The Immatures of Culicoides trilineatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Potential Vector of the Bluetongue Virus.

The fourth instar larva and pupa of Culicoides trilineatus Fox (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), a species considered as potential vector of the bluetongue virus in Central and South America, are described, illustrated, and photomicrographed for the first time by using binocular, phase-contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. The immatures were collected by using a siphon bottle in tree holes in Salta Province, Argentina, transported to the laboratory, and there reared to the adult's emergence. They are compared with the immatures of Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), another Neotropical species that develops in tree holes. Details on larval biology and habitat are given.

Description of the Pupa of Culicoides crucifer Clastrier (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).

The pupa of Culicoides crucifer Clastrier is described, illustrated and photomicrographed by using binocular microscope and phase-contrast microscopy from material collected in an artificial container in Manaus, Brazil. The pupa shows features typical of pupae occurring in calm and clean waters, and it is compared with its similar congeners of the subgenus Haematomyiidium, Culicoides annuliductus Wirth and Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz.

Species diversity and seasonal abundance of Culicoides biting midges in northwestern Argentina.

The species diversity and seasonal abundance of biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were studied in northwestern Argentina during the period 2003-2005. A total of 5437 Culicoides specimens were collected using CDC light traps in three areas of the mountainous rainforest area. The most common species were Culicoides paraensis (Goeldi) and C. insignis Lutz, Culicoides lahillei (Iches), C. venezuelensis Ortiz & Mirsa, C. debilipalpis Lutz and C. crescentis Wirth & Blanton were also collected. Culicoides paraensis was abundant during the summer, and C. insignis and C. lahillei during late summer and early fall. Accumulated rainfall was the climatic variable most related to fluctuation in abundance of C. paraensis.

[Lutzomyia longipalpis and Leishmaniasis visceral in Argentina]. / Presencia de Lutzomyia longipalpis y situación de la leishmaniosis visceral en Argentina.

Lutzomyia longipalpis is reported for the second time after 50 years in Misiones Province, Argentina. This insect is the vector of Leishmania (L.) chagasi, visceral leishmaniasis' parasite. The literature concerning the 16 visceral leishmaniasis cases in the country is reviewed. The cases were reported from Salta, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero and Chaco Provinces. Based on the clinical and entomo-epidemiological data two alternative hypotheses were evaluated: a) visceral leishmaniasis in Argentina is due to the visceralization of L. (V.) braziliensis or their variants, b) L (L.) chagasi remains in enzootic foci where the human contact is very unusual. Recommendations concerning the management of new cases have been made in order to confirm either one or both hypotheses. In consequence, the appropriate diagnosis and therapy could be arrived at according to the parasite actual identity, and the risk of outbreaks and mitigation measures could be estimated.

Presencia de Lutzomyia longipalpis y situación de la leishmaniosis visceral en Argentina. / [Lutzomyia longipalpis and Leishmaniasis visceral in Argentina]

Lutzomyia longipalpis is reported for the second time after 50 years in Misiones Province, Argentina. This insect is the vector of Leishmania (L.) chagasi, visceral leishmaniasis parasite. The literature concerning the 16 visceral leishmaniasis cases in the country is reviewed. The cases were reported from Salta, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero and Chaco Provinces. Based on the clinical and entomo-epidemiological data two alternative hypotheses were evaluated: a) visceral leishmaniasis in Argentina is due to the visceralization of L. (V.) braziliensis or their variants, b) L (L.) chagasi remains in enzootic foci where the human contact is very unusual. Recommendations concerning the management of new cases have been made in order to confirm either one or both hypotheses. In consequence, the appropriate diagnosis and therapy could be arrived at according to the parasite actual identity, and the risk of outbreaks and mitigation measures could be estimated.