The laboratory colony of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera

The laboratory colony of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera, Psychodidae) from
Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal:
establishment, maintenance and application.
Rocha1, D.K., Alves-Pires2, C., Gomes3, J., Bruno de Sousa4, C., Branco1, S., Afonso1,
M.O.
1. Unidade de Ensino e Investigação de Parasitologia Médica (UEI PM), Grupo Entomologia
Médica, Unidade de Parasitologia e Microbiologia Médicas (UPMM/ FCT), Instituto de Higiene
e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira, 100,
1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal; 2. UPMM/FCT, IHMT, UNL; 3. CMDT, IHMT, UNL; 4.
Universidade do Algarve, Portugal. [email protected]
There are five phlebotomine species known in Portugal: Phlebotomus papatasi
(Scopoli, 1786), P. Sergenti Parrot, 1917, P. perniciosus Newstead, 1911, P. ariasi
Tonnoir, 1921 and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843). P. perniciosus and P. ariasi
are proven vectors of Leishmania infantum, the protozoan of human and canine
leishmaniasis. Females of P. perniciosus have been captured infected with L. infantum
in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, in Lisbon and Algarve region. To date, this sand fly
species is the most widespread vector due to the bioclimatic characteristics.
The colony of Phlebotomus perniciosus IHMT / UPMM / UNL was established in mid1990´s, by Researcher and phlebotomine sand fly specialist Carlos Alves-Pires. The
specimens were originated from Spain and supplied by the eminent Scientist Professor
Dr. Robert Killick-Kendrick. To date, this is the first successful colonization of sand
flies for consecutive generations in Portugal.
Sand flies require laborious rearing and maintenance laboratory methods, but over the
years the colony has been successfully maintained by researchers and technicians who
ensure the availability of these insects for teaching and research. The aim of this work is
to report the main rearing methods, namely safety, hygiene, physical, environmental and
biological control, equipments, maintenance of adults and immature stages, and
different types of food.
This colony is used in: insecticide-repellent bioassay tests; experimental infections;
molecular studies; laboratorial classes; students training; sending of specimens to
national and international Teaching and Research Institutions.