Back to Where It Was First Described: Vectors of Sylvatic Yellow Fever Transmission in the 2017 Outbreak in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Evidence of sylvatic yellow fever was first reported in Atlantic Forest areas in Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in 1931. An entomological survey was conducted in six forest sites during and after an outbreak reported ~80 years after the last case in the area. Among 10,658 mosquitoes of 78 species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, and Hg. janthinomys/capricornii were considered the main vectors as they had a relatively high abundance, co-occurred in essentially all areas, and showed high YFV infection rates. Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. soperi, Sa. identicus, Aedes aureolineatus, and Shannoniana fluviatilis may have a secondary role in transmission. This is the first report of Sa. identicus, Ae. aureolineatus, and Sh. fluviatilis infected with YFV. Our study emphasizes the importance of entomological monitoring and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in receptive areas to YFV transmission.

The rediscovery of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

The rediscovery of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

Environmental Niche Modelling of Phlebotomine Sand Flies and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Identifies Lutzomyia intermedia as the Main Vector Species in Southeastern Brazil.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by sand flies. The state of Espírito Santo (ES), an endemic area in southeast Brazil, has shown a considerably high prevalence in recent decades. Environmental niche modelling (ENM) is a useful tool for predicting potential disease risk. In this study, ENM was applied to sand fly species and CL cases in ES to identify the principal vector and risk areas of the disease. Sand flies were collected in 466 rural localities between 1997 and 2013 using active and passive capture. Insects were identified to the species level, and the localities were georeferenced. Twenty-one bioclimatic variables were selected from WorldClim. Maxent was used to construct models projecting the potential distribution for five Lutzomyia species and CL cases. ENMTools was used to overlap the species and the CL case models. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed, adopting a 5% significance level. Approximately 250,000 specimens were captured, belonging to 43 species. The area under the curve (AUC) was considered acceptable for all models. The slope was considered relevant to the construction of the models for all the species identified. The overlay test identified Lutzomyia intermedia as the main vector of CL in southeast Brazil. ENM tools enable an analysis of the association among environmental variables, vector distributions and CL cases, which can be used to support epidemiologic and entomological vigilance actions to control the expansion of CL in vulnerable areas.

A new species of Nemopalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Brazil

A new species of Nemopalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Brazil. Nemopalpus parvus sp. nov. collected in the Atlantic rainforest of the state of Espírito Santo, in southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated.

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 from Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on samples collected with a Möricke trap installed on the ground at the Biological Station of Santa Lúcia, municipality of Santa Teresa, in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Males have a paramere with a spiniform prolongation on the distal surface and an aedeagus with a long posterior membranous dorsal prolongation. Females have a racket-shaped genital furca and tubular spermatheca, tapered on the apical third. This finding raises the number of Sycorax species known from Brazil to seven.

Espécie nova de Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) da Mata Atlântica, sudeste do Brasil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. é descrita e ilustrada a partir de exemplares coletados com armadilha Möricke instalada sobre o solo, na Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia, município de Santa Teresa, estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Machos apresentam parâmero com prolongamento espiniforme na superfície distal e edeago com longo prolongamento posterior membranoso e dorsal. Fêmeas com forquilha genital em forma de raquete e espermateca tubular, afilada no terço apical. Eleva-se para sete o número de espécies de Sycorax para o Brasil.

Breeding sites of Aedes aegypti in metropolitan vacant lots in Greater Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Aedes aegypti in breeding sites located in vacant lots (VLs) and determine the effectiveness of VL cleaning to reduce insect foci. METHODS: Two types of VLs were sampled, the experimental VL, which was cleaned monthly, and the control VL, which was not cleaned. RESULTS: Monthly cleaning of VLs reduced the abundance of immature forms of A. aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for combating this vector should include regular cleaning of VLs and educating the public regarding the risks of discarding waste in inappropriate areas.

