Species diversity and spatial distribution of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from La Isla Amazon Park, Napo Province, Ecuador / Diversidad de especies y distribución espacial de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) del Parque Amazónico La Isla, provincia de Napo, Ecuador

Abstract Introduction: Vector-borne diseases are prevalent in the Amazon and Coastal regions of Ecuador. However, there is a scarcity of mosquito ecology studies in these areas. The most recent list of species reported for the country comprises 8 tribes, 22 genera, and 200 species. Objectives: To document the Culicidae species found in La Isla Amazon Park, Napo, Ecuador, including those with epidemiological significance; and to analyze their composition, abundance, and diversity, focusing on larval habitats during the dry and rainy periods. Methods: We evaluated different larval habitats, considering collection duration as the primary criterion. We used CDC and Shannon traps to collect adult mosquitoes during both rainy and dry periods. To assess sampling effort, we used accumulation curves and non-parametric estimators of species richness, while we employed Hill numbers to determine diversity. Additionally, we used the Berger-Parker and Pielou indices to evaluate species dominance and evenness. We conducted cluster analysis and ANOSIM tests to assess the similarity between habitats and the differences in taxonomic composition between periods. Results: We collected a total of 802 individuals from 15 species and 4 taxonomic units, 5 genera, and 4 tribes. Notably, this may be the first records of Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar and Culex derivator Dyar & Knab from Ecuador. Additionally, the presence of Culex dunni Dyar and Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (both recognized as vectors) was correlated with increased rainfall. Conclusions: The abundance of mosquitoes, including potential vector species, increased during the rainy season, indicating a higher risk of pathogen transmission. However, the relationship between rainfall amount and diversity patterns is not well-defined.

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades vectoriales son prevalentes en las regiones amazónica y costera de Ecuador. Sin embargo, hay una escasez de estudios de ecología de mosquitos en estas áreas. En el país se ha reportado 8 tribus, 22 géneros y 200 especies. Objetivos: Documentar las especies de Culicidae encontradas en el Parque Amazónico La Isla, Napo, Ecuador, incluyendo aquellas con importancia epidemiológica; y analizar su composición, abundancia y diversidad, enfocándose en los hábitats de las larvas durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Métodos: Evaluamos diferentes hábitats larvarios, con la duración de la recolecta como criterio. Las trampas CDC y Shannon recolectaron mosquitos adultos durante los períodos seco y lluvioso. Evaluamos la riqueza de especies con curvas de acumulación y estimadores no paramétricos, mientras que determinamos la diversidad con los números de Hill. Además, utilizamos los índices de Berger-Parker y Pielou para evaluar la dominancia y la uniformidad de las especies. Realizamos análisis de conglomerados y la prueba ANOSIM para evaluar la similitud entre hábitats y estaciones, así como las diferencias en la composición taxonómica, respectivamente. Resultados: Recolectamos un total de 802 individuos de 15 especies y 4 unidades taxonómicas, 5 géneros y 4 tribus. Este podría ser el primer registro de Wyeomyia felicia Dyar & Núñez Tovar y Culex derivator Dyar & Knab en Ecuador. Además, la presencia de Culex dunni Dyar y Psorophora ferox von Humboldt (ambos potenciales vectores) se correlacionó con el aumento de las precipitaciones. Conclusiones: El aumento de la abundancia de mosquitos durante el periodo lluvioso indica un mayor riesgo de transmisión de patógenos. Sin embargo, la relación entre la cantidad de precipitaciones y los patrones de diversidad no está bien definida.

Diversidad, riqueza de especies y abundancia relativa de mosquitos adultos (Diptera: Culicidae) en localidades del municipio Gran Sabana, edo. Bolívar / Diversity, species richness and relative abundance of adult mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in localities of the Gran Sabana municipality, Bolívar state

