Incidência de dengue e indicadores socioeconômicos e entomológicos em Santos, São Paulo, 2012-2016 / Incidence of dengue and socioeconomic and entomological indicators in Santos, São Paulo State, 2012-2016 / Incidência de dengue e indicadores socioeconómicos y entomológicos en Santos, Estado De São Paulo, 2012-2016

Objetivo: descrever incidência de dengue em Santos/SP e relacionar coeficiente de incidência (CI) de dengue com indicadores socioeconômicos e entomológicos de 2012-2016. Método: estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, ecológico dos casos confirmados de dengue, residentes em Santos, de 2012-2016, do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação-Online; foram obtidos seis indicadores socioeconômicos da base de setores censitários do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística-2010; o sétimo do Índice Paulista de Vulnerabilidade Social-2010 e os indicadores entomológicos da Secretaria de Saúde; foi aplicada Correlação bivariada de Spearman (SPSS-Statistics®). Aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa-CAAE nº79776017.1.0000.5479. Resultados: de 2012-2016 ocorreram 16.451 casos, com CI de 117,4 (2012) a 2.122,8 (2013) casos/100.000 habitantes, maior no sexo feminino e de 15-29 anos; os fatores socioeconômicos foram mais significativos entre 2015-2016; o Índice de Densidade de fêmeas Aedes aegypti apresentou maior correlação positiva. Conclusão: descreveu-se perfil epidemiológico/entomológico da dengue, apoiando gestores nas ações locais de controle.(AU)

Objectives: describe incidence of dengue in Santos/SP and relate dengue incidence coefficient (IC) with socioeconomic and entomological indicators from 2012-2016. Methods: epidemiological, descriptive, ecological study of confirmed cases of dengue, resident in Santos, from 2012-2016, of the Online-Notifiable Diseases Information System; six socioeconomic indicators were obtained from census sectors base of Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics-2010; the seventh from the São Paulo Index of Social Vulnerability-2010 and the entomological indicators from the Health Department; Spearman's Bivariate Correlation (SPSS-Statistics®) was applied. Approved by the Research Ethics Committee-CAAE nº79776017.1.0000.5479. Results: from 2012-2016 there were 16.451 cases, with IC from 117,4 (2012) to 2.122,8 (2013) cases/100.000 inhabitants, higher in females and between 15-29 years old; socioeconomic factors were more significant between 2015-2016; the Density Index of Aedes aegypti females showed a greater positive correlation. Conclusion: epidemiological/entomological profile of dengue was described, supporting managers in local control actions.(AU)

Objetivos: describir incidencia del dengue en Santos/SP y relacionar coeficiente de incidencia (CI) del dengue con indicadores socioeconómicos y entomológicos para 2012-2016. Métodos: estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo, ecológico de casos confirmados de dengue, residentes en Santos, desde 2012-2016, del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación-Online; obtuvieron-se seis indicadores socioeconómicos desde base de sectores censales del Instituto Brasileño de Geografía y Estadística-2010, el séptimo del Índice de Vulnerabilidad Social de São Paulo-2010 y los indicadores entomológicos del Departamento de Salud. Aplicó-se Correlación Bivariada de Spearman (SPSS-Statistics®). Aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación-CAAE nº79776017.1.0000.5479. Resultados: desde 2012-2016 hubo 16.451 casos, con CI de 117,4 (2012) a 2.122,8 (2013) casos/100.000 habitantes, mayor en mujeres y de 15-29 años; los factores socioeconómicos fueron más significativos entre 2015-2016; el Índice de Densidad de hembras Aedes aegypti mostró mayor correlación positiva. Conclusión: describió-se perfil epidemiológico/entomológico del dengue, apoyando a los gerentes en acciones de control local.(AU)

Avaliação da armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural para o monitoramento de Aedes spp. em Dili, capital do Timor-Leste / Evaluation of the baited ovitrap with natural attractant for monitoring Aedes spp. in Dili, capital of East Timor

