Flies (Insecta, Diptera) collected in the environment of dairy farms as carriers of Rotavirus A and betacoronavirus.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus and coronavirus in dipterans that commonly inhabit the environment of dairy farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected 217 insect specimens from nine dairy farms, which were examined through hemi-nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing in search of VP1 and N genes for rotavirus and bovine coronavirus-BCoV, respectively. With a predominance of Muscidae (152/217 = 70%) 11 families of Diptera were identified. Rotavirus A (RVA) and betacoronavirus (BCoV) were detected in 14.7% (32/217) and 4.6% (10/217) of the dipterans, respectively. Sequencing of the amplicons was possible for 11.5% (25/217) of RVA and 0.5% (1/217) of BCoV, confirming the presence of these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of dipterans as carriers of RVA and BCoV of great relevance for public and animal health.

Interactive Key for Third Instar Larvae of Neotropical Blow Flies (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae): the Contribution of Computational Tools to Assist in Species Identification.

Calliphoridae (Insecta, Diptera), popularly known as blow flies or carrion flies, as most are necrophagous comprises one of the most relevant families of insects on forensics. Currently, more than 1500 blow fly species are known, the majority of which can be found in the Old World. In the Neotropics, it is estimated that there are approximately 20 species of forensic importance. In view of the taxonomic impediment associated with the identification of immatures, in this study, we present an interactive identification key for third instar larvae of necrophagous Calliphoridae species. This key includes 12 Neotropical blow fly species of forensic importance, more than 70 pictures, schemes, and definitions glossary and is free to access.

Oxysarcodexia Townsend, 1917 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)-a centennial conspectus.

A taxonomic conspectus is presented for the genus Oxysarcodexia Townsend, 1917, which is one of the most species-rich genera of New World flesh flies. It has its center of diversity in the Neotropical Region, with some species reaching into the Nearctic and a few species introduced to the Australasian and Oceanian Regions. Species within this genus are primarily dung-breeders, but some species have also been bred from vertebrate carcasses. Oxysarcodexia is defined and diagnosed, and a diagnosis, distributional data and known biological data are provided for each species together with figures of the habitus and male terminalia. Oxysarcodexia currently comprises 91 valid species, including six species newly described herein: O. alectoris sp. n. (French Guiana), O. angulosa sp. n. (Costa Rica), O. ariozanoi sp. n. (Brazil), O. graminifolia sp. n. (Colombia and Ecuador), O. maiae sp. n. (Ecuador), and O. rimata sp. n. (Ecuador). Two nominal species based on a male holotype, Oxysarcodexia bomplandi (Hall, 1937) and O subsericans (Walker, 1858), were left unidentified pending examination of their terminalia. Four nominal species, O. aureiceps (Macquart, 1855), O. dorisae Dodge, 1965, O. flavifrons (Macquart, 1846) and O. neivae Mattos, 1919, all described solely based on females, are considered of uncertain status pending a comprehensive study of females of this genus. Asioboettcheria Verves, 2001 is proposed as a junior synonym of Oxysarcodexia Townsend, 1917, syn. n., Oxysarcodexia cuernavaca Dodge, 1966 is proposed as a junior synonym of O. ventricosa (Wulp, 1895), syn. n., and Stackelbergeola papei Nandi, 1994 is proposed as a junior synonym of O. thornax (Walker, 1849), syn. n. A lectotype is designated for Sarcophaga varia Walker, 1836 [= O. varia (Walker, 1836)]. The newly-described O. ariozanoi and O. maiae are included in the "xon group" (former "Xarcophaga group"). New country-level distributional records are provided for O. adunca Lopes, 1975 (Ecuador), O. berlai Lopes, 1975 (Peru), O. cocais Carvalho-Filho, Sousa Esposito, 2017 (Argentina), O. insolita Lopes, 1946 (Ecuador), O. jamesi Dodge, 1968 (Costa Rica), O. marina (Hall, 1938) (Brazil), O. nitida Soares Mello-Patiu, 2010 (Ecuador), O. notata Soares Mello-Patiu, 2010 (Brazil and Ecuador), and O. terminalis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Paraguay).

Evaluation of conventional therapeutic methods versus maggot therapy in the evolution of healing of tegumental injuries in Wistar rats with and without diabetes mellitus.