Este estudio forma parte de la primera etapa de una serie de estudios sobre la ecología, biodiversidad y biogeografía de los mosquitos de la familia Culicidae de Venezuela, principalmente en Bolívar y Delta Amacuro. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar la composición de especies, la abundancia y la biodiversidad de mosquitos (Diptera; Culicidae) en el municipio Gran Sabana del estado Bolívar. Las capturas de mosquitos adultos se realizaron con aspiradores bucales mediante capturas por atracción al cebo humano y con trampas de luz negra. Se determinó la riqueza de especies, su abundancia relativa e índices ecológicos de diversidad Shannon-Wiener (H'), equidad de Simpson (E) y dominancia-D, del área general de estudio y sitios o comunidades de muestreo. Los resultados del estudio, generaron el registro de 7.860 ejemplares adultos de Culicidae identificados a nivel de especie, pertenecientes a 69 especies y 17 géneros, de ellos 7.797 (99,19%) fueron hembras adultas capturadas picando o con trampas de luz y 63 (0,81%) fueron machos capturados con trampas de luz. El 16,6% (1.297) de las hembras fue atraído por trampas de luz y el 83,4% (6.500) por cebo humano. Entre las especies más abundantes del estudio están: Culex quinquefasciatus (26,67 %), Anopheles peryassui (12,32 %), Aedes aegypti (11,87 %), Coquilletidia juxtamansonia (8,28 %), Anopheles braziliensis (6,97 %) Anopheles triannulatus s.l. (6,39 %), Coquilletidia nigricans (2,88 %), Coquilletidia venezuelensis (2,51 %) y Anopheles albitarsis s.l. (2,44 %), las cuales en conjunto representan 80,33 % del total de adultos capturado. Se discuten algunos aspectos sobre su ecología, importancia médica y el riesgo epidemiológico que representan para el país algunas especies reportadas. La diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (H') del área general de estudio fue de 2,665, la equidad de Simpson (E) fue igual a 0,8787222 y la dominancia (D) fue de 0,1213. El mayor índice de diversidad (Shannon-Wiener) ocurrió en Chiririka (2,675), seguido de Betania (2,409), Santa Elena Capital (2,354), Manak-Krü (2,203) y Waramasén (2,181). En cuanto a la riqueza de especies por localidad, las comunidades con mayor riqueza de especies fueron: Santa Elena (Capital), Waramasén y Chiririka con 50, 35 y 30 especies respectivamente, seguidas por San Antonio del Morichal con 23 y Kinok-Pon Parú, con 22 especies(AU)

This is the first part of a series of studies related to biodiversity, ecological and biogeographic aspects of the mosquitoes of Culicidae family in Venezuela. The objective of this study was the ecological characterization of species composition, diversity and abundance of Culicidae mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Gran Sabana Municipality, Bolívar State. Mosquitoes were captured in adult collections, with aspirators on human landing catches and with black light traps. A total of 7.860 adult's mosquitoes were collected and 69 species and 17 genera of Culicidae were identified. A total of 7.797 mosquitoes (99.19%) were females and 63 (0,81%) were males. Some 16,6 % (1.297) of females mosquitoes were attracted to the light traps and 83,4% (6.500) to human bait. The most abundant species in adult stage were: Culex quinquefasciatus (26,67%), Anopheles peryassui (12,32 %), Aedes aegypti (11,87 %), Coquilletidia juxtamansonia (8,28%), Anopheles braziliensis (6,97%), Anopheles triannulatus s.l. (6,39%), Coquilletidia nigricans (2,88%), Coquilletidia venezuelensis (2,51%) and Anopheles albitarsis s.l. (2,44%). Their medical importance of some mosquito species is commented, and some ecological and epidemiological aspects of the mosquito reported are discussed. The diversity index (Shannon-Wiener) of the estudy area was 2,665, the Simpson equity index was 0, 8787222 and the index of dominance was 0, 1213. The higher diversity index was registered in Chiririka (2,675), Betania (2,409), Santa Elena Capital (2,354), Manak-Krü (2,203) and Waramasén (2,181). The higher species richness was registered in Santa Elena (50 species), Waramasén (35 species), Chiririka (30 species), San Antonio del Morichal (23 species) and Kinok-Pon Parú (22 species) (AU)

Seasonal population dynamics of the primary yellow fever vector Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Dyar & Shannon) (Diptera: Culicidae) is mainly influenced by temperature in the Atlantic Forest, southeast Brazil

BACKGROUND Southeast Brazil has recently experienced a Yellow Fever virus (YFV) outbreak where the mosquito Haemagogus leucocelaenus was a primary vector. Climatic factors influence the abundance of mosquito vectors and arbovirus transmission. OBJECTIVES We aimed at describing the population dynamics of Hg. leucocelaenus in a county touched by the recent YFV outbreak. METHODS Fortnightly egg collections with ovitraps were performed from November 2012 to February 2017 in a forest in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The effects of mean temperature and rainfall on the Hg. leucocelaenus population dynamics were explored. FINDINGS Hg. leucocelaenus eggs were continuously collected throughout the study, with a peak in the warmer months (December-March). The climatic variables had a time-lagged effect and four weeks before sampling was the best predictor for the positivity of ovitraps and total number of eggs collected. The probability of finding > 50% positive ovitraps increased when the mean temperature was above 24ºC. The number of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs expressively increase when the mean temperature and accumulated precipitation surpassed 27ºC and 100 mm, respectively, although the effect of rainfall was less pronounced. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Monitoring population dynamics of Hg. leucocelaenus and climatic factors in YFV risk areas, especially mean temperature, may assist in developing climate-based surveillance procedures to timely strengthening prophylaxis and control.