Resumo A dengue ocorre no Timor-Leste desde 2005, porém não existe um programa de monitoramento e controle do "Aedes aegypti". O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar a armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural como uma possível ferramenta para monitorar o vetor das arboviroses: Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) e Zika (ZIKV). O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Dili, capital do Timor-Leste, entre as semanas epidemiológicas 32 (02/08) a 48 (02/12) de 2016. Foram instaladas 70 armadilhas Ovitrampa, em residências de 15 sucos (ruas), de quatro Postos Administrativos (bairros) da cidade. Para as analises dos dados utilizou-se os indicadores entomológicos: Índice de Positividade de Ovitrampa (IPO), Índice de Densidade Vetorial (IDV) e Índice de Densidade de Ovos (IDO). Durante o experimento foram coletados 158.904 ovos de Aedes spp.. O IPO demonstrou que todas as áreas tiveram 98% a 100% de armadilhas contendo ovos de Aedes spp.. Os indicadores IDO e IPO apresentaram correlações positivas e significativa com a temperatura. A defasagem de duas e três semanas para precipitação indicou correlação positiva significativa para IDV e IDO. Portanto, a armadilha ovitrampa é uma ferramenta que pode integrar as ações de um programa de monitoramento e controle de Aedes spp. no Timor-Leste.

Assessment of Culex pipiens bioforms in the world's southernmost distribution limit

The mosquito Culex pipiens s.s. L. occurs as two bioforms that differ in physiology and behaviour affecting virus transmission cycles. To assess the occurrence of Cx. pipiens bioforms in the southernmost limit of its distribution, specimens were collected aboveground in southern Buenos Aires Province and east Patagonia, Argentina. Ten larvae and 25 adults were individually processed and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. Culex quinquefasciatus Say (one larva, two adults), Cx. pipiens f. molestus (one larva, one adult) and one adult of hybrid origin were identified in Buenos Aires Province; only Cx. pipiens f. molestus was recorded in Patagonia (eight larvae, 21 adults). The potential absence of bioform pipiens and its implications in arbovirus enzootic cycles is discussed.

Spatiotemporal multiple insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti populations in French Guiana: need for alternative vector control

BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is the sole vector of urban arboviruses in French Guiana. Overtime, the species has been responsible for the transmission of viruses during yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks. Decades of vector control have produced resistant populations to deltamethrin, the sole molecule available to control adult mosquitoes in this French Territory. OBJECTIVES Our surveillance aimed to provide public health authorities with data on insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti populations and other species of interest in French Guiana. Monitoring resistance to the insecticide used for vector control and to other molecule is a key component to develop an insecticide resistance management plan. METHODS In 2009, we started to monitor resistance phenotypes to deltamethrin and target-site mechanisms in Ae. aegypti populations across the territory using the WHO impregnated paper test and allelic discrimination assay. FINDINGS Eight years surveillance revealed well-installed resistance and the dramatic increase of alleles on the sodium voltage-gated gene, known to confer resistance to pyrethroids (PY). In addition, we observed that populations were resistant to malathion (organophosphorous, OP) and alpha-cypermethrin (PY). Some resistance was also detected to molecules from the carbamate family. Finally, those populations somehow recovered susceptibility against fenitrothion (OP). In addition, other species distributed in urban areas revealed to be also resistant to pyrethroids. CONCLUSION The resistance level can jeopardize the efficiency of chemical adult control in absence of other alternatives and conducts to strongly rely on larval control measures to reduce mosquito burden. Vector control strategies need to evolve to maintain or regain efficacy during epidemics.

Face social do controle do Aedes: em um bairro periférico de Fortaleza, Brasil, as mulheres tomam a palavra / The social face of Aedes control: women take the floor in a suburban district of Fortaleza, Brazil

