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Land use and cover changes and sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) assemblages in an emerging focus of leishmaniasis

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Jan 17, 2025 version files 57.38 KB

Abstract

The dataset documents the relationship between changes in land use and occupation and the diversity and abundance of phlebotomines, the vectors of leishmaniasis, in a rural area of the municipality of Codó, Maranhão. It integrates spatial and entomological information collected between 2012 and 2023, providing a comprehensive basis for environmental, epidemiological and vector management analyses. The land use and occupation data was obtained from Sentinel-2 satellite images, processed in QGIS software (version 3.10) and classified using the Orfeo Toolbox Processing (OTB) tool. The images represent the years 2012, 2014, 2021 and 2023 and include variables such as the density and fragmentation of vegetation cover, as well as the expansion of built-up areas. This information was made available in geospatial formats, such as Geotiff and shapefiles, allowing detailed analysis of temporal changes in the landscape. Entomological data was collected bimonthly between August 2022 and June 2023. Phlebotomines were captured using CDC and Shannon traps (white and black) installed in peri- and extra-domicile environments. The set includes information on species identification, number of individuals captured by trap type and environment, as well as data on total and relative abundance. This data is organized in CSV files and descriptive reports. A total of 3,375 phlebotomines were captured, of which Psychodopygus wellcomei was the most abundant species (78.19%), followed by Nyssomyia whitmani (7.53%). Ny. whitmani predominated in the peridomicile (84.97%), while Ps. wellcomei was more frequent in the extradomicile (96.51%). This set of data is of high scientific relevance, providing unprecedented support for studies on the relationship between habitat fragmentation and disease vector dynamics. It also has great potential for reuse and can be applied in various areas, such as public health planning, teaching and research. It can support the development of vector surveillance and control strategies, as well as serving as a basis for predictive models of leishmaniasis transmission. The data is made available in accordance with ethical and legal standards. It does not include sensitive or identifiable information about human beings, guaranteeing compliance with applicable legislation. The entomological collections were carried out with the authorization of regulatory bodies and in compliance with Brazilian environmental legislation. To access the data, it is necessary to request permission and ensure proper citation of the original study. This dataset is a valuable resource for understanding the interactions between anthropogenic changes in the landscape and vector dynamics. It offers insights into environmental impacts and enables more effective approaches to leishmaniasis control in tropical rural areas, contributing to the advancement of public health and environmental conservation policies.