Acknowledging extraordinary women in the history of medical entomology.

Throughout history, women have been actively involved in the advancement of science, while struggling to overcome challenges to participate and a lack of recognition. Prior to 1950, most women were not included in the lists of "classical" descriptions of the iconic scientific figures nor included in the most relevant historical accounts. Since the second half of the twentieth century, great efforts have been made to recognize the contributions of women to the advancement of science, especially since formal scientific careers have been dominated by men, with limited (or no) access to women. Despite these challenging social, political and cultural contexts, many women have succeeded in making significant advancements, and their contributions are now being acknowledged. Such efforts have led to the publication of recent reviews and compilations on outstanding women in biological sciences. The field of medical entomology is inherently interdisciplinary, focusing on insects and other arthropods that affect human health, with input primarily from the biological and medical sciences and a strong public health perspective. Several reviews and book chapters describing the history of medical entomology have been published over the decades, but few women are mentioned in these publications, even though many women have contributed to this field. Much of the information on these women is currently scattered throughout the published literature and historical records on a wide range of topics, including activism, virology, vector control and even acarology. Considering that there is no single available compilation of women contributors in the history of medical entomology, this review aims to provide a list of 22 women and their contributions to this field. The list includes women from diverse backgrounds, born in the late 1800s and before 1950, who directly impacted medical entomology in various ways and in different regions of the world. This compilation is far from exhaustive, but it aims to identify role models and examples of extraordinary women to motivate the evolving future of this field.

Differentiation of Multiple Fluorescent Powders, Powder Transfer, and Effect on Mating in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Five different fluorescent powders (orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet) were tested on Aedes aegypti adults to evaluate the differentiation of multiple fluorescent powder colors applied externally in the same female mosquito, their effect on coupling time, copulation time, insemination success, mate choice, and the extent of transference of powders between marked and unmarked individuals, either during copulation or same-sex interactions. Marking with multiple powders was evaluated after applying different powders in the same female at different times and combinations. The comparative effect of powders on mating was explored using different cross-combinations of marked/unmarked couples. Transference of powders between marked/unmarked individuals after copulation was checked in mated individuals, and between same-sex interactions by allowing them to interact under crowded and uncrowded conditions. Identification of the colors included in multiple markings in the same individual was possible when exploring almost all combinations (exception: green-yellow). No important effect of powder marking between cross-combinations was found on coupling time (overall 95% CI (Confidence Interval) 37.6-49.6 min), copulation time (overall 95% CI 17-20 s), insemination success, nor their mate choice. Transferred powder after copulation activity, concentrated in genitalia, legs, and the tip of wings, occurred in >80% of females and 100% of males. Powder transference in legs and genitalia, between same-sex individuals, occurred only in males (ranged between 23-35%) under both density conditions. The lack of important effects of these powders on the studied aspects of Ae. aegypti provides information about their usefulness and limitations, which should be recognized for future applications and to avoid bias.

Impacts of fluorescent powders on survival of different age cohorts, blood-feeding success, and tethered flight speed of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) females.

Fluorescent powders are one of the most common external markers used to study mosquito behavior and ecology. For their reliable and practical use, it is important to evaluate their effect on biological parameters such as survival, blood-feeding, and mobility. We evaluated the effect of five different fluorescent powders (Day-Glo ® ECO Series) on the survival of different age cohorts, blood-feeding success, and tethered flight speed on Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) adult females. For survival analysis, three cohorts (2-5, 6-9 and 10-13 days old) were marked and mortality recorded until all died. To examine the effect of fluorescent powders on female response to blood-feeding, the proportions of unfed, partially fed, and fully engorged females, after being exposed to host blood under two different time sets (20 and 40 min.), were compared. Their impact on female tethered flight speed was evaluated recording their flight for 30 min. with a flight mill. Survival distributions between treatments were not significantly different within each cohort. Blood-feeding was not significantly different among marked or unmarked females at both times of blood exposure, with the exception of Signal Green-ECO 18 and Ultra Violet- ECO 20 (at 20 and 40 min.), in which a higher proportion of partially fed females was observed compared to control females. In relation to flight performance, no statistically significant difference in mean tethered flight speed (m/s), among marked and unmarked mosquito groups, was observed. Our results indicate that the tested powders and application method have few significant impacts on Ae. aegypti survival, blood-feeding success and flight performance, and are thus suitable for investigations of mosquito biology in the environment.

