Vectors of leishmaniases in Venezuela

Information on the vectors of leishmaniases in Venezuela is reviewed and updated. Lutzomyia longipalpis is considered the vector of visceral leishmaniasis. Lutzomyia ovallesi of the northcentral area is the only human feeding species from which parasites have been isolated and typed as Leishmania braziliensis. In the Andean Region there is strong evidence that Lu. youngi is the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis but the parasites require further identification. Lutzomyia spinicrassa may be responsible for transmission throughout areas bordering the endemic foci in Columbia. New methods for identification of parasites and vectors are needed in areas where more than one parasite species and isomorphic Lutzomyia are sympatric.