Simulium vittatum (Diptera : Simuliidae) and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera : Psychodidae) salivary gland hyaluronidase activity

Hyaluronidase activity in the salivary gland homogenates of Simulium vittatum (Zetterstedt) is described, and its optimal pH determined. Salivary activity was reduced significantly after a blood meal, indicating that it was secreted after blood feeding. Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) also exhibited salivary hyaluronidase activity. These results indicate that hematophagous pool feeding insects may secrete this enzyme to help the spread of salivary antihemostatic agents in the vicinity of the feeding lesion, and perhaps to increase the size of the feeding lesion itself. Additionally this enzyme may affect local host immune reactions and promote arboviral transmission.