Detection of Fluorescent Powders and Their Effect on Survival and Recapture of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

The use of insect markers, such as fluorescent powders, is a useful tool for studying ecological and epidemiological questions. Evaluating their effect on vectors of human disease agents, such as the invasive mosquito vector Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), is crucial for their practical and reliable use, especially in parameters linked to the risk of disease transmission such as adult survival, dispersal, and host-seeking. Seven fluorescent powders (Hercules Radiant, DayGlo (DG), Risk Reactor (RR), and Angstrom Technologies), applied externally on cohorts of Ae. aegypti female mosquitoes, were tested to determine their impact on survival and recapture by baited mosquito traps, and their detectability after being exposed to controlled laboratory and semifield environments. There were no significant differences in survival among marked and unmarked females across all powders. Marked females were significantly less likely to be captured in baited traps relative to unmarked females, except for one of the DG powders. All females remained visibly marked on five parts of their body for 30 d (under both environments), except for one of the RR powders. The tested powders and application method are suitable for tracking mosquitoes throughout most of their lives under different environments, without significantly affecting their survival, but with potential impact on recapture by baited traps, possibly due to effects on senses or other physiological traits.

Papel potencial de Aedes albopictus Skuse en la transmisión de virus dengue (DENV) en una zona de actividad piñera de Costa Rica

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar, bajo una perspectiva ecológica, la presencia de Aedes albopictus y su infección natural por virus dengue (DENV) en una zona de actividad piñera de Costa Rica. Método: Se colectaron mosquitos adultos en galerías forestales colindantes con piñeras, viviendas en proximidad a cultivos (<1 km) y viviendas en lejanía (110 km). Se empleó el índice de Shannon-Wiener para estimar biodiversidad. La infestación larvaria se evaluó en plantas de piña y viviendas y se calcularon índices aédicos de viviendas (IV) y de contenedores (IC). La detección de DENV en adultos (cuerpos y cabezas) y en larvas de Ae. albopictus se efectuó mediante RT-PCR y secuenciación. Resultados: Se colectaron 1376 adultos en total: Ae. albopictus (5,81%), Anopheles apicimacula (5,01%), Culex coronator (11,55%), Cx. inflictus (6,1%), Cx. nigripalpus (48,11%), Cx. quinquefasciatus (23,34%) y Limatus durhamii (0,07%). El índice de biodiversidad fue mayor en galerías forestales. Ae. albopictus adultos fueron colectados principalmente en el área de piñeras (73/80), aunque sólo dos larvas en las plantas de piña. Los índices aédicos en proximidad (IV: 40,7%, IC: 26,9%) y en lejanía (IV: 51,7%, IC: 29,6%) no mostraron diferencias significativas (IV Z=0,56, p=0,58; IC Z=0,16, p=0,87). Se detectó DENV-2 y DENV-3 en 2/20 grupos de cabezas y DENV-1 en 2/74 grupos de larvas de Ae. albopictus. Discusión: Las galerías forestales próximas a cultivos de piña podrían considerarse "islas ecológicas" adecuadas para el refugio de Ae. albopictus. La presencia de DENV en adultos y larvas sugiere un papel activo de Ae. albopictus en la transmisión de virus en este ecosistema.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate, under an ecological perspective, the presence of Aedes albopictus and the wild infection by dengue viruses (DENV) in an area of pineapple activity in Costa Rica. Materials and methods Adult mosquitoes were collected in forest galleries limiting pineapple plantations, houses adjacent to plantations (<1 km), and distant houses (1-10 km). Shannon-Wiener index was used to estimate biodiversity. Larval infestation was evaluated in pineapple plants and houses, and aedic house (HI) and container (CI) indices were calculated. Detection of DENV in Ae. albopictus adults (bodies and heads) and larvae was performed by RT-PCR and sequencing. Results A total 1376 adult mosquitoes were collected: Ae. albopictus (5.81%), Anopheles apicimacula (5.01%), Culex coronator (11.55%), Cx. inflictus (6.1%), Cx. nigripalpus (48.11%), Cx. quinquefasciatus (23.34%), and Limatus durhamii (0.07%). Biodiversity index was higher in forest galleries. Most adult Ae. albopictus were collected in forests close to pineapple fields (73/80), although only 2 larvae were detected in pineapple plants. Larval indices in adjacent houses (HI: 40.7%, CI: 26.9%) and distant houses (HI: 51.7%, CI: 29.6%) were similar (HI Z=0.56, p=0.58; CI Z=0.16, p=0.87). DENV-2 and DENV-3 were detected in 2/20 "pools" of Ae. albopictus heads and DENV-1 in 2/74 "pools" of larvae. Conclusion Forest galleries that are in proximity to pineapple plantations could be considered "ecological islands" that are suitable for refuge of Ae. albopictus. Presence of DENV in adults and larvae suggests an active role for Ae. albopictus in virus transmission within this ecosystem.