Resumo O Aedes aegypti é um importante agente transmissor de afecções na atualidade, sendo o responsável por enfermidades como Zika, Chikungunya e os quatro sorotipos do Dengue. Por ocasião da relevância desse mosquito para o corpo social atual, investigações em Ecossaúde se tornam prementes, já que essa abordagem visa articular diferentes campos teóricos para entender as conexões históricas entre a natureza, a sociedade e a saúde. Partindo de uma premissa etnográfica, este estudo considerou as condições de desigualdade e injustiça que tornam vulneráveis a saúde de mulheres em torno do dengue, analisando práticas e percepções destas acerca dos potencias criadouros existentes no espaço público. Para compor o estudo, utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada e a observação participante, com uso de diário de campo. A pesquisa contou com a participação de dez mulheres moradoras de um bairro periférico da cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, tendo ocorrido no período de janeiro a agosto de 2014. Da Análise de Conteúdo emergiu a categoria "Iniquidade social, contexto e práticas no espaço público". A partir das narrativas, constatou-se que condições precárias de vida e evidente iniquidade social poderão influenciar em um contexto permeado por lixo, com grande potencial para a proliferação do mosquito causador da dengue.

Abstract Aedes aegypti is currently a critical disease agent and is responsible for viruses such as Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue's four serotypes. This mosquito's relevance to the current social body has come to the fore and triggered urgent EcoHealth investigations since this approach aims to articulate different theoretical fields to understand the historical linkages between nature, society and health. Based on an ethnographic premise, this study considered the unequal and unfair conditions that make women's health vulnerable to dengue, analyzing their practices and perceptions about the potential breeding grounds in the public space. A semi-structured interview and participant observation, as well as a field diary, were used to compose the study. The research included the participation of ten women living in the outskirts of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from January to August 2014. The category "Social inequality, context and practices in the public space" emerged from the content analysis. The narratives revealed that unstable living conditions and evident social inequality might influence in a context permeated by waste, with great potential for dengue's mosquito proliferation.

Influence of strategic points in the dispersion of Aedes aegypti in infested areas / Influência de pontos estratégicos na dispersão de Aedes aegypti em áreas infestadas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether sites with large amount of potential breeding sites for immature forms of Aedes aegypti, called strategic points, influence in the active vector's dispersion into properties in their surroundings. METHODS: We selected four areas in the municipality of Campinas, three of them with strategic points classified as high, moderate, and low risk according to infestation and a control area, without strategic points. Between October 2015 and September 2016, we monthly installed oviposition traps and evaluated the infestation by Ae. aegypti in all properties of each selected area. To verify if there was vector dispersion from each strategic point, based on its location, we investigated the formation of clusters with excess of eggs or larvae or pupae containers, using the Gi spatial statistics. RESULTS: The amount of eggs collected in the ovitraps and the number of positive containers for Ae. aegypti did not show clusters of high values concerning its distance from the strategic point. Both presented random distribution not spatially associated with the positioning of strategic points in the area. CONCLUSIONS: Strategic points are not confirmed as responsible for the vector's dispersion for properties in their surroundings. We highlight the importance of reviewing the current strategy of the vector control program in Brazil, seeking a balance from the technical, operational, and economic point of view, without disregarding the role of strategic points as major producers of mosquitoes and their importance in the dissemination of arboviruses in periods of transmission.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar se locais com grande quantidade de potenciais criadouros de formas imaturas de Aedes aegypti, denominados pontos estratégicos, influenciam a dispersão ativa do vetor aos imóveis no seu entorno. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas quatro áreas no município de Campinas, três delas com pontos estratégicos classificados como alto, médio e baixo risco segundo a infestação e uma área controle, sem ponto estratégico. Entre outubro de 2015 e setembro de 2016, instalaram-se mensalmente armadilhas de oviposição e avaliou-se a infestação por Ae. aegypti em todos os imóveis de cada área selecionada. Para verificar se houve dispersão do vetor a partir de cada ponto estratégico, com base em sua localização, investigou-se a formação de aglomerados com excesso de ovos ou de recipientes com larvas ou pupas, utilizando a estatística espacial Gi. RESULTADOS: o número de ovos coletados nas ovitrampas e o número de recipientes positivos para Ae. aegypti não apresentaram aglomerados de altos valores relativos à sua distância do ponto estratégico. Ambos apresentaram distribuição aleatória não associada espacialmente com o posicionamento dos pontos estratégicos na área. CONCLUSÕES: Pontos estratégicos não se confirmaram como responsáveis pela dispersão do vetor para os imóveis no seu entorno. Destaca-se a importância de rever a estratégia atual do programa de controle de vetores do Brasil, buscando um equilíbrio do ponto de vista técnico, operacional e econômico, sem desconsiderar o papel dos pontos estratégicos como grandes produtores de mosquitos e sua importância na disseminação de arboviroses em momentos de transmissão.