Breeding sites of Aedes aegypti in metropolitan vacant lots in Greater Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Criadouros de Aedes aegypti em terrenos baldios na região metropolitana da Grande Vitória, Estado do Espírito Santo

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Aedes aegypti in breeding sites located in vacant lots (VLs) and determine the effectiveness of VL cleaning to reduce insect foci. METHODS: Two types of VLs were sampled, the experimental VL, which was cleaned monthly, and the control VL, which was not cleaned. RESULTS: Monthly cleaning of VLs reduced the abundance of immature forms of A. aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for combating this vector should include regular cleaning of VLs and educating the public regarding the risks of discarding waste in inappropriate areas.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de Aedes aegypti em diferentes tipos de criadouros em terrenos baldios (TBs) e os efeitos da limpeza mensal do terreno na redução dos focos do inseto. MÉTODOS: Dois tipos de TBs foram amostrados, TB experimental submetido à limpeza mensal e TB controle, sem limpeza prévia. RESULTADOS: A limpeza mensal dos TBs reduziu significativamente a abundância de formas imaturas do inseto. CONCLUSÕES: Estratégias de combate ao vetor devem incluir a limpeza de TBs e a conscientização da população sobre o risco que representa o descarte de lixo em local impróprio.

Distribuição de espécies de borrachudos (Diptera: Simuliidae) do Espírito Santo, Brasil / Distribution of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Entre os anos de 2004 e 2008 foram realizadas coletas de Simuliidae em várias localidades no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. No total, 66 córregos e rios das doze principais bacias hidrográficas do estado foram amostrados. Dezessete espécies foram coletadas, sendo que nove delas representam ocorrências novas para o estado (Simulium pertinax, S. jujuyense, S. rubrithorax, S. subnigrum, S. travassosi, S. spinibranchium, S. hirtipupa, S. lutzianum e S. anamariae), duplicando o número de espécies conhecidas no estado.

We conducted a freshwater survey from 2004 to 2008 in several localities of Espírito Santo, Brazil. In total, 66 streams and rivers were sampled in the 12 hydrographic basins of the state. We collected and identified 17 species of which nine represent new records (Simulium pertinax, S. jujuyense, S. rubrithorax, S. subnigrum, S. travassosi, S. spinibranchium, S. hirtipupa, S. lutzianum e S. anamariae). These findings doubled the number of records of black fly species to the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

American visceral leishmaniasis dissociated from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil has always been associated with the presence of the Lutzomyia longipalpis vector. The geographic distribution of this vector in this state is related to the presence of specific geoclimatic characteristics, such as a dry climate, low elevations (< 450 m), steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The occurrence of human autochthonous cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities without these geoclimatic characteristics justifies the present study and our main goal was to test the association between the occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of the Lu. longipalpis. Sand flies were captured monthly from July 2006 to August 2007 using Shannon and CDC traps in two municipalities with records of autochthonous American visceral leishmaniasis and one with no record. We captured 13,112 sand flies, but no Lu. longipalpis was found. The absence of Lu. longipalpis and the possible role of another American visceral leishmaniasis vector in these localities were discussed.

American visceral leishmaniasis dissociated from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral americana dissociada da presença de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

The occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil has always been associated with the presence of the Lutzomyia longipalpis vector. The geographic distribution of this vector in this state is related to the presence of specific geoclimatic characteristics, such as a dry climate, low elevations (< 450m), steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The occurrence of human autochthonous cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities without these geoclimatic characteristics justifies the present study and our main goal was to test the association between the occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of the Lu. longipalpis. Sand flies were captured monthly from July 2006 to August 2007 using Shannon and CDC traps in two municipalities with records of autochthonous American visceral leishmaniasis and one with no record. We captured 13,112 sand flies, but no Lu. longipalpis was found. The absence of Lu. longipalpis and the possible role of another American visceral leishmaniasis vector in these localities were discussed.

A ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, sempre foi associada à presença do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis. A distribuição geográfica desse vetor no estado está relacionada à ocorrência de características geoclimáticas específicas, tais como clima seco, baixas altitudes, relevo acidentado e afloramentos rochosos A ocorrência de casos humanos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral americana em municípios sem essas características geoclimáticas justificou o presente estudo, com objetivo de testar a associação entre a ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana e a presença de Lu. longipalpis. Flebotomíneos foram capturados mensalmente de julho de 2006 a agosto de 2007 com uso de armadilhas de Shannon e CDC em dois municípios com registros de leishmaniose visceral americana autóctone e um sem registros. Foram capturados 13.112 flebotomíneos, mas nenhum Lu. longipalpis foi encontrado. A ausência de Lu. longipalpis e a possível participação de outro vetor de leishmaniose visceral americana nessas localidades foram discutidas.

