Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and has a significant public health impact. The municipality of Unaí, Minas Gerais, reports human and canine cases of leishmaniasis; however, entomological data remain limited. This study aimed to describe the local phlebotomine sand fly fauna and environmental and climatic factors influencing its occurrence. METHODS: Sampling was conducted monthly from January to December 2024 in ten households distributed across seven neighborhoods of Unaí. HP light traps were installed in both intradomestic and peridomestic regions. The captured specimens were morphologically identified and statistically analyzed to assess their association with environmental and climatic variables using mixed-effects linear models. RESULTS: Overall, 504 phlebotomine sand flies, representing 11 species, were captured. Lutzomyia longipalpis (39.7%) was the most abundant species, followed by Ev. lenti (33.3%) and Ny. intermedia (15.3%). The peridomestic areas exhibited greater species diversity and abundance, particularly in the presence of chicken coops, organic matter, and vegetation. Temperature is positively associated with Lu. longipalpis and Ev. lenti, whereas precipitation negatively affected Ny. intermedia. Males comprised 69.8% of captured specimens, suggesting the presence of active breeding sites near the households. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first record of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in Unaí. Environmental conditions favor vector species in settings with close human-animal interactions, increasing the risk of domiciliary transmission. These findings highlight the importance of sustained entomological surveillance and environmental management measures as complementary strategies to control leishmaniasis.