An Isozymic study of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Phychodidae), the vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the "Yungas" (Bolivia)

Abstract

Summary. Isozyme variation was assayed in a population of Lutzomyia longipalpís, the vector of Leishmania chagasi in the " Yungas " (Bolivia) in order to ascertain its taxonomic homogeneity. Although the specimens sampled exhibited some heterogeneity in their size, there was no isozyme indication of taxonomic heterogeneity within the population. The Gpi locus exhibited a temporal variation from February to July in the allelic frequencies and the level of heterozygosity, which may be related to climatic adaptation. Genetic variability was low, which could be explained if the present populations of L. Longipalpis haue originated from a small number of individuals (" Founder Effect ").