Identification of Zika virus in immature phases of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus: a surveillance strategy for outbreak anticipation

A progressive increase in the circulation of arboviruses in tropical countries has been observed, accounting for 700,000 yearly deaths in the world. The main objective of this article was to identify the presence of Zika (ZIKV), dengue (DENV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses in immature stages of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Household collections of immature phases of the vectors were carried out in the years 2015 and 2016. A total of 2902 dwellings were visited and the rate of infestation with larvae and pupae of Aedes mosquitoes was 283/1462 (19.4%) in March 2015 and 55/1440 (3.8%) in June 2015. In March 2015, 907 larvae/pupae were collected (583 or 64.3% of Ae. aegypti and 324 or 35.7% of Ae. albopictus) while in June 2015 there was a reduction in the number of immature forms found: 197 larvae/pupae (121 or 61.4% of Ae. aegypti and 76 or 38.6% of Ae. albopictus). This reduction was accompanied by a decrease in suspected human ZIKV cases from March to June 2015. The RT-qPCR performed in 18 pools identified that three (two of Ae. aegypti and one of Ae. albopictus) were positive for ZIKV, and none were positive for DENV or CHIKV. Our findings demonstrated that ZIKV was present in immature stages of insect vectors in the study region at least five months prior to the peak of ZIKV associated cases. Xenomonitoring of immature phases of the vectors may prove useful for predicting outbreaks.

Phylogenetic analysis of Dengue-2 serotypes circulating in mangroves in Northern Cordoba, Colombia

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to identify DENV-2 subtypes in Aedes aegypti pools collected between 2011 and 2017 in a rural area of Northern Cordoba, Colombia ("La Balsa"). METHODS: RT-PCR was performed to analyze the capsid/pre-membrane region (C-PrM). Sequencing and phylogenetic bayesian inference using reference DENV-2 sequences were performed. RESULTS: Twelve pools that tested positive for DENV-2 were characterized based on the C-PrM region and grouped under the Asian/American clade. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report the DENV-2 Asian-American subtype in a rural area of Cordoba region, which is associated with severe dengue and local epidemics.

Zika virus: - a review of the main aspects of this type of arbovirosis

Abstract The objective of this study was to integrate findings related to Zika virus from the scientific literature. An integrative review of Medline was conducted, and data search was performed using the Health Sciences Descriptor Zika virus and the following filters: full texts available; studies in humans; full articles; and publications in Portuguese, French, English, and Spanish. After application of the filters, followed by reading of the titles, abstracts, and full texts, 44 studies were included in the review, for which content analysis was performed. A large part of the literature comprised review articles (84%; N=37); the majority was in English (95%, N=42). In 2016, 84% (N=37) of our sample articles was published, while in 2017, 16% (N=7) was published. The main form of viral transmission was thorough the mosquito Aedes aegypti (N=30). In addition, sexual transmission (N=09), transmission through blood transfusion (N=16), vertical transmission (N=21) and transmission from occupational activities (N=03) occurred. It was possible to diagnose the disease by testing blood (N=22), urine (N=14), saliva (N=06), semen/sperm (N=03), cerebrospinal and amniotic fluid, and other tissues (N=02). Symptomatology occurred in 1-5 people (N=10) between 3 and 7 days after a mosquito bite (N=09). Complications observed were Guillain Barré syndrome (N=27); neurological Zika syndrome (N=27); meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and myelitis (N=07); deaths and/or newborns (N=03). The review provides scientific evidence that contributes to the care, planning and implementation of public policies.