The austral-most record of the genus Haemagogus Williston (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The genus Haemagogus Williston is restricted to Central America and North and middle of South America and it includes numerous species of yellow fever virus vectors. METHODS: Adult female and larvae mosquitoes were collected using hand aspirators and dipper and pipette, respectively. RESULTS: The first record of a species of Haemagogus and particularly of Haemagogus spegazzinii was from La Pampa, Argentina. With this registry, the number of species found in La Pampa province rises to 18. CONCLUSIONS: New information on breeding sites for the species and implications of this new record suggest a possible extension of distribution in the near future.

Detection of the Asian II genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 in humans and mosquitoes in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: DENV-2 is the cause of most dengue epidemics worldwide and is associated with severe cases. METHODS: We investigated arboviruses in 164 serum samples collected from patients presenting with clinical symptoms of dengue fever and 152 mosquito pools. RESULTS: We detected the Asian II genotype of DENV-2 in humans and mosquitoes. Our results confirmed the circulation of the Asian II genotype in Brazil, in addition to the prevalent Asian/American genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of Asian II genotype of DENV-2 in mosquito pools collected in a forest park may be related to a spillback event of human dengue virus.

Culicidae fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) survey in urban, ecotonal and forested areas, from the Moreno municipality - Pernambuco State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Mosquitoes are vectors of several pathogens in tropical regions. However, information on Culicidae in the northeast region of Brazil is scarce despite many municipalities having environmental conditions favorable for these insects. METHODS: We collected mosquitoes monthly for one year from urban, ecotonal, and ecological reserve areas in Moreno, Brazil, by using CDC Miniature light traps, aspiration, ovitraps, and liquid suction. RESULTS: We collected 1,401 insects in the Culicidae family. Fifteen species of seven genera of Culicidae were identified and five specimens were identified only at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide diversity of mosquito species in the sampled areas, some of which are important for human health.

Mapeamento de hotspots de transmissão de malária utilizando geolocalização de pacientes / Mapping hotspots of malaria transmission using patients geolocation data

A identificação de focos de transmissão pode ser de grande utilidade no controle da malária. Por esse motivo, hospitais em regiões endêmicas buscam saber os locais que foram visitados anteriormente por pacientes. No entanto, tais informações, obtidas através de questionários fornecidos aos pacientes, são geralmente vagas e muitas vezes imprecisas. Isto torna o processo manual, lento e de pouca valia em estudos epidemiológicos de larga escala. Baseando-se no fato de que uma parcela significativa da população possui celulares com GPS, o objetivo deste projeto é melhorar a acurácia, organização e dinâmica do processo de coleta de dados de geolocalização de pacientes infectados. Um sistema (https://sipos.fcf.usp.br) foi desenvolvido para que pacientes que chegam aos hospitais possam, sob consentimento voluntário, fornecer os dados de GPS dos seus celulares. Os dados dos usuários, que são tratados de forma anônima, são automaticamente processados e armazenados de forma segura. Através do sistema SiPoS Explorer, epidemiologistas e especialistas em saúde pública podem explorar e analisar os dados de geolocalização, permitindo, desta forma, que regiões vulneráveis sejam priorizadas durante campanhas de controle

The identification of regions with high rates of infection can be of great use in the control of malaria. For this reason, hospitals in endemic regions seek to know the places previously visited by patients. However, such information, obtained through questionnaires provided to patients, is usually vague, inaccurate and not integrated into databases. This makes the process manual, slow and of little value in large-scale epidemiological studies. Based on the fact that a significant portion of the population has smartphones equipped with GPS, this project aims to improve the accuracy and organization of the process of collecting geolocation data from infected patients. The Sickness Positioning System (https://sipos.fcf.usp.br) was developed so that patients who arrive at hospitals can, with voluntary consent, provide the GPS data collected by their smartphones. User data, which is handled anonymously, is automatically processed and securely stored. Through the SiPoS Explorer system (https://sipos.fcf.usp.br/explorer), epidemiologists and public health experts can explore and analyze geolocation data, thereby allowing vulnerable regions to be prioritized during control campaigns

