Geographic distribution of Lutzomyia verrucarum (Townsend, 1913) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), vector of human bartonellosis in Peru

Abstract

Lutzomyia verrucarum (Townsend, 1913) (Diptera: Psychodidae); the natural vector of Bartonella bacilliformis, agent of human bartonellosis (peruvian verruga or Carrion's disease), is a native species of Peru; its geographic distribution occurrs between latitudes 5 degrees and 13 degrees 25' South: in the Occidental and Interandean valleys of the Andean. The altitudinal distribution of Lu. verrucarum in the different valleys is as follows: Occidental between 1100 and 2980 m sea level and Interandean from 1200 to 3200 m sea level. Some discrepancies between the distribution of Carrion's disease and Lu. verrucarum suggest the existence of secondary vectors in certain areas where Lu. verrucarum is not present.