Distribution according to Ecological aspects of Phlebotomine sandflies in Narathiwat province

Abstract

Distribution according to ecological aspects of Phlebotomine sand flies operational research was conducted within 5 radian kilometer areas in Maung district, Narathiwat province. Sandfly collection by light trap was performed in 12 difference physical areas; 1) Cattle enclosure 2) Goat enclosure 3) Duck enclosure 4) Chicken enclosure 5) Rabbit enclosure 6) Rubber plantation 7) Fruit garden 8) Palm plantation 9) Swap forest 10) Foothill forest far from sea 11) Foothill forest near sea 12) 50 meter above sea forest and light traps were laid from 06.00 pm-06.00 am. Every study area was conducted under quite difference climatic. The average of minimum and maximum temperature range were 27.4 ± 0.32°C and 30.38 ± 0.73°C and the average of minimum and maximum percentages of moisture in the air range were 73 ± 1 and 81.8 ± 0.89. The 349 sand flies were collected and belonging to Phlebotomus (46.37%, 5 species) and Sergentomyia (53.63%, 7 species). The result showed species difference and sand fly density according to area types. P.argentipes were found in almost of study areas and highest proportion (53.34%) and highest number in cattle enclosure. P.argentipes is known to be the vector of L.donovani responsible of visceral leishmaniasis in India and cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. P.argentipes may be incriminate as possible vector of human leishmaniasis in Thailand. There are many leishmaniasis vector ecology gaps need to fill such as ecology of resting site and ecology of immature stages which essential for leishmaniasis prevention and control tools development at their livestock, agriculture and sylvatic habitats.