Larval therapy consists on the application of sterilized carrion flies larvae, reared in laboratory, on acute, chronic, and/or infected wounds in order to promote healing. Conventional methods for treating injuries include mechanical debridement or silver-based dressings; however, they are not always effective for wound healing. Larval therapy is a feasible and safe treatment for therapeutic application and, in many cases, the only and the most recommended alternative for difficult healing injuries. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the competence of Cochliomyia macellaria F. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as a suitable species for therapeutic application and evaluate time and effectiveness of the types of treatments most commonly used to treat integumental injuries. C. macellaria eggs were obtained from colonies established in laboratory and sterilized prior to application. Twenty-five larvae were applied for each centimeter squared of lesion. Lesions were induced in 24 Wistar rats; type 1 diabetes mellitus was induced in 12 of them. Animals were divided in four groups with three individuals each, being denominated: larval therapy, larval therapy associated with foam dressing with silver release, mechanical debridement with foam dressing silver and control group, without treatment. All treatments were applied once and held for 24 h. Medical application of larvae was found to be safe, as only dead tissue was removed, and efficient to accelerate healing process when compared to other treatments.

The effect of temperature on development of Sarconesia chlorogaster, a blowfly of forensic importance.

PURPOSE: The blowfly Sarconesia chlorogaster (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is of limited forensic use in South America, due to the poorly known relationship between development time and temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine development time of S. chlorogaster at different constant temperatures, thereby enabling the forensic use of this fly. METHODS: Development time of this species was examined by observing larval development at six temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 °C). The thermal constant (K), the minimum development threshold (t 0), and development rate were calculated using linear regressions of the development time interval at five temperatures (10-30 °C). RESULTS: Development interval from egg to adult varied from 14.2 to 95.2 days, depending on temperature. The t0 calculated for total immature development is 6.33 °C and the overall thermal constant is 355.51 degree-days (DD). Temperature affected the viability of pupae, at 35 °C 100 % mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Understanding development rate across these temperatures now makes development of S. chlorogaster a forensically useful tool for estimating postmortem interval.

Schistosomiasis in Southern Brazil 17 years after the confirmation of the first autochthonous case.

INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, is an important public health issue in Brazil, particularly Northern Brazil. Since the first recorded occurrence of Biomphalaria glabrata in the States of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, it has spread to South Brazil. METHODS: Using the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), we assessed the disease spread in Southern Brazil. RESULTS: In Rio Grande do Sul, nine localities had confirmed cases (n = 95, 2001-2013). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed disease expansion to Southern Brazil. We demonstrated the effectiveness of SINAN to monitor notifiable diseases. Our results are useful to develop preventive actions for schistosomiasis control.

Evaluation of larval density Cochliomyia macellaria F. (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for therapeutic use in the recovery of tegumentar injuries.

Larval therapy (LT) is the application of carrion flies (Diptera) sterile larvae on chronic or infected wounds to promote or accelerate the healing process. High cost and the development of resistance by certain groups of pathogenic bacteria to these drugs encouraged the resurgence of LT, currently used in approximately 20 countries and more recently in Brazil. This study evaluated the behavior and larval density of Cochliomyia macellaria F. (Calliphoridae), one of the most appropriate species for debridement of injuries with necrotic tissue. Tegumentar lesions were induced in Wistar rats by subcutaneously application of 0.2 ml of a 1:4 hydrochloric acid and sterile distilled water in the dorsal region. Five experimental groups were set up: (LT 5) treatment with 5 larvae/cm(2); (LT 15) 15 larvae/cm(2); (LT 25) 25 larvae/cm(2); (DEB) mechanical debridement, and (NUL) animals that did not receive any treatment. In the LT groups, larvae used were sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and maintained for 12 h in the lesions. The healing process was assessed qualitatively (macroscopically and microscopically) and quantitatively (time interval to complete healing). It was observed that the immature fed only on necrotic tissue, thus C. macellaria is an excellent candidate for use in LT. There was no significant difference in healing time between experimental groups. However, it was observed that in LT 25, there was greater vascularization in tissues when compared to the other treatments. The mechanisms involved in this process are unknown, but it is evident that the larvae have an important role in modulating the host immune response. It is essential that future applications of larval therapy consider using a higher density of larvae (minimum of 25 larvae/cm(2)) than is currently recommended.

Histological patterns in healing chronic wounds using Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae and other therapeutic measures.

