Spatial distribution of P. argentipes in association with agricultural surrounding environment in North Bihar, India.

INTRODUCTION Phlebotomus argentipes is considered to be one of the major control measure targets in eradicating visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This study demonstrates the spatial association of P. argentipes abundance in relation to agricultural environment in the endemic area of north Bihar. METHODOLOGY Vector data were collected from the 95 villages of the study area using a handheld aspiration technique. Space technology and ground observationwere made to estimate the environmental characteristics. RESULTS A total of 1,663 P. argentipes were collected between April and November 2011. Results showed negative and significant association between P. argentipes density and proximity to the agricultural land in both the dry (r = -0.39) and wet seasons (r = -0.55), respectively. A strong and positive association was observed between relative humidity and P. argentipes abundance (r = 0.55). Results illustrated a very strong positive association between soil moisture and P. argentipes abundance (r = 0.58). The agricultural land class density and the spatial abundance of P. argentipes showed a very strong and positive association (r = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS This study will help in understanding the advantage of agricultural land use practices to delineate of P. argentipes habitat suitability, which may strengthen existing control strategies in this endemic area.