Authors: Maurício Luiz Vilela, Carina Graser Azevedo, Bruno M. Carvalho, Elizabeth F. Rangel
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027721
Abstract Summary
A 40-month study in Porto Nacional, Brazil—impacted by hydroelectric dam construction—identified 48 sand fly species, including 7 leishmaniasis vectors. The urban vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (visceral leishmaniasis) dominated cities, while Nyssomyia whitmani (cutaneous leishmaniasis) prevailed rurally. Dam-driven migration and deforestation may facilitate disease spread in unplanned settlements.
Why Brain? 🧠
Hydroelectric dam construction in Brazil altered sand fly distribution, concentrating visceral leishmaniasis vectors in urban areas and cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors rurally, raising disease transmission risks.
License: CC BY.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