Nuevos registros de Aedes albopictus (Skuse) en cuatro localidades de Costa Rica / New records of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in four locations of Costa Rica

Resumen Introducción Aedes albopictus (Skuse) es un vector de arbovirus ampliamente distribuido. En Costa Rica, la expansión geográfica de Ae. albopictus se ha incrementado en la última década, por lo que es importante actualizar el conocimiento sobre su distribución. Objetivo Informar sobre el hallazgo de Aedes albopictus en nuevas localidades de Costa Rica. Materiales y Métodos Se colectaron formas inmaduras de mosquitos con morfología sugestiva de Ae. albopictus en localidades de las provincias de Puntarenas (isla de Chira y Golfito), Guanacaste (Liberia), Alajuela (Upala), San José (Acosta) y Heredia (Sarapiquí). Los especímenes fueron fijados en etanol al 70%, aclarados en lactofenol e identificados con el uso de claves dicotómicas. Resultados Las especies identificadas fueron Ae. albopictus, Aedes aegypti, Haemagogus equinus y Haemagogus iridocolor-H. lucifer. Las de Ae. albopictus procedieron de los siguientes depósitos: recipiente plástico, tanque de agua, lona plástica, balde, llanta, canoa, piscina, maceta y bota de hule. Se reporta la presencia de Ae. albopictus en Liberia (Guanacaste), isla de Chira y Golfito (Puntarenas) y Upala (Alajuela). Conclusiones Se evidencia la expansión que ha experimentado Ae. albopictus en Costa Rica. Se enfatiza la necesidad de un diagnóstico microscópico certero, pues las larvas de Ae. albopictus pueden coexistir con otras especies que resultan difíciles de diferenciar, tales como Ae. aegypti y algunas especies de Haemagogus. Considerando que Ae. albopictus es un vector competente para virus dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) y Zika (ZIKV), se recomienda investigar su papel en la transmisión de virus en estas zonas, así como el desplazamiento y/o coexistencia con especies como Ae. aegypti.

Abstract Introduction Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a vector of arboviruses that is widely-distributed. In Costa Rica the geographical expansion of Ae. albopictus has increased in the past decade, which requires updating knowledge about its distribution. Objective To report the finding of Aedes albopictus in new localities of Costa Rica. Materials and Methods Immature stages of mosquitoes that were morphologically suggestive of Ae. albopictus were collected in localities of the provinces of Puntarenas (Chira island and Golfito), Guanacaste (Liberia), Alajuela (Upala), San José (Acosta) and Heredia (Sarapiquí). Specimens were fixed in 70 % ethanol, cleared in lactophenol, and identified using dichotomous keys. Results The species identified were: Ae. albopictus, Aedes aegypti, Haemagogus equinus, and Haemagogus iridocolor-H. Lucifer. The ones of Ae. albopictus were in the following container types: plastic container, water tank, plastic tarp, bucket, tire, roof gutter, swimming pool, flower pot and rubber boot. This is the first scientific report of Ae. albopictus in Liberia (Guanacaste), Chira island and Golfito (Puntarenas), and Upala (Alajuela). Conclusions There is evidence of the expansion of Ae. albopictus in Costa Rica. Emphasis is given as to the need for a precise microscopical diagnosis, since Ae. albopictus larvae may coexist with other species that may be difficult to differentiate, such as Ae. aegypti and some species of Haemagogus. Considering that Ae. albopictus is a competent vector for dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV) viruses, further investigation of its role in virus transmission is recommended in these areas, as well as displacement and/or coexistence with species like Ae. aegypti.