Entomological Studies Vector Abundance and other related aspects of vector ecology of Phlebotomus argentipes in highly VL Priority blocks in Madhepura, Bihar, India

Kala-azar is caused by Protozoan Leishmania donovani and transmitted by the sandfly vector Phlebotomus argentipes. Some ecological and environmental conditions of the local areas are responsible for the endemicity of the disease. Madhepura district is one of the endemic districts for Kala-azar is Bihar. The highly VL affected blocks Gamharia, Ghailar and Udakishunganj were selected for the study. The man hour density of the Kala-azar vector P. argentipes was found 2.5 and 6.2 in insecticide sprayed village and 1.9 to 9.1 in control village. The bionomics of the established vector P. argentipes was studies. Presence of vector species in these highly endemic villages depicts the possibility of continuous transmission throughout the year. The finding will be helpful in making the effective control measures to control sandfly density in endemic area of Kala-azar.

 

Corresponding author : mukeshkrupadhyay@gmail.com