Use of geoprocessing to define malaria risk areas and evaluation of the vectorial importance of anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

In Brazil, introduced malaria occurs from the flat to the sloping hot areas, predominantly outside the Amazon Region, where endemic malaria has occurred in the past. This is a consequence of human migrations to other Brazilian states, including the state of Espírito Santo (ES). The objective of this study was to use geoprocessing to define the areas at risk of introduced malaria transmission and evaluate the vectorial importance of species of anophelines in ES. Anophelines were sampled from 1997-2005 in 297 rural localities identified or not identified as foci of malaria during the last 20 years. The geoclimatic variables temperature, relief and marine influence were obtained from a database of the ES Natural Units. The 14,663 anophelines captured belonged to 22 species. A significant association was found between the occurrence of malaria foci and the presence of hot, low-lying areas or gently undulating to undulating relief. The occurrence of the disease was associated with the presence of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles aquasalis. Geoprocessing was determined to be a useful tool for defining areas at risk for malaria and vectors in ES.

Description of Evandromyia grimaldii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new phlebotomine species from the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil.

Phlebotomine sand flies present great species diversity, especially in Brazil, where there are about 300 known species. This work describes a new species of sand fly found in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, in the Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, municipality of Cariacica. Spermathecae with superficial striations and the common duct longer than the genital fork permit the inclusion of the new species in the subgenus Evandromyia s. str., series rupicola. The new species resemble Ev. rupicola from which it may be distinguished by the aspects of the spermatheca and the length of the genital filament of the male, longer in the new species.

Use of geoprocessing to define malaria risk areas and evaluation of the vectorial importance of anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil

In Brazil, introduced malaria occurs from the flat to the sloping hot areas, predominantly outside the Amazon Region, where endemic malaria has occurred in the past. This is a consequence of human migrations to other Brazilian states, including the state of Espírito Santo (ES). The objective of this study was to use geoprocessing to define the areas at risk of introduced malaria transmission and evaluate the vectorial importance of species of anophelines in ES. Anophelines were sampled from 1997-2005 in 297 rural localities identified or not identified as foci of malaria during the last 20 years. The geoclimatic variables temperature, relief and marine influence were obtained from a database of the ES Natural Units. The 14,663 anophelines captured belonged to 22 species. A significant association was found between the occurrence of malaria foci and the presence of hot, low-lying areas or gently undulating to undulating relief. The occurrence of the disease was associated with the presence of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles aquasalis. Geoprocessing was determined to be a useful tool for defining areas at risk for malaria and vectors in ES.

Description of Evandromyia grimaldii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new phlebotomine species from the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil

Phlebotomine sand flies present great species diversity, especially in Brazil, where there are about 300 known species. This work describes a new species of sand fly found in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, in the Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, municipality of Cariacica. Spermathecae with superficial striations and the common duct longer than the genital fork permit the inclusion of the new species in the subgenus Evandromyia s. str., series rupicola. The new species resemble Ev. rupicola from which it may be distinguished by the aspects of the spermatheca and the length of the genital filament of the male, longer in the new species.

Description of two new species of Sycorax Curtis (Diptera, Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Descrição de duas espécies novas de Sycorax Curtis (Diptera, Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) da Mata Atlântica do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Two new species of Sycorax Curtis from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Espírito Santo, S. cariacicaensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov. and S. espiritosantensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov., are described and illustrated.

Duas espécies novas de Sycorax Curtis da Floresta Atlântica do Espírito Santo, S. cariacicaensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov. e S. espiritosantensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov., são descritas e desenhadas.

Efeitos da implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Rosal, Rio Itabapoana, Estados do Espírito Santo e Rio de Janeiro, sobre anofelinos, planorbídeos e flebotomíneos / Effects of the installation of the Rosal hydroelectric power station, Itabapoana River, States of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, on anophelinae, planorbidae and phlebotominae

A construção de represas geralmente causa modificações na composição da fauna em sua área de influência. Na área de implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Rosal, Estados do Espírito Santo e Rio de Janeiro, foram avaliadas modificações na abundância de anofelinos, planorbídeos e flebotomíneos antes (1998-2000) e após (2000-2005) o represamento. Foram definidos nove pontos de coleta, cada qual representado por uma moradia e seus anexos, abrigos de animais domésticos e coleções hídricas num raio de 150m. Coletaram-se 103 anofelinos adultos antes do represamento e 313 depois, 200 imaturos antes e 708 depois, 868 planorbídeos antes e 486 depois, e 2.979 flebotomíneos antes e 912 depois. O registro de vetores dentre anofelinos, planorbídeos e flebotomíneos revela o potencial da área para transmissão de malária, esquistossomose e leishmaniose tegumentar. As transformações ambientais ocorridas, no entanto, não aumentaram o risco para ocorrência dessas doenças.