Cacipacore virus as an emergent mosquito-borne Flavivirus

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Cacipacore virus (CPCV), a possible bird-associated flavivirus, has yet to be detected in mosquitoes. Our purpose is examining CPCV in mosquitoes from the Amazon region of Brazil. METHODS: Approximately 3,253 Culicidae (grouped into 264 pools) were collected from the Amazon region during 2002-2006 and analyzed using a Flavivirus genus-specific reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction followed by nested polymerase chain reaction assay and by nucleotide sequencing of amplicons. RESULTS: Nucleotide sequences from five mosquito samples showed high similarity to the those of CPCV originally isolated in the Amazon region. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of CPCV-infected mosquitoes which has implications on the arbovirus maintenance in nature and transmission to man.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from crepuscular period in an Atlantic Forest area in Southern Brazil / Mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) do período crepuscular em área de Floresta Atlântica no sul do Brasil

Abstract Crepuscular period is one of the factors that may influence the biting activity of mosquitoes. Many of these insects have a peak activity in this period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the afternoon crepuscular activity of Culicidae in a remaining area of Atlantic Forest in western Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Moreover, the possible influence of abiotic factors, the abundance and species richness were verified. In order to better analyze the influence of crepuscular period in specific composition and abundance of mosquitoes, the dusk was divided into three periods: pre-sunset, sunset and post-sunset. At the end of the study, nine hundred and eight four specimens distributed in 12 genera and 23 species were collected. Trichoprosopon pallidiventer (Lutz, 1905) (59.76%), Aedes crinifer (Theobald, 1903) (8.13%), Ae. scapularis (Rondani, 1848) (5.89%) were the most abundant species. Spring time presented the greatest abundance and species richness. During the study, among the three periods evaluated, pre-sunset had the greatest abundance and post-sunset the lowest. Pre-sunset and sunset had the greatest similarity between species. Regarding to the abiotic factors evaluated seven and 15 days before sampling, they did not present significant correlation for the three most abundant species. However, temperature had a positive correlation to these species. Moreover, the correlation between collected species and its possible role as vectors of etiological agents of diseases was discussed.

Resumo O período crepuscular é um dos fatores que pode influenciar na atividade hematofágica dos mosquitos. Muitos desses insetos iniciam ou terminam suas atividades nesse período. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os Culicidae que ocorrem no crepúsculo vespertino em uma área de Floresta Atlântica no oeste de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Além disso, foi analisada a possível influência de fatores abióticos, bem como abundância e riqueza de espécies. Para melhor avaliar a influência do período crepuscular na composição das espécies e na abundância destas, o crepúsculo foi dividido em três períodos: pré-crepúsculo, crepúsculo e pós-crepúsculo. Ao final do estudo foram coletados 984 exemplares distribuídos em 12 gêneros e 23 espécies. Trichoprosopon pallidiventer (Lutz, 1905) (59,76%), Aedes crinifer (Theobald, 1903) (8,13%) e Ae. scapularis (Rondani, 1848) (5,89%) foram as espécies mais abundantes. A maior abundância e riqueza de espécies se deram na primavera. Dentre os três períodos estudados, o pré-crepúsculo apresentou a maior abundância de mosquitos, em contrapartida, o pós-crepúsculo apresentou a menor abundância. Os períodos pré-crepuscular e crepuscular apresentaram maior similaridade entre si com relação à composição das espécies. Relacionando os fatores abióticos e as três espécies mais abundantes, não foi observada correlação significativa nos dados avaliados nos sete e 15 dias anteriores às coletas. Entretanto, a temperatura apresentou uma correlação positiva para estas três espécies. A relação entre as espécies coletadas e a potencial transmissão de agentes etiológicos causadores de doenças foi comentada.

Mayaro virus and dengue virus 1 and 4 natural infection in culicids from Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