Association of dengue fever with Aedes spp. abundance and climatological effects / Asociación de casos de dengue con variación en la abundancia de Aedes y clima

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the association of dengue fever incidence with Aedes mosquito's abundance, and the effect of climatological and geographical variables, in a region in Morelos State, Mexico. Materials and methods: Weekly data during the period 2010 to 2014 was used. Mosquito abundance was determined using ovitraps. Confirmed dengue cases were obtained from the Epidemiological Surveillance System. Climatic variables were obtained from weather monitoring stations. The correlation between climate variables and ovitraps data was estimated using a multivariate regression model. Results: A correlation of mosquito abundance with dengue fever incidence, and a yearly pattern with seasonal variations were observed. The daily mean temperature, relative humidity and rainfall parameters were associated with mosquito egg abundance. Time lags of three and four weeks between egg counts and dengue fever incidence were observed. Conclusion: Time lags between egg counts and dengue incidence could be useful for prevention and control interventions.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la asociación de la incidencia de dengue con la abundancia de mosquitos Aedes y el efecto de variables climatológicas, en una región de Morelos, México. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron datos semanales durante el 2010-2014. La abundancia de mosquitos se determinó utilizando ovitraps. Los casos de dengue se obtuvieron del Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica. Las variables climáticas se obtuvieron de estaciones climatológicas locales. La correlación entre las variables climáticas y los datos de ovitrampas se estimó mediante un modelo de regresión multivariado. Resultados: Se observó una correlación de la abundancia de mosquitos con la incidencia de dengue. La temperatura media diaria, humedad relativa y la precipitación pluvial se asociaron con abundancia de mosquitos. Se observó un desfase temporal de tres a cuatro semanas entre cuentas de huevos y la incidencia de dengue. Conclusión: Los intervalos entre las cuentas de huevos y la incidencia de dengue podrían ser utilizados para planear intervenciones de prevención y control.

Follow up of a robust meta-signature to identify Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti: another brick in the wall

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the main vector of several arthropod-borne diseases that have global impacts. In a previous meta-analysis, our group identified a vector gene set containing 110 genes strongly associated with infections of dengue, West Nile and yellow fever viruses. Of these 110 genes, four genes allowed a highly accurate classification of infected status. More recently, a new study of Ae. aegypti infected with Zika virus (ZIKV) was published, providing new data to investigate whether this "infection" gene set is also altered during a ZIKV infection. Our hypothesis is that the infection-associated signature may also serve as a proxy to classify the ZIKV infection in the vector. Raw data associated with the NCBI/BioProject were downloaded and re-analysed. A total of 18 paired-end replicates corresponding to three ZIKV-infected samples and three controls were included in this study. The nMDS technique with a logistic regression was used to obtain the probabilities of belonging to a given class. Thus, to compare both gene sets, we used the area under the curve and performed a comparison using the bootstrap method. Our meta-signature was able to separate the infected mosquitoes from the controls with good predictive power to classify the Zika-infected mosquitoes.

Zika: probabilidad de establecimiento de su vector, Aedes aegypti, en Chile / Zika: probability of establishment of its vector, Aedes aegypti, in Chile

Resumen El virus Zika ha despertado una alarma mundial en los últimos años, representando un problema importante para la salud pública. En este estudio evaluamos el riesgo potencial de exposición a virus Zika en Chile, asociado a la probabilidad de establecimiento del vector Aedes aegypti en el país. Se utilizaron técnicas de modelación de nicho para proyectar los requerimientos bioclimáticos del vector (nicho global), identificando las zonas de alta idoneidad para la especie en el país. Luego, se superpuso la distribución potencial del vector en Chile con la densidad de población humana, estimando en forma espacialmente explícita el riesgo asociado a la co-ocurrencia potencial de ambos. Identificamos que existe idoneidad bioclimática para A. aegypti en Chile continental, desde el área tropical del norte hasta regiones templadas, principalmente en zonas costeras. La población potencialmente expuesta podría alcanzar 1,8 millones de personas, con 1,3 millones en nivel medio y 21.000 en niveles altos de riesgo potencial de exposición. Los resultados expuestos aquí muestran que existe una significativa probabilidad de éxito de colonización del vector principal de virus Zika en Chile continental en caso de una introducción. Por lo tanto, la prevención, monitoreo y control se vuelven un tema importante para evitar la llegada de este vector a Chile continental.

