sand fly species on domestic animals, observed in previous entomological surveys, was confirmed by the strong reactivity with avian, canine, and equine antisera. However, feeding on rodents, mammals frequently found inside and around houses, represents further evidence related to the vector competence of L. intermedia, since synanthropic and sylvatic rodents have been considered a putative reservoir of L. (V.) braziliensis. Insect Vectors; Psychodidae; Leishmaniasis Introduction In the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lutzomyia intermedia is considered the principal vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania (V.) braziliensis 1,2,3,4. The vector competence of L. intermedia is suggested by its distribution and frequency in areas with the occurrence of human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, its particularly high density in both the intradomicile and peridomicile, its anthropophily, and the fact that it has been found naturally infected with Leishmania sp. of the Peripylarian Section (sub-genus Viannia) 5. It is noteworthy that even though it is considered a highly anthropophilic species, it is heavily attracted to dogs and equines, as suggested by domestic reservoirs of L. (V.) braziliensis 4,6. Studies conducted in cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission areas in the State of Rio de Janeiro in the late 1990s demonstrated the presence of L. intermedia including in remnants of the Atlantic Forest located 800 meters from households with human and canine cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis 7. Accurate knowledge of the blood meal source for vectors of human pathogens provides information on the preference for hosts under natural conditions. The intensity of anthropophily is one of the essential factors in the evaluation of vector capacity, while data on the attraction to other hosts can shed light on the association STUDIES ON THE FEEDING HABITS OF Lutzomyia (N.) intermedia 1817 Cad. Saúde Pública, Rio de Janeiro, 21(6):1816-1820, nov-dez, 2005 between potential vectors and natural reservoirs of pathogens. Current knowledge on the feeding habits of L. intermedia is based on data obtained from captures using human bait or in animals, using a Castro aspirator or CDC light traps 2,3,4,7. Therefore, in order to better define the feeding sources for females of this important American cutaneous leishmaniasis vector in Southeast Brazil, the precipitin test was applied to specimens collected in the domiciliary environment in an endemic area in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Materials and methods