This study aimed to verify the diversity of Culicidae species and their frequency of infection with flaviviruses and alphaviruses in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Mosquitoes were captured with Nasci aspirators and hand net in 200 census tracts, identified alive at species level and pooled in one-20 (11,090 mosquitoes, 14 species). Female pools (n = 610) were subjected to multiplex seminested-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for 11 flavivirus and five alphavirus. Positive pools were tested by single RT-PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing, by RT-PCR for E1 gene [Mayaro virus (MAYV)] and by inoculation in Vero cells (MAYV) or C6/36 cells (flaviviruses). One/171 Aedes aegypti was positive for dengue virus (DENV)-1, 12/403 Culex quinquefasciatus, and four/171Ae. aegypti for MAYV, which was isolated from two pools containing two nonengorged females of Ae. aegypti and two ofCx. quinquefasciatus. DENV-4 was detected in 58/171 pools of Ae. aegytpi, 105/403 Cx. quinquefasciatus, two/five Psorophora sp., two/11 Psorophora varipes/Psorophora albigenu, one/one Sabethes chloropterus, two/five Culex bidens/Culex interfor, and one/one Aedes sp. DENV-4 was isolated from two pools containing three and 16 nonengorged Cx. quinquefasciatus females. Phylogenetic analysis revealed MAYV belongs to genotype L, clustering with human samples of the virus previously identified in the city. Cuiabá has biodiversity and ecosystem favourable for vector proliferation, representing a risk for arbovirus outbreaks.

A study to identify the presence of Aedes Spp. using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larval/pupal surveys in communities around Belmopan, Cayo District.

The knowledge of the presence of Aedes Spp. mosquitoes is very important for the prevention and control of emerging and remerging diseases caused by Arboviruses such as: Yellow fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. While Chikungunya and Dengue are endemic to Belize, Zika is currently a threat with local transmission having been established in several Caribbean and Central American Countries. The objective of the study is to survey the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the communities of San Martin, Salvapan and Las Flores, Belmopan City. The study was conducted from March 14 to April 2, 2016 whereby adult mosquitoes were captured using BG-Sentinel® Traps and larvae/pupae collection surveys were also done. Three hundred meter zone(s) were determined within localities and 1 BG-Sentinel® trap was deployed for 3 days at 24-hour intervals both indoors and outdoors at 2 residences randomly selected in each community. Larvae/Pupae collection surveys were done at 5 private premises within the predetermined zones in each of the three communities. Captured larvae and Pupae were reared for 6 days and adults obtained were used for identification. The identification of adult Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was done using a stereoscopic microscope and pictorial keys that are used for the identification of mosquitoes. The presence of Ae. aegypti was identified in all 3 communities through both adult mosquito and larvae/pupae collections. However, Ae. albopictus was present only in San Martin and Salvapan communities. The presence of Ae. aegypti and/or Ae. albopictus will determine which appropriate vector control interventions are needed considering the different characteristic breeding habitats of these mosquitoes.(AU)

Taxonomical and biological notes on Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae) / Notas taxonômicas e biológicas sobre Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Morphological features that remained uncertain in previous identification keys and descriptions of Sabethes fabricii were evaluated based on species type material and two recently collected males. As a result, the following features of Sa. fabricii should be considered: proboscis with a white ventral spot beyond the middle and variably enlarged to the apex, possibly spatulate in males; setae over root of wing yellowish and may be occasionally brownish, mainly in their basal portion; and proctiger ending in four teeth. Additionally, the first record of bamboo as a natural breeding site for Sa. fabricii as well as the first register of this species in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil are reported here.

Resumo Caracteres morfológicos que permaneceram incertos em chaves para identificação anteriores e descrições de Sabethes fabricii, foram avaliados com base em material tipo e dois machos recentemente coletados. Como resultado, os seguintes caracteres de Sa. fabricii devem ser considerados: probóscide variavelmente alargada para o ápice, possivelmente espatulada em machos e com uma mancha branca ventral localizada além do seu ponto médio; cerdas sobre a raiz das asas amareladas, podendo ser ocasionalmente marrons, principalmente na sua porção basal, e proctiger com quatro dentes na porção terminal. Adicionalmente, registram-se pela primeira vez, o Bambu como um criadouro natural para Sa. fabricii, bem como a presença dessa espécie para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Inventory of moqquitoes (diptera: culicidae) inconservation units in Braziliann tropical dry forests / Inventário de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) em unidades de conservação em florestas tropicais secas brasileiras

In Brazil, most studies of the Culicidae family are concentrated in rainforest regions. As such, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the diversity of Culicidae in regions with different climatic and vegetational characteristics. The aim of this study was to compile an inventory of Culicidae in protected areas of the semi-arid region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to better understand the diversity of the family within this region. The study was conducted across four protected areas in the northern region of the state, in tropical dry forest (TDF) fragments. Sampling methods included Shannon trap and CDC light trap, as well as active collection. A total of 11,219 mosquito specimens were collected between August 2008 and July 2012, belonging to 11 genera and 45 species; 15 new records for the state of Minas Gerais were registered, as well as 26 new records for semi-arid regions within the state. The high number of new Culicidae records in this region demonstrates the importance of inventory studies for increasing the knowledge of culicid biodiversity in Minas Gerais, and in particular within semi-arid regions of the state.

