Distribuição espaço-temporal de Lutzomyia longipalpis e leishmaniose visceral canina na Região Central do Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of public health importance, widely distributed in Brazil and complex to control due to multifactorial factors such as high infestation of the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis in endemic areas. Maranhão presents high endemicity for the pathology, requiring integrated surveillance strategies. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis and its relationship with the occurrence of CVL in a municipality considered endemic in the central region of the state. Sandflies were captured in rural and urban areas of the municipality of Pedreiras/MA between 2024 and 2025, using CDC-type light traps, and were subsequently identified, with females isolated in pools of up to ten specimens per collection point for future analyses regarding the presence of Leishmania DNA and the blood feeding source. Data on canine visceral leishmaniasis were obtained from seroepidemiological surveys conducted between 2021 and 2024, made available by the municipal health surveillance sector. The vector was found in 36 rural and urban locations, with 1,571 specimens captured, distributed between males (1,044 or 67%) and females (520 or 33%). The locations with the highest infestation were Mutirão (35%), São Benedito (16%), Vila das Palmeiras (9%), Olho D’água (7%), and Morada Nova (3%). In the canine surveys, 1,557 dogs were tested in 11 neighborhoods; 188 (12.1%) dogs were reactive for CVL. The prevalence of CVL was most significant in 2021 (19.7%), decreasing in subsequent years. In that same year, the Diogo and Goiabal neighborhoods obtained similarity of approximately 22.6% and 22.5%, respectively. This study indicates that there is dissemination of Lu. longipalpis, especially in the urban area, consolidating it as an important epidemiological bioindicator. Canine infection persists in Pedreiras/MA, with a higher concentration in the urban area. The adoption of 'One Health' practices is recommended, integrating vector control at critical points, geospatial monitoring of risk areas, training of health agents, and improvements in basic sanitation.