Identification of risk areas for visceral leishmaniasis in a municipality in the Triangulo Mineiro region

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Considered a major public health problem and one of the most neglected tropical diseases, leishmaniasis has long been a challenge for health systems around the world, given its wide geographical distribution and ability to affect populations in situations of socioeconomic vulnerability. The aim of this study was to investigate the phlebotomine fauna and environmental aspects in different ecotopes in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil and to evaluate peridomiciliary risk factors, as well as to sensitize the population about the disease. METHODS: The systematic collections took place from October 2021 to September 2022 at 11 points in the municipality. The sandflies was taxonomically identified and the females were subjected to DNA extraction and molecular testing. Seven phlebotomines were found, four females (two Lutzomyia longipalpis and two Evandromyia cortelezzii complex) and three males (Lutzomyia longipalpis). RESULTS: The predictive risk models therefore suggested that the main areas susceptible to the presence of the vector are areas around the municipality where there are high altitudes, lower temperatures and humid areas with the presence of large rivers. The greatest risk appeared to be present in the southeastern sectors of Uberaba. The results presented here may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of VL in the municipality and the targeting of preventive and control measures by the responsible bodies, especially as this is a city with no autochthonous human or canine cases. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: The work developed here constituted a new theoretical-methodological effort capable of investigating entomological and environmental elements that favor the maintenance and control of the disease in silent municipalities.