The healing process occurs due to the interaction of cellular, molecular, and biochemical events. Regarding lesions difficult to heal, especially in immunocompromised patients, monitoring and intervention to promote healing is a constant focus of research. Another aggravating factor is the increase in the number of reported cases of microbial resistance, indicating that various dressings and drugs have been increasingly inefficient. Larval therapy (LT) involves the application of sterile fly larvae on chronic and/or infected wounds, and it is an area emerging as an alternative therapy. Before the 1940s, the LT was widely used, but fell into disuse after the appearance of antibiotics. High cost and the development of resistance by certain groups of pathogenic bacteria to these drugs encouraged the resurgence of LT, currently used in approximately 20 countries and more recently in Brazil. However, many mechanisms of action of the larvae in this system remain poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate histopathological findings and to evaluate possible mechanisms of action of dipteran larvae during tissue repair. Lesions were induced in 24 male Wistar rats, to evaluate the effect of the type of treatment applied. The animals were divided into four groups: larval therapy (LT), LT associated with foam dressing with silver release (LTSIL), mechanical debridement and silver foam dressing (DEBSIL), and no treatment (CONT). Skin samples were collected for histopathological analysis. In LT, inflammatory response and angiogenesis were abundant; in LTSIL, inflammatory response with neutrophil infiltration was observed; in DEBSIL, scarce inflammatory response, small numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes, and bacterial colonization in depth; and in CONT, there was bacterial colonization in deeper tissues. The observed histological events show that the larvae had an important role in promoting the inflammatory response in the wound bed, drawing the essential immune cells for tissue reconstruction, and contributing to the inhibition of bacterial growth. However, more studies on the larval-host interactions are required for increasing the application of LT in the hospital routine.

Rates of development of immatures of three species of Chrysomya (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared in different types of animal tissues: implications for estimating the postmortem interval.

Blowflies have major medical and sanitary importance because they can be vectors of viruses, bacteria, and helminths and are also causative agents of myiasis. Also, these flies, especially those belonging to the genus Chrysomya, are among the first insects to arrive at carcasses and are therefore valuable in providing data for the estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). The PMImin can be calculated by assessing the weight, length, or development stage of blowfly larvae. Lack of information on the variables that might affect these parameters in different fly species can generate inaccuracies in estimating the PMImin. This study evaluated the effects of different types of bovine tissues (the liver, muscle, tongue, and stomach) and chicken heart on the development rates of larvae of Chrysomya albiceps Wiedemann, Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius, and Chrysomya putoria Wiedemann (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The efficiency of each rearing substrate was assessed by maggot weight gain (mg), larval development time (h), larval and pupal survival (%), and emergence interval (h). The development rates of larvae of all blowfly species studied here were directly influenced by the type of food substrate. Tissues that have high contents of protein and fat (muscle and heart) allowed the highest larval weight gain. For bovine liver, all Chrysomya species showed slower growth, by as much as 48 h, compared to the other tissues. Different rates of development are probably associated with specific energy requirements of calliphorids and the nutritional composition of each type of food.

Developmental rate of immatures of two fly species of forensic importance: Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis and Microcerella halli (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

Since insect species are poikilothermic organisms, they generally exhibit different growth patterns depending on the temperature at which they develop. This factor is important in forensic entomology, especially for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) when it is based on the developmental time of the insects reared in decomposing bodies. This study aimed to estimate the rates of development, viability, and survival of immatures of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius 1794) and Microcerella halli (Engel 1931) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) reared in different temperatures: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ± 1 °C. Bovine raw ground meat was offered as food for all experimental groups, each consisting of four replicates, in the proportion of 2 g/larva. To measure the evolution of growth, ten specimens of each group were randomly chosen and weighed every 12 h, from initial feeding larva to pupae, and then discarded. Considering the records of weight gain, survival rates, and stability of growth rates, the range of optimum temperature for the development of S. (L.) ruficornis is between 20 and 35 °C, and that of M. halli is between 20 and 25 °C. For both species, the longest times of development were in the lowest temperatures. The survival rate at extreme temperatures (10 and 35 °C) was lower in both species. Biological data such as the ones obtained in this study are of great importance to achieve a more accurate estimate of the PMI.

Record of oral myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae): case evidencing negligence in the treatment of incapable.

Cases of myiasis in man associated with preexisting lesions are quite common. However, in the forensic field, certain behavioral habits related to insects may be useful to ratify mistreatment. This is a register of a case of oral myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), an obligate parasite of warm-blooded animals, in a 95-year-old man with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The identification of immatures removed (n = 87) was based on their morphological characteristics. Considering the developmental time and length of the maggots, it was possible to estimate an infestation of at least 143 h. Undoubtedly, the poor state of health was one of the cofactors for the infestation; however, the long time of infestation observed denotes negligence in the conduct of patient care. In terms of prophylaxis, it would be recommended that individuals who need special care must have access to more comprehensive physical examinations and periodicals, as well as hygienic conditions should be meticulously observed. Additionally, the immatures causing myiasis after being removed must be stored and forwarded for analysis, since their identification can be crucial to determine the exact time and circumstances of an infestation, and consequently its pathogenesis. If we consider the aggressiveness of C. hominivorax, a fast and reliable diagnosis becomes even more important for an adequate treatment. Finally, it is expected that this study encourages the health care professionals to improve the treatment of incapable patients.

Bait and habitat preferences, and temporal variability of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) attracted to vertebrate carrion.