The Zika virus has raised world alarm in recent years, representing a major public health problem. In this study we evaluated the potential risk of exposure to Zika virus in Chile, associated with the probability of establishment of the vector Aedes aegypti in the country. Niche modelling techniques were used to project the bioclimatic requirements of the vector (global niches), identifying zones of high suitability for the species within the country. Then, the potential distribution of the vector in Chile was overlapped with the human population density, estimating the risk associated to the potential co-occurrence of both in a spatially explicit manner. We identified bioclimatic suitability for A. aegypti in continental Chile, from the northern tropical area to temperate regions, mainly in coastal zones. The exposed population could reach 1.8 million people, with 1.3 million in a medium level of potential risk and 21,000 in a high level. These results support that there is a significant probability of success for the Zika virus main vector to colonize continental Chile in case of an introduction. Therefore, prevention, monitoring, and control play an important role in avoiding the arrival of this vector to our country.

Will Mayaro virus be responsible for the next outbreak of an arthropod-borne virus in Brazil?

Abstract Mayaro virus is an alphavirus from the Togaviridae family and is transmitted mainly by Hemagogus mosquitoes. This virus circulates in high-density tropical forests or rural areas of Central and South America causing a disease characterized by high-grade fever, maculopapular skin rash and marked arthralgia that, in some patients, can persist for long periods after infection and may be misinterpreted as chikungunya. Although only a few outbreaks involving this virus have been reported, in the last years the number of Mayaro virus infections has increased in the central and northern regions of Brazil. In this review, we describe the reported prevalence of this infection over the years and discuss the circumstances that can contribute to the establishment of an urban mayaro virus epidemic in Brazil and the problems encountered with the specific diagnosis, especially the antigenic cross-reactivity of this pathogen with other viruses of the same family.

Detección del virus del dengue en larvas y pupas de Aedes aegypti recolectadas en áreas rurales del municipio de Anapoima, Cundinamarca, Colombia / Dengue virus detection in Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae collected in rural areas of Anapoima, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. La incidencia y la prevalencia del dengue en Cundinamarca son elevadas y, recientemente, se detectó Aedes aegypti en algunas áreas rurales del departamento. Objetivo. Evaluar la transmisión transovárica del virus del dengue en larvas y pupas recolectadas en áreas rurales del municipio de Anapoima. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron ejemplares vivos en 53 viviendas y se transportaron al laboratorio de Anapoima, donde se clasificaron, se agruparon y se congelaron. Llevadas a Bogotá, se las homogeneizó, se les extrajo el ARN con Trizol ® , se las sometió a una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcripción inversa (Reverse Transcription Polymerase change reaction, RT-PCR) y a PCR convencional, y los productos amplificados se analizaron en geles de agarosa al 2 %. Resultados. En 54,7 % de las viviendas evaluadas se encontraron formas inmaduras del vector y el serotipo más frecuente fue el DENV-1. Sin embargo, en algunos pools se detectó la presencia simultánea de los serotipos DENV 1 y 2, DENV 1 y 3, y DENV 1 y 4, así como los serotipos DENV 1, 2 y 3. Conclusión. Los resultados confirmaron la transmisión vertical del virus de manera natural en el área rural del municipio, lo cual reafirma la capacidad vectorial de A. aegypti y explica, en parte, la persistencia del virus en la región y la posibilidad de que en la fase adulta el vector lo transmita sin haber consumido sangre infectada. Esta situación aumenta el riesgo de infección por el virus del dengue en Colombia y, por lo tanto, la necesidad de adelantar programas de prevención y control en todas las zonas con presencia del mosquito.

