Circulation aspects of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) and their potential implications in the transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis within Nova Vida settlement in the municipality of Ulianópolis, Pará State, Brazil.

The study aimed to identify phlebotomine species associated with American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) transmission in Ulianópolis, Brazil, examining their relationship with deforested areas. Using CDC light traps, 1,676 phlebotomine were collected, with a composition of 43% males and 57% females, identifying thirteen species, with Evandromyia evandroi and Nyssomyia whitmani as the most prevalent. Despite the limited clinical relevance of Ev. evandroi, its substantial prevalence raised concerns regarding potential transmission of Leishmania spp. The abundance of Ny. whitmani was attributed to favourable climatic conditions in Ulianópolis. Phlebotomine distribution varied across collection points and environments, with Point C exhibiting the highest species diversity. Notably, species including the Bi. flaviscutellata, Ps. complexus, and Ps. davisi were predominantly found in forested areas, necessitating further investigation into their role in ACL transmission dynamics. The absence of Leishmania spp. DNA and mammalian blood meals in phlebotomine suggested potential factors affecting parasite survival, including gut enzymes and interactions within the microbiota. This study associated the heightened incidence of ACL in Ulianópolis to extensive deforestation, which has resulted in phlebotomine migration to residential areas a consequence of habitat degradation. This environmental degradation, associated with agribusiness expansion and housing development, underscores the urgency for continuous monitoring and expanded research on phlebotomine behaviour, infection mechanisms, and conservation efforts to mitigate ACL incidence in the region.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01779-2.