No Brasil, a maior parte dos estudos relacionados à família Culicidae se concentram em regiões de florestas úmidas, existindo uma lacuna no conhecimento da diversidade destes mosquitos em regiões com características climáticas e vegetacionais diferentes. O objetivo desse trabalho foi inventariar a fauna de culicídeos em unidades de conservação do semi-árido de Minas Gerais, visando assim contribuir para o conhecimento da diversidade de Culicidae desta região. O estudo foi realizado em quatro unidades de conservação localizadas na região norte do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, área representada por fragmentos de Floresta Tropical Seca (FTS). Foram utilizados três métodos de coleta: armadilha do tipo Shannon, armadilha luminosa do tipo CDC e coleta ativa. Durante o período de agosto de 2008 a julho de 2012 foi coletado um total de 11.219 espécimes de mosquitos, distribuídos em 11 gêneros e 45 espécies. Foram registrados 15 novos registros de mosquitos para o estado de Minas Gerais e 26 novos registros para a região do semi-árido de Minas Gerais. O elevado número de novos registros de Culicidae na região demonstra a importância de estudos de inventário para o aumento do conhecimento da biodiversidade de culicídeos em Minas Gerais, e em particular a região do semi-árido do estado.

Effectiveness of Mosquito Magnet® trap in rural areas in the southeastern tropical Atlantic Forest

Traps are widely employed for sampling and monitoring mosquito populations for surveillance, ecological and fauna studies. Considering the importance of assessing other technologies for sampling mosquitoes, we addressed the effectiveness of Mosquito Magnet® Independence (MMI) in comparison with those of the CDC trap with CO2 and Lurex3® (CDC-A) and the CDC light trap (CDC-LT). Field collections were performed in a rural area within the Atlantic Forest biome, southeastern state of São Paulo, Brazil. The MMI sampled 53.84% of the total number of mosquitoes, the CDC-A (26.43%) and CDC-LT (19.73%). Results of the Pearson chi-squared test (χ2) showed a positive association between CDC-LT and species of Culicini and Uranotaeniini tribes. Additionally, our results suggested a positive association between CDC-A and representatives of the Culicini and Aedini tribes, whereas the MMI was positively associated with the Mansoniini and Sabethini as well as with Anophelinae species. The MMI sampled a greater proportion (78.27%) of individuals of Anopheles than either the CDC-LT (0.82%) or the CDC-A traps (20.91%). Results of the present study showed that MMI performed better than CDC-LT or CDC-A in sampling mosquitoes in large numbers, medically important species and assessing diversity parameters in rural southeastern Atlantic Forest.

Insecticidal activity of Leptodactylus knudseni and Phyllomedusa vaillantii crude skin secretions against the mosquitoes Anopheles darlingi and Aedes aegypti

Mosquitoes are important vectors of several diseases, including malaria and dengue, and control measures are mostly performed using chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, mosquito resistance to commonly applied insecticides is widespread. Therefore, a prospection for new molecules with insecticidal activity based on Amazon biodiversity using the anurans Leptodactylus knudseni and Phyllomedusa vaillantii was performed against the mosquito species Anopheles darlingi and Aedes aegypti. The granular secretion from anuran skin was obtained by manual stimulation, and lethal concentrations(LCs) for larvicidal and adulticidal tests were calculated using concentrations from 1-100 ppm. The skin secretions from the anuran species tested caused significant mortality within the first 24 hours on adults and larvae, but differed within the mosquito species. The skin secretions from the anuran species tested caused significant mortality within the first 24 hours on adults and larvae, but differed within the mosquito species. The calculated LC50 of L. knudseni skin secretions against An. darlingi was 0.15 and 0.2 ppm for adults and larvae, respectively, but much higher for Ae. aegypti, i.e., 19 and 38 ppm, respectively. Interestingly, the calculated LCs50 of P. vaillantii against both mosquito species in adults were similar, 1.8 and 2.1 ppm, respectively, but the LC50 for An. darlingi larvae was much lower (0.4 ppm) than for Ae aegypti (2.1 ppm). The present experiments indicate that skin secretions from L. knudseni and P. vaillantii contain bioactive molecules with potent insecticide activity. The isolation and characterization of skin secretions components will provide new insights for potential insecticidal molecules.

