Comparative attractiveness of CO(2)-baited CDC light traps and animal baits to Phlebotomus duboscqi sandflies.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In order to understand sandfly bionomics, vector species identification, and to develop methods for sandfly control, there is a need to sample sandflies in any particular habitat. This survey was aimed at determining the best method of sampling Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) duboscqi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the field. METHODS: Different animal baits and CO2-baited CDC light traps were used to attract sandflies released in an insect-proof screen-house located in the sandfly's natural habitat in Marigat, Baringo district of Kenya. RESULTS: Attraction of hungry P. duboscqi female sandflies by the goat (Capra hircis) was significantly higher than that of hamster (Mesocricetus auretus), Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), gerbil (Tatera robusta) and chicken (Gallus domestica). However, two rodent species, A. niloticus and T. robusta did not differ significantly. A linear regression analysis of weights of animal baits and number of sandflies attracted revealed an insignificant result. The fluorescent dyes used to distinguish sandflies of different day experiments seemed not to influence the sandfly numbers in relation to the studied sandfly behaviour. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The similar attraction pattern of P. duboscqi in semi-field environment by CO(2)-baited CDC light trap and the goat provides hope for solution to the problem of fast dissipating dry ice (CO(2) source) in the field. Goats can, therefore, also be utilized as deflectors of vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis from humans in zooprophylaxis in Leishmania major endemic areas where the sandfly is found.

Author information

Author/s: Kasili, Sichangi (S); Kutima, Helen (H); Mwandawiro, Charles (C); Ngumbi, Philip M (PM); Anjili, Christopher O (CO);

Affiliation: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Zoology, Nairobi, Kenya. skasili(-atsign-)yahoo.co.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of vector borne diseases (J Vector Borne Dis), published in India. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 46 (issue 3) : pp 191-6

Dates: Created 2009/09/02; Completed 2009/10/21;

PMID: 19724082, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/21/2009, IMS Date: )

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