Presence of infected vectors of Leishmania (V.) panamensis within dwellings in two endemic foci in the foothill of the middle Magdalena valley, western Boyacá, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Case records of leishmaniasis of the years 1997 to 2003 of the department of Boyaca showed that since the year 2000 the department experienced an unusual rise in theincidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis that might correspond to an epidemic outbreak in thewestern region of the department. Age and gender distribution of cases supported a domestic transmission.

Objective. This research was designed to identify the vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in themunicipalities of Otanche and Pauna through their presence in dwellings and their naturalinfection with the same species of Leishmania isolated from patients.

Material and methods. Sampling of sand flies was done with CDC traps in and around dwellings.Samples from patients and pooled females of the most abundant species of Lutzomyia wereused to identify the parasite by PCR. Monoclonal antibody typing was also used to confirm theidentification of the parasite in samples from patients.

Results. In both municipalities L. trapidoi was the most abundant anthropophilic species ofLutzomyia indoors and around dwellings. L. hartmanni and L. yuilli were also abundant in Otanche, and L. gomezi and L. panamensis in Pauna. Leishmania (V) panamensis was identifiedboth in patients and in the sand flies: L.yuilli, L. gomezi and L. panamensis.

Conclusion. Our findings prove the presence of infected vectors of Leishmania panamensiswithin dwellings in the towns of Otanche and Pauna in Western Boyacá. Since L. trapidoi wasthe most abundant species, it may be considered as the principal vector of Leishmania (V.)panamensis. The evidence of transmission within human dwellings warrants vector control atleast in this environment.