Comparison of automatic traps to capture mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in rural areas in the tropical Atlantic rainforest

In several countries, surveillance of insect vectors is accomplished with automatic traps. This study addressed the performance of Mosquito Magnet® Independence (MMI) in comparison with those of CDC with CO2 and lactic acid (CDC-A) and CDC light trap (CDC-LT). The collection sites were in a rural region located in a fragment of secondary tropical Atlantic rainforest, southeastern Brazil. Limatus durhami and Limatus flavisetosus were the dominant species in the MMI, whereas Ochlerotatus scapularis was most abundant in CDC-A. Culex ribeirensis and Culex sacchettae were dominant species in the CDC-LT. Comparisons among traps were based on diversity indices. Results from the diversity analyses showed that the MMI captured a higher abundance of mosquitoes and that the species richness estimated with it was higher than with CDC-LT. Contrasting, difference between MMI and CDC-A was not statistically significant. Consequently, the latter trap seems to be both an alternative for the MMI and complementary to it for ecological studies and entomological surveillance.

Febre amarela silvestre: reemergencia de transmissao no estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil, 2009 / Fiebre amarilla silvestre: re emergencia de transmision en el estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil, 2009 / Yellow fever: reemerging in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2009

OBJETIVO Descrever a investigação do surto de febre amarela silvestre e as principais medidas de controle realizadas no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo do surto de febre amarela silvestre na região sudoeste do estado, entre fevereiro e abril de 2009. Foram avaliados casos suspeitos e confirmados em humanos e primatas não humanos. A investigação entomológica, em ambiente silvestre, envolveu captura em solo e copa de árvore para identificação das espécies e detecção de infecção natural. Foram realizadas ações de controle de Aedes aegypti em áreas urbanas. A vacinação foi direcionada para residentes dos municípios com confirmação de circulação viral e nos municípios contíguos, conforme recomendação nacional. RESULTADOS Foram confirmados 28 casos humanos (letalidade 39,3%) em áreas rurais de Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré e Buri. Foram notificadas 56 mortes de primatas não humanos, 91,4% do gênero Alouatta sp . A epizootia foi confirmada laboratorialmente em dois primatas não humanos, sendo um em Buri e outro em Itapetininga. Foram coletados 1.782 mosquitos, entre eles Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , Sabethes chloropterus , Sa. purpureus e Sa. undosus . O vírus da febre amarela foi isolado de um lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. A vacinação foi realizada em 49 municípios, com 1.018.705 doses aplicadas e o registro de nove eventos adversos graves pós-vacinação. CONCLUSÕES Os casos humanos ocorreram entre fevereiro e abril de 2009 em áreas sem registro de circulação do vírus da febre amarela há mais de 60 anos. A região encontrava-se fora da área com recomendação de vacinação, com alto percentual da p...

OBJETIVO Describir la investigación de brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre y las principales medidas de control realizadas en el estado de Sao Paulo. MÉTODOS Estudio descriptivo del brote de fiebre amarilla silvestre en la región suroeste del Estado, entre febrero y abril de 2009. Se evaluaron casos sospechosos y confirmados en humanos y primates no humanos. La investigación entomológica, en ambiente silvestre, involucró capturo en suelo y copa de árboles para identificación de las especies y detección de infección natural. Se realizaron acciones de control de Aedes aegypti en áreas urbanas. La vacunación fue direccionada a residentes de los municipios con confirmación de circulación viral y en los municipios contiguos, siguiendo recomendación nacional. RESULTADOS Se confirmaron 28 casos en humanos (letalidad 39,3%) en áreas rurales de Sarutaiá, Pirajú, Tejupá, Avaré y Buri. Se notificaron 56 muertes de primates no humanos, 91,4% del género Allouatta sp. La epizootia fue confirmada laboratorialmente en dos primates no humanos siendo uno de Buri y el otro de Itapetininga. Se colectaron 1.782 mosquitos, entre ellos Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Hg. janthinomys/capricornii, y Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus y Sa. undosus. El virus de la fiebre amarilla fue aislado de un lote de Hg. leucocelaenus procedente de Buri. La vacunación fue realizada en 49 municipios, con 1.018.705 dosis aplicadas y el registro de nueve eventos adversos graves post-vacunación. CONCLUSIONES Los casos humanos ocurrieron entre febrero a abril de 2009 en áreas sin registro de circulación del virus de la fiebre amarilla por más de 60 años. La región se encontraba fuera del área de recomendación de vacunación, con alto porcentaje de población susceptible. La adopción oportuna de medidas de control permitió ...