The construction of dams usually changes the composition of the fauna within their areas of influence. In the area where the Rosal hydroelectric power station has been installed, in the States of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, changes to the abundance of anophelinae, planorbidae and phlebotominae were evaluated before (1998-2000) and after (2000-2005) the damming. Nine sample collection points were defined, each represented by a home and its outbuildings, shelters for domestic animals and water collection points within a radius of 150m. One hundred and three adult anophelinae were collected before the damming and 313 afterwards; 200 immature anophelinae before and 708 afterwards; 868 planorbidae before and 486 afterwards; and 2,979 phlebotominae before and 912 afterwards. The vector record, consisting of anophelinae, planorbidae and phlebotominae, shows the potential of this area for transmission of malaria, schistosomiasis and American cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the environmental changes did not increase the risk of the occurrence of these diseases.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis transmission area in northern Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is endemic to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil, where it is widely distributed. The composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis focus was determined by monthly sampling, using Shannon light traps in an Atlantic Forest reserve and adjacent habitat that had been modified by human activity. Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of the most abundant species were also monitored from June 2004 to May 2006. Of the 6,176 specimens collected, 47.4% were captured in the forest and 52.6% in the disturbed habitat. Although Lutzomyia davisi (60.8%) predominated in specimens from the forest, those captured near human dwellings consisted almost entirely of Lu. choti (72%) and Lu. intermedia (24.3%). All three species occurred throughout the year. Based on our findings, Lu. intermedia probably acts as the principal domestic Leishmania vector in the study area.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis transmission area in northern Espírito Santo State, Brazil / Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae) em área de transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no norte do Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is endemic to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil, where it is widely distributed. The composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis focus was determined by monthly sampling, using Shannon light traps in an Atlantic Forest reserve and adjacent habitat that had been modified by human activity. Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of the most abundant species were also monitored from June 2004 to May 2006. Of the 6,176 specimens collected, 47.4 percent were captured in the forest and 52.6 percent in the disturbed habitat. Although Lutzomyia davisi (60.8 percent) predominated in specimens from the forest, those captured near human dwellings consisted almost entirely of Lu. choti (72 percent) and Lu. intermedia (24.3 percent). All three species occurred throughout the year. Based on our findings, Lu. intermedia probably acts as the principal domestic Leishmania vector in the study area.

A leishmaniose tegumentar americana é endêmica e amplamente distribuída no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Com o objetivo de avaliar a composição da fauna de flebotomíneos e verificar a flutuação sazonal, foram realizadas capturas mensais com armadilhas Shannon modificadas em reserva florestal de Mata Atlântica (Reserva Biológica de Sooretama) e ambiente antrópico adjacente, no período de junho de 2004 a maio de 2006. Foram capturados 6.176 espécimes, dos quais 47,4 por cento ocorreram no ambiente florestal e 52,6 por cento, no ambiente antrópico. Lutzomyia davisi (60,8 por cento) predominou no ambiente florestal e Lu. choti (72 por cento) seguida de Lu. intermedia (24,3 por cento) predominaram no ambiente antrópico. As três espécies ocorreram ao longo de todo o ano. Os dados indicam que Lu. intermedia provavelmente atue como principal vetor domiciliar de Leishmania na área de estudo.

Primeiro registro de Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (Young & Porter) e de Trichopygomyia longispina (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae) no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil / First Record of Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (Young & Porter) and Trichopygomyia longispina (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Os flebotomíneos Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (Young & Porter) (Diptera: Psychodidae) e Trichopygomyia longispina (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae) são registrados pela primeira vez no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil.

The phlebotomine sand flies Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (Young & Porter) (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Trichopygomyia longispina (Mangabeira) (Diptera: Psychodidae) are recorded in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil for the first time.