Abstract Introduction: There is a high incidence and prevalence of dengue in the department of Cundinamarca, and recently Aedes aegypti, the main vector of dengue virus (DENV), was detected in some of its rural areas. Objective: To evaluate viral transovarial transmission in larvae and pupae collected in rural areas of the municipality of Anapoima, Cundinamarca. Materials and methods: Live larvae and pupae were collected from 53 homes and later they were taken to the laboratory in Anapoima, where they were classified, pooled and frozen. In Bogotá, they were homogenized, RNA was extracted with Trizol™ , and RT-PCR and conventional PCR were performed. The amplified products were analyzed on 2% agarose gels. Results: In 54.7% of the houses we found A. aegypti in immature stages, and DENV-1 was the most frequent serotype. However, the simultaneous presence of DENV 1 and 2, DENV 1 and 3, DENV 1 and 4, and DENV 1, 2 and 3 serotypes was detected in some pools. Conclusion: The results confirmed the natural vertical transmission of the virus in the rural area under study. These findings confirmed the vector capacity of A. aegypti, and partly explains the persistence of the virus in the region and the possibility of transmission by the vector during adulthood without having ingested infected blood. This situation increases the risk of DENV infection in Colombia and the need for prevention and control programs in all areas where the mosquito is present.

Infección de Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) con el genotipo asiático-americano del virus del dengue serotipo 2 en Medellín y su posible papel como vector del dengue en Colombia / Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) infected with the American-Asian genotype of dengue type 2 virus in Medellín suggests its possible role as vector of dengue fever in Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Aedes aegypti y Ae. albopictus son reconocidos vectores de arbovirus como los del dengue, la fiebre amarilla, el chikungunya y el Zika, en regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo. En Colombia, la distribución geográfica de Ae. albopictus ha sufrido un incremento y hoy incluye ciudades como Cali y Medellín. Hasta ahora, sin embargo, no se ha recabado información concluyente sobre su infección viral y su capacidad de transmisión a los humanos. Objetivo. Determinar la infección natural por dengue en ejemplares de Ae. albopictus recolectados en un área urbana de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron individuos de Ae. albopictus en el campus de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Medellín. Se confirmó su clasificación taxonómica mediante el análisis del gen citocromo oxidasa I (COI), y se extrajo el ARN total para la identificación del virus del dengue y de los respectivos serotipos. La presencia del genotipo DENV se infirió mediante el análisis del gen NS3. Resultados. El análisis del COI corroboró el estatus taxonómico de Ae. albopictus. Uno de los mosquitos procesados fue positivo para DENV-2 y el análisis del NS3 mostró una gran similitud con el genotipo asiático-americano. Conclusión. Se reporta la infección con DENV-2 en Ae. albopictus en Medellín, Colombia. La presencia del genotipo asiático-americano en una zona urbana sugiere su posible circulación entre humanos y en Ae. albopictus, lo cual alerta sobre su eventual papel en la transmisión del DENV-2, y sobre la necesidad de incluir esta especie en la vigilancia entomológica en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are recognized vectors of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika arboviruses in several countries worldwide. In Colombia, Ae. albopictus geographical distribution has increased to include highly populated cities such as Cali and Medellín. Although this species has been frequently found in urban and semi-urban zones in the country, its role as vector of the dengue fever is poorly known. Objective: To identify the presence of Ae. albopictus specimens naturally infected with dengue virus collected in Medellín. Materials and methods: Insects were collected in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia campus in Medellín. Individuals were classified as Ae. albopictus and confirmed by DNA barcode region analysis. Mosquitoes were processed for dengue virus identification, and a fragment of the NS3 gen was sequenced and compared with DENV-2 genotypes reported in the literature. Results: Sequence analysis of COI indicated Ae. albopictus individuals were similar to those recently reported in Colombia, and genetically close to those from other regions worldwide. Among the pools tested one was positive for DENV-2, and the NS3 analysis indicated it belonged to the Asian-American clade. Conclusion: We report the presence Ae. albopictus naturally infected with the Asian-American genotype of DENV-2 in Colombia. The presence of Ae. albopictus specimens carrying the most common genotype infecting humans in a highly populated city such as Medellín indicates its potential role as dengue vector in Colombia and highlights the relevance of including it in current vector surveillance strategies.