In addition to feeding on carrion tissues and fluids, social wasps can also prey on immature and adult carrion flies, thereby reducing their populations and retarding the decomposition process of carcasses. In this study, we report on the occurrence and behavior of social wasps attracted to vertebrate carrion. The collections were made monthly from September 2006 to October 2007 in three environments (rural, urban, and forest) in six municipalities of southeast Brazil, using baited bottle traps. We collected Agelaia pallipes (Olivier, 1791) (n = 143), Agelaia vicina (Saussure, 1854) (n = 106), Agelaia multipicta (Haliday, 1836) (n = 18), and Polybia paulista Ihering, 1896 (n = 3). The wasps were observed feeding directly on the baits and preying on adult insects collected in the traps. Bait and habitat associations, temporal variability of social wasps, and possible forensic implications of their actions are discussed.

[The role of insects (Blattodea, Diptera, and Hymenoptera) as possible mechanical vectors of helminths in the domiciliary and peridomiciliary environment]. / O papel de insetos (Blattodea, Diptera e Hymenoptera) como possíveis vetores mecânicos de helmintos em ambiente domiciliar e peridomiciliar.

Helminths can be transmitted to human beings in several ways, but little attention has been given to vector or mechanical transmission of infective forms by insects. The present study surveys the helminth species present in three orders of insects that coexist in proximity with the human environment. A total of 700 insects (54 Blattodea, 275 Diptera, and 371 Hymenoptera) were collected and examined externally and individually. In the Blattodea order, only specimens of Periplaneta americana were collected, and 58.3% were carrying the following helminth forms: Oxyuridae eggs (36.4%), Ascaridae eggs (28.04%), Nematoda larvae (4.8%), Cestoda eggs (3.5%), other Nematoda (0.08%), and Toxocaridae eggs (0.08%). No Diptera and Hymenoptera were found to contain parasitic forms. This study evaluates the importance and role of insects as mechanical vectors of helminth parasites, correlated with social and environmental conditions, and suggests the use of these data for preventive purposes.

O papel de insetos (Blattodea, Diptera e Hymenoptera) como possíveis vetores mecânicos de helmintos em ambiente domiciliar e peridomiciliar / The role of insects (Blattodea, Diptera, and Hymenoptera) as possible mechanical vectors of helminths in the domiciliary and peridomiciliary environment

Os helmintos podem ser transmitidos ao homem de várias maneiras, mas pouca ênfase é dada para a transmissão vetorial ou mecânica das formas infectantes por insetos. Neste estudo, procurou-se fazer um levantamento das espécies de helmintos presentes em três ordens de insetos que convivem próximo ao ambiente humano. Foram coletados e examinados, externa e individualmente, 700 exemplares sendo 54 pertencentes à ordem Blattodea, 275 à ordem Diptera e 371 à ordem Hymenoptera. Com relação à Blattodea, foi capturada apenas a espécie Periplaneta americana e, em 58,3 por cento dos espécimes, as seguintes formas de helmintos foram encontradas: ovos de Oxyuridae (36,40 por cento), ovos de Ascaridae (28,04 por cento), larvas de Nematoda (4,80 por cento), ovos de Cestoda (3,50 por cento), Nematoda (0,08 por cento) e ovos de Toxocaridae (0,08 por cento). Nos exemplares das ordens Diptera e Hymenoptera, não foi observada qualquer forma de parasita. Este estudo possibilitou avaliar a importância e o papel de insetos como vetores de helmintos parasitas, correlacionando-o às condições ambientais e sociais, sugerindo a aplicação destes dados para medidas profiláticas.

Brachylaima mazzantti trematoda first record in zenaida auriculata aves columbidae

Veintitres ejemplares de zenaida auriculata Des Murs, 1847 fueron capturados en el municipio de Junqueirópolis en la región oeste del estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. Brachylaima mazzantii (Travassos, 1927) Dollfus, 1935 fue encontrado parasitando a uno de los ejemplares examinados. Este es el primer registro de este tremátodo en palomas del género zenaida

Levantamento da incidência de enteroparasitos na populaçäo de Paulínia no ano de 1995 / Research on the incidence of enteroparasites in the Paulínia population on 1995

Foram analisados, sob o ponto de vista epidemiológico, 10.348 resultados de exames parasitológicos de fezes levantados junto ao Hospital Municipal de Paulínia (H.M.P.), referentes ao próprio H.M.P. e às regiöes de abrangência das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (U.B.S.) Central, Monte Alegre, Jardim Planalto e Joäo Aranha, do município de Paulínia - SP. Os dados da pesquisa foram obtidos através de levantamento nos livros de registro e pesquisa direta na populaçäo (entrevistas). Com a aquisiçäo de tais informaçöes, foi possível verificar os tipos de enteroparasitos existentes na regiäo, assim como sua incidência em relaçäo a sexo, idade e local de residência, visando a melhoria da qualidade de saúde dessa populaçäo.