Genipa americana L. (Rubiaceae), a tropical plant with sandfly repelling properties

Sandflies of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) are worldwide vectors of leishmaniosis, bartonellosis, other protozoal, bacterial and viral diseases. The transmission of these pathogens occurs when infected female sandflies feed on humans. Lutzomyia is present in Peru, where 145 species have been reported to date, 25 % of them being anthropophilic to some degree. In Peru in 2004, bartonellosis affected 11 005 persons and leishmaniosis 6 573. The number of sandfly bites a person can receive at the time of higher sandfly activity period and in the sandfly peak season in a single night can be up to 600 in the Andes, band over 1200 in the tropical forest (Pérez et al. 1993, 1995). The usual control measures against sandflies and mosquitoes currently applied in Peru, residual spraying inside houses and impregnated bednets, do not protect during outdoor activities at the time of the highest sandfly activity (1800-2200), the crucial time for the transmission of pathogens. A natural repellent to be used outdoors at such period is proposed here as a protection against sandflies.