Vigilancia virológica de Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti y Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus como apoyo para la adopción de decisiones en el control del dengue en Medellín / Virological surveillance of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus as support for decision making for dengue control in Medellín

Resumen Introducción. El dengue en Colombia representa un grave problema de salud y, dado que no existe un tratamiento efectivo para la enfermedad y la vacuna no se ha aprobado en todos los países, se deben fortalecer acciones para mitigar su impacto mediante el control de Aedes aegypti, el mosquito vector. La vigilancia en el país se hace con base en los índices entomológicos y en la notificación de casos, la cual es frecuentemente tardía y por ello conduce a falta de oportunidad en las intervenciones. La detección viral en mosquitos urbanos mediante técnicas moleculares proporciona información entomológica más precisa para la adopción de decisiones. Objetivo. Reportar los resultados de la vigilancia virológica de especímenes de Aedes spp. recolectados durante actividades entomológicas rutinarias de la Secretaría de Salud de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Los ejemplares se recolectaron durante dos periodos, en cada uno de los cuales se seleccionaron 18 viviendas alrededor de cada una de las 250 trampas para larvas dispuestas para la vigilancia entomológica, así como 70 instituciones educativas y 30 centros de salud. Los ejemplares se identificaron y se conformaron grupos para la detección viral mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, RT-PCR). Se calculó la tasa mínima de infección y el índice de infestación en adultos. Resultados. Se recolectaron 1.507 mosquitos, 10 de los cuales eran Ae. albopictus. De los 407 grupos conformados, 132 (uno de ellos de Ae. albopictus) fueron positivos, y 14,39 % correspondió a machos de Ae. aegypti. La tasa mínima de infección para Ae. aegypti fue de 120,07 y 69,50 en el primer y segundo períodos, respectivamente, y el índice de infestación en adultos fue mayor en las instituciones educativas (23,57 %). Conclusión. Mediante la RT-PCR se detectaron la infección natural y la transmisión vertical del virus del dengue en Ae. aegypti y en Ae. albopictus. Se propone considerar la incorporación de estas técnicas moleculares en los programas de vigilancia y control de las arbovirosis en el país.

Abstract Introduction: Dengue represents an important public health problem in Colombia. No treatment is available and the vaccine has not been approved in all countries, hence, actions should be strengthened to mitigate its impact through the control of Aedes aegypti, the vector mosquito. In Colombia, surveillance is done using entomological indexes and case notification, which is usually informed late, leading to untimely interventions. Viral detection in urban mosquitoes using molecular techniques provides more accurate entomological information for decision-making. Objective: To report results of virological surveillance in Aedes specimens collected during routine entomological activities of the Secretaría de Salud de Medellín. Materials and methods: Specimens were collected during two periods in each of which we selected 18 dwellings around each one of the 250 larva traps arranged for mosquitoe surveillance, as well as 70 educational institutions and 30 health centers. Specimens were identified morphologically, and divided in pools for viral detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We calculated the minimum infection rate and the adult infestation index for each group. Results: We collected 1,507 adult mosquitoes, 10 of which were identified as A. albopictus. Out of the 407 pools, 132 (one of them Ae. albopictus) were positive, and 14.39% were A. aegypti males. The minimum infection rates for Ae. aegypti were 120.07 and 69,50 for the first and second periods, respectively, and the adult infestation index was higher in educational institutions (23.57%). Conclusions: Using RT-PCR we identified natural infectivity and vertical transmission of dengue virus in A. aegypti and A. albopictus. We suggest the use of molecular techniques in arbovirosis surveillance and control programs in Colombia.

Culex quinquefasciatus from areas with the highest incidence of microcephaly associated with Zika virus infections in the Northeast Region of Brazil are refractory to the virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is widely distributed in Brazil and the Northeast Region (NE) is the most affected zone, showing the highest incidence of microcephaly associated with ZIKV congenital infections worldwide. We report attempts to infect three populations of Culex quinquefasciatus from severely affected sites in the NE and Southeast Region (SE) of Brazil with three strains of ZIKV isolated from these localities. An Aedes aegypti population from the SE was used as a positive control. All tested Cx. quinquefasciatus populations were refractory to the ZIKV isolates. For these reasons, we believe Cx. quinquefasciatus should not be considered a potential vector of ZIKV in Brazil.