Browsing by Author "Jayatunga, D.P.W."

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The effect of chemical exudates of three larvivorous fish species on oviposition preference of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)
(Med Vet Entomol, 2021) Rathnayaka, R.M.G.S.; Jayatunga, D.P.W.; Ganehiarachchi, G.A.S.M.
Mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are vectors of dengue worldwide. Mosquito vector control through maintaining larvivorous fish in water bodies is generally suggested, however, its underlying role towards oviposition preference of these dengue vectors is unknown in the Sri Lankan context. The current study investigated the effect of chemical exudates from larvivorous fish species Poecilia reticulata, Rasbora daniconius and Applocheilus dayi on the oviposition preference of Aedes mosquitoes. The number of eggs laid by each mosquito species was determined using ovitraps that contained water conditioned by the fish species both separately and in combination. The ovitraps were placed inside insect cages containing engorged gravid Aedes females. Both the mosquito species had the least preference of oviposition in water conditioned by A. dayi followed by R. daniconius. The highest preference of oviposition was shown for water conditioned by P. reticulata. The current study indicated that oviposition site selection in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was reduced by A. dayi and R. daniconius, however, it was not influenced by the fish combinations used. Further studies are warranted to understand the chemical cues associated with larvivorous fish towards the oviposition preference in Aedes mosquitoes.
Socio-economic and ecological impacts on dispersal of cutaneous leishmaniasis in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2022) Nayakarathna, N.M.N.G.; Jayatunga, D.P.W.; Ganehiarachchi, G.A.S.M.
Leishmaniasis is a fatal disease caused by a parasitic protist of the genus Leishmania through the infected primary vectors, Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) female sand flies. In Sri Lanka, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is established in Anuradhapura district. The present study was carried out to determine the socio-economic and environmental factors on the distribution of CL. A survey was conducted among CL patients on selected demographic and socio-economic factors and environmental characteristics at three study localities throughout a year. Phlebotomine sand flies were collected using sticky traps and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps around residences of CL patients. Significant differences were shown between mean abundance of primary vectors and different environmental characteristics. The sand flies were reported to gather in shrubs, jungle areas, gardening areas, wet soil areas, leaf litter and around termite hills. The data obtained showed poor knowledge and lack of awareness about leishmaniasis among the local communities. Therefore, it is paramount to conduct awareness programs on leishmaniasis transmission, potential risk factors, sand fly vector of the disease, preventing the sand fly bites and how domestic surrounding areas must be managed for reducing vector populations to prevent disease spreading among local community.