On the use of classic epidemiological formulae for estimating the intensity of endemic malaria transmission by vectors in the Amazon.

Although various reports have described entomological inoculation rates of malaria vector species, most were limited to providing descriptive field data. Here, we report biting rates and survival data for two important malaria vectors in the Amazon, Anopheles darlingi (Root) and Anopheles albitarsis E (Lynch-Arribalzaga) (Diptera: Culicidae), in the state of Roraima, Brazil. We calculated theoretical sporozoite infection rates and critical vector biting rates for these species during 1 year, comprising six bimestrial collections. Anopheles darlingi had higher sporozoite rates and lower critical biting rates, indicating that it would be the more efficient vector at the beginning of epidemic malaria transmission. Our data, together with compiled information from the literature in the Amazon, suggest that epidemic malaria transmission may be initiated by the primary vector, such as A. darlingi, while secondary vectors, such as A. albitarsis E, may only become epidemiologically important when there is an increase in the prevalence of human malaria. We propose that mathematical modeling may be able to quantify the relative importance of secondary vector species in malaria epidemiology.

Spatial clustering and longitudinal variation of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae in a river of the Amazon: the importance of the forest fringe and of obstructions to flow in frontier malaria.

Deforestation has been linked to a rise in malaria prevalence. In this paper, we studied longitudinally 20 spots, including forested and deforested portions of a temporary river in a malarigenous frontier zone. Larval habitat parameters influencing distribution of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae were studied. We observed that larvae were clustered in forested-deforested transitions. For the first time in the literature, it was verified that parameters determining larval distribution varied from deforested to forested areas. The proximity to human dwellings was also a significant factor determining distribution, but larvae was most importantly associated with a previously undescribed parameter, the presence of small obstructions to river flow, such as tree trunks within the river channel, which caused pooling of water during the dry season ('microdams'). In deforested areas, the most important factor determining distribution of larvae was shade (reduced luminance). Larvae were absent in the entire studied area during the wet season and present in most sites during the dry season. During the wet-dry transition, larvae were found sooner in areas with microdams, than in other areas, suggesting that flow obstruction prolongs the breeding season of An. darlingi. Adult mosquito densities and malaria incidence were higher during the dry season. Our data correlate well with the published literature, including the distribution of malaria cases near the forest fringes, and has permitted the creation of a model of An. darlingi breeding, where preference for sites with reduced luminance, human presence and microdams would interact to determine larval distribution.

Cellulose acetate as solid phase in ELISA for plague

Antigen from Yersinia pestis was adsorbed on cellulose acetate discs (0.5 cm of diameter) which were obtained from dialysis membrane by using a paper punch. ELISA for human plague diagnosis was carried out employing this matrix and was capable to detect amount of 1.3 µg of antigen, 3,200 times diluted positive serum using human anti-IgG conjugate diluted 1:4,000. No relevant antigen lixiviation from the cellulose acetate was observed even after washing the discs 15 times. The discs were impregnated by the coloured products from the ELISA development allowing its use in dot-ELISA. Furthermore, cellulose acetate showed a better performance than the conventional PVC plates.