OBJECTIVE To describe the investigation of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the state of Sao Paulo and the main control measures undertaken. METHODS This is a descriptive study of a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in the Southwestern region of the state from February to April 2009. Suspected and confirmed cases in humans and in non-human primates were evaluated. Entomological investigation in sylvatic environment involved capture at ground level and in the tree canopy to identify species and detect natural infections. Control measures were performed in urban areas to control Aedes aegypti . Vaccination was directed at residents living in areas with confirmed viral circulation and also at nearby cities according to national recommendation. RESULTS Twenty-eight human cases were confirmed (39.3% case fatality rate) in rural areas of Sarutaiá, Piraju, Tejupá, Avaré and Buri. The deaths of 56 non-human primates were also reported, 91.4% were Allouatta sp. Epizootics was confirmed in two non-human primates in the cities of Itapetininga and Buri. A total of 1,782 mosquitoes were collected, including Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Hg. janthinomys/capricornii , and Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. purpureus and Sa. undosus . Yellow fever virus was isolated from a group of Hg. Leucocelaenus from Buri. Vaccination was carried out in 49 cities, with a total of 1,018,705 doses. Nine serious post-vaccination adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The cases occurred between February and April 2009 in areas with no recorded yellow fever virus circulation in over 60 years. The outbreak region occurred outside the original recommended vaccination area with a high percentage of susceptible population. The fast adoption of control measures interrupted the human transmission within a month and the confirmation of viral circulation in humans, monkeys and mosquitoes. The results allowed the identification of new areas of viral circulation but ...

Ecological aspects of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the gallery forest of Brasilia National Park, Brazil, with an emphasis on potential vectors of yellow fever

Introduction We analyzed the vertical and monthly distributions of culicid species in the gallery forest of Brasília National Park, with an emphasis on the potential vectors of yellow fever (YF). Methods Between September 2010 and August 2011, mosquitoes were captured on the ground and in the canopy of the forest for five consecutive days per month, from nine to 15 hours. The mosquitoes were examined to verify natural infection with flaviviruses by isolation in Aedes albopictus Skuse, 1864 cells followed by indirect immunofluorescence. Results We identified 2,677 culicids distributed in 29 species. Most of the mosquitoes were captured at ground level (69%) during the rainy season (86%). The most abundant species were Sabethes (Sabethes) albiprivus Theobald, 1903; Limatus durhamii Theobald, 1901; Haemagogus (Conopostegus) leucocelaenus Dyar & Shannon, 1924; Haemagogus (Haemagogus) janthinomys Dyar, 1921; Aedes (Ochlerotatus) scapularis Rondani, 1848; Psorophora (Janthinosoma) ferox Von Humboldt, 1819; and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) serratus Theobald, 1901. Limatus durhamii, Limatus durhamii, Psorophora ferox, Aedes scapularis and Aedes serratus showed significant differences (p<0.05) in their habitat use. Limatus durhamii was found more often in the canopy, unlike the other species. During the rainy season, the most abundant species were Sa. albiprivus, Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Limatus durhamii. During the dry season, the potential YF vectors exhibited a very low frequency and abundance, except Aedes scapularis and Aedes serratus. No flavivirus was detected in the 2,677 examined mosquitoes. Conclusions We recommend continued and systematic entomological monitoring in areas vulnerable to the transmission of YF in the Federal District of Brazil. .

Culicidae (Diptera) selection of humans, chickens and rabbits in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina

Studies were conducted to determine the selection of humans, chickens and rabbits by Culicidae in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Mosquitoes were collected fortnightly using cylindrical metal traps containing animal bait (chickens and rabbits). The mosquitoes were collected between June 2001-May 2002. During the same period and with the same frequency, mosquitoes biting the human operators of the traps were collected during the first 15 min of exposure within different time intervals: from 09:00 am-11:00 am, 01:00 pm-03:00 pm, 05:00 pm-07:00 pm and 09:00 pm-10:00 pm. A total of 19,430 mosquitoes of 49 species belonging to 10 genera were collected. Culex species mainly selected chicken bait and Wyeomyia species selected rabbit bait. Ochlerotatus and Psorophora species were more abundant in rabbit-baited traps. Anopheles triannulatus, Coquillettidia nigricans, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Mansonia titillans and Psorophora albigenu showed a strong attraction for human bait. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia species were more active between 05:00 pm-09:00 pm, while Ochlerotatus, Psorophora, Haemagogus and Wyeomyia were most active from 09:00 am-07:00 pm. This study provides additional information about the biology and ecology of arbovirus vectors in Chaco.