Laboratório de Entomologia Médica

As atividades do Laboratório de Entomologia Médica tiveram forte repercussão a partir de 1930 devido às estratégias de investigação em identificação da distribuição de espécies anofelinas e bionomia do vetor na elaboração de métodos de intervenção eficazes para o controle da malária, endêmica no período. Posteriormente, quando a doença se tornou focal buscaram-se estratégias preventivas, com coletas em áreas de grandes represas, abordagem que perdurou até os dias atuais como linha investigativa do laboratório...

New Records of Mosquitoes Carrying Dermatobia hominis Eggs in the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

We found 4 species of mosquitoes bearing eggs of the human botfly, Dermatobia hominis, in the Reserva Municipal de Trabiju, Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The mosquitoes were simultaneously collected in landing–biting catches by 2 collectors. From a total of 6,902 specimens collected from January through April 2010, the 15 females carrying D. hominis eggs belonged to Aedes scapularis, Limatus durhamii, Onirion personatum, and Wyeomyia confusa. The first 3 species are new reports of phoresy among mosquitoes and the human botfly...

Malaria Transmission Associated with Airplane Travel.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria was diagnosed in 3 patients in Sã o Paulo during a 5 day period between August 31, and September 4, 1996, at a time and place where malaria transmission does not occur. After investigation of the 3 cases it was determined that the infections were acquired as a result of an international airplane flight from Lebanon to São Paulo on August 16, which included a 30 minute stop-over in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa. During the epidemiological evaluation, it was found that each of the 3 patients had been seated in the first class cabin. Entomological investigation at the airport revealed the presence of 4 specimens of Anopheles gambiae in airplanes (3 in the first class cabin and 1 in the luggage compartment) used on this route. The species of mosquito identified is predominant in Africa. Two of the patients were seriously ill, but all recovered after treatment with either mefloquine (1 patient) or artesunate (2 patients). A survey of other passengers on the same flight or on similar Aights did not reveal any other eases of malaria. Malaria was not considered during initial evaluation by the attending physicians at the three different hospitals where the patients were admitted. These cases reveal the existence of vector borne disease transmission during airplane travel, and emphasize the importance of obtaining a travel history during the evaluation of an ill patient. In addition, the cases reinforce the need for vigilance in the control of vectors of disease around seaports, airports and hospitals.