Outdoor density of adult Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of Visceral leishmaniasis, in different biotopes in an endemic foci of Bihar India

Chandrima Das; A.K.Mukhopadhyay

Volume : VIII, Issue : XI, November - 2018

Outdoor density of adult Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of Visceral leishmaniasis, in different biotopes in an endemic foci of Bihar India

Chandrima Das, A. K. Mukhopadhyay

Abstract :

As a part of Kala Azar elimination programme in Bihar, indoor insecticide residual spray (IRS) is being done for two rounds per year. IRS is covering up to 1.8 meter i.e. 6 feet height in human dwellings as well as cattle sheds to control Phlebotomus argentipes, the vector of Visceral Leishmaniasis or kala azar. As per a recent study by Das Chandrima et al which was conducted between March ’17 to November ’17 in a highly Kala Azar endemic block of Bihar, it was noted that statistically significant ( p value 0.193 ) number of P.argentipes (26.95%) were found in outdoor peri domestic area. In the present study using overnight CDC light trap in six different types of peridomestic biotopes , in three selected study villages, a significant number of P.argentipes were trapped from clusters of Bamboo and Banana trees (352 and 179 respectively). The p value for Bamboo cluster is 0.243 and for Banana bushes is 0.486. The sand flies have also been trapped from clusters of Litchi, Dates, Palm and Mango trees . Therefore, it is a high time to evaluate the vector control strategies in Kala Azar endemic areas of Bihar for its successful elimination from India.