LutzoDexTM

LutzoDexTM facilitates identification of phlebotomine sand fly species in Brazil by using a curated database of morphological and morphometrical characters combined with geographic occurrence data to support species differentiation and vector status assessment for Leishmania spp.

Key Features:

• Morphological and morphometrical database: Contains detailed, curated morphological and morphometrical character records for Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly species.
• Image library: Includes high-quality images of morphological structures to support character comparison.
• Candidate species generation: Generates a ranked list of potential species corresponding to reported features, providing up to seven answer options per query.
• Geographic mapping: Maps species occurrence and distribution patterns across Brazil.
• Vector status annotation: Annotates species as incriminated or suspected vectors of Leishmania spp.

Scientific Applications:

• Species identification: Identification of phlebotomine sand fly species in Brazil using morphological and morphometrical characters.
• Vector surveillance and epidemiology: Assessing geographic distribution and vector status of species incriminated or suspected for Leishmania spp.
• Leishmaniasis research: Supporting entomological and epidemiological research on Leishmania spp. transmission.

Methodology:

Uses a curated database of morphological and morphometrical characters, integrates high-quality images of morphological structures, generates lists of candidate species (up to seven options), and maps species distributions across Brazil.