ABSTRACT
Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience's sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.
Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Animals , Humans , Disease Vectors , PublishingABSTRACT
The causative agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) is transmitted to mammals - including humans - mainly by insect vectors of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Currently, the subfamily includes 157 valid species (154 extant and three extinct), grouped into 18 genera and five tribes. We present the description of a subdataset (7852 records) of American triatomine occurrences, as an update to the most complete and integrated database available up to date at a continental scale. The new georeferenced records were obtained from a systematic review of published literature and data provided by colleagues. New data correspond to 101 species and 14 genera from 22 American countries in the time interval between 1935 and 2022. The most important novelties refer to: i) the inclusion of new species, ii) synonymies and formal transferals of species, and iii) temporal and geographical species records updates. We encourage the use of this information especially as a contribution to the entomological surveillance implicated in Chagas disease.
El agente causal de la Enfermedad de Chagas (Trypanosoma cruzi) es transmitido a los mamíferos - incluyendo al ser humano - principalmente por insectos vectores de la subfamilia Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Actualmente, la subfamilia incluye 157 especies (154 actuales y tres extintas), agrupadas en 18 géneros y cinco tribus. Presentamos la descripción de un subconjunto de datos (7852 registros) de presencias de triatominos americanos, como una actualización de la más completa e integrada base de datos disponible hasta el momento a escala continental. Los nuevos registros georreferenciados fueron obtenidos de una revisión sistemática de referencias publicadas y datos cedidos por colegas. Los nuevos datos corresponden a 101 especies y 14 géneros de 22 países americanos en el intervalo de tiempo entre 1935 y 2022. Las novedades más importantes refieren a: i) la incorporación de nuevas especies, ii) sinonimias y transferencias formales de especies, y iii) actualizaciones temporales y geográficas de registros de especies. Alentamos a la utilización de esta información, especialmente para contribuir a la vigilancia entomológica implicada en la Enfermedad de Chagas.
ABSTRACT
The subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) comprises hematophagous insects that are vectors of Chagas disease; including species assigned to the genera Triatoma and Paratriatoma. Initial examination of Triatoma lecticularia revealed the hirsuteness covering the entire body-a characteristic and striking feature of members of the genus Paratriatoma-and a systematic study revealed several other morphological characters that are in diagnostic alignment with Paratriatoma. Based on the examination of several specimens (including the lectotype), and with the additional support of molecular and cytogenetic data, we propose the formal transferal of Triatoma lecticularia (Stål, 1859) into the genus Paratriatoma with the resulting new combination: Paratriatoma lecticularia (Stål, 1859) comb. nov. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae).
ABSTRACT
Ctenodontina Enderlein is reported for the first time in Argentina. A new species, C. sagta sp. nov. (Argentina, Salta) is described. New combination is Ctenodontina baleta (Walker), comb. nov. with two synonimies: Pachychoeta caracasae Martin syn. nov. and Pachychoeta inca Martin syn. nov. The male and female terminalia of C. baleta (Walker). comb. nov. is illustrated and described for the first time and a key to species is presented.
Subject(s)
Diptera/classification , Animal Distribution , Animal Structures/anatomy & histology , Animal Structures/growth & development , Animals , Argentina , Body Size , Diptera/anatomy & histology , Diptera/growth & development , Female , Male , Organ SizeABSTRACT
Aristofolia Ayala-Landa, a valid genus of Asilinae (Diptera, Asilidae). The robber fly genus Aristofolia Ayala-Landa, 1978 is a monotypic taxon of Asilinae. The status of Aristofolia is revalidated, and addenda to the original description of the genus is provided. The habitus, wings, male and female terminalia are described and illustrated.
