Microspatial Distributional Patterns of Vectors of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil
The purpose of this study is to analyze the spatial distribution and population trends through time ofLutzomyiaspecies in a long-term focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in an Atlantic Forest area, northeastern Brazil. Sand fly populations of different ecological niches were monitored spatiotemporally in 2009. To summarize vegetation characteristics and phenology, we calculated the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index from Landsat images. Using niche modeling approaches, we assessed suites of environmental factors to identify areas of transmission risk. Although 12 species were detected,L. whitmaniwas the most abundant and broadly distributed across the area, particularly in peridomiciliary locations, and associated negatively with denser vegetation areas. On the other hand,L. complexa,L. sordelli, andL. tupynambaiwere found almost exclusively in forested areas (), and associated positively with denser vegetation.Lutzomyiaspecies' occurrences are related to specific environmental combinations (with contrast among species) in the region.