First report of colonization by Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil / Primeiro relato de colonização por Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract We report the first known occurrence of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2018, adult specimens were sent by residents to the competent authorities and, in the inspection of the property, a large focus associated with a marsupial nest was found. This finding reinforces the importance of the species in the state of São Paulo, serves as an alert for epidemiological surveillance and extends the species colonization area in the state of São Paulo.

Resumo Relatamos a primeira ocorrência de Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil. Em 2018, espécimes adultos foram enviados por residentes e a pesquisa na propriedade constatou a presença de um grande foco associado a um ninho marsupial. Este achado reforça a importância da espécie no estado de São Paulo, serve de alerta para a vigilância epidemiológica e amplia a área de colonização da espécie no estado de São Paulo.

Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus (Champion, 1899) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Rondônia, Brazil: A novel report

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This short communication presents a novel report on the occurrence of Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. METHODS: Two specimens were collected inside dwellings and identified using dichotomous keys. RESULTS: The present study showed the extensive geographic distribution of P. rufotuberculatus and the increased number of species in the state of Rondônia. CONCLUSIONS: This new record of P. rufotuberculatus is important for understanding the epidemiology of Chagas disease because this species is found naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Studies on the ecology, biology, and vector-host-parasite interactions of this species are essential for surveillance programs.

First report of Microtriatoma borbai Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: would M. borbai be living in eucalyptus crops?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of Microtriatoma borbai in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is reported by the first time. METHODS: A triatomine specimen collected in a hybrid eucalyptus crop in the municipality of Aracruz, Espírito Santo state was found to be a male M. borbai. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of M. borbai from four to five Brazilian states. It is the first report of M. borbai occurrence inside a eucalyptus crop. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of M. borbai in the state of Espírito Santo broadens the geographical distribution of this species in southeastern Brazil.

Colonization by Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in an urban park in the city of São Paulo

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This communication reports on the occurrence of colonization by Panstrongylus megistus in an urban park in the municipality of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Entomological research includes active search for vectors based on notifications by the population and identification and examination of insects. RESULTS: A colony of triatomines was found to be associated with enclosed birds. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of P. megistus has already been reported in the city of São Paulo; however, reports of colonization by this species provide evidence of its potential for the occupation of artificial ecotopes, which may pose a risk to the human population.

First report of Microtriatoma borbai Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: would M. borbai be living in eucalyptus crops?

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of Microtriatoma borbai in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is reported by the first time. METHODS: A triatomine specimen collected in a hybrid eucalyptus crop in the municipality of Aracruz, Espírito Santo state was found to be a male M. borbai. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of M. borbai from four to five Brazilian states. It is the first report of M. borbai occurrence inside a eucalyptus crop. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of M. borbai in the state of Espírito Santo broadens the geographical distribution of this species in southeastern Brazil.

Confirmation of the first report of Psammolestes tertius Lent and Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study confirms the occurrence of Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: In 2002, a male specimen of P. tertius was collected in the municipality of Porto Rico, Paraná, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding adds to the data on the geographical distribution of P. tertius from 14 to 15 known occurrences in Brazilian states and, therefore, reports the increase in the diversity of triatomines in Paraná. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Paraná demonstrates that the biodiversity of these insects may have been underestimated.

Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): first report in Sergipe State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study reports the first occurrence of Psammolestes tertius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: In 2020, 95 specimens were collected from the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of the species from 15 states in Brazil to 16 and increases the biodiversity of triatomines in the state of Sergipe. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Sergipe demonstrated a wider distribution of this species in northeastern Brazil.

Pathogen-insect interaction candidate molecules for transmission-blocking control strategies of vector borne diseases / Moléculas candidatas para el control de enfermedades transmitidas por vector mediante el bloqueo de interacciones patógeno-insecto

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the current knowledge of pathogen-insect interactions amenable for the design of molecular-based control strategies of vector-borne diseases. Materials and methods: We examined malaria, dengue, and Chagas disease pathogens and insect molecules that participate in interactions during their vectors infection. Results: Pathogen molecules that participate in the insect intestine invasion and induced vector immune molecules are presented, and their inclusion in transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) and in genetically modify insect (GMI) vectors or symbiotic bacteria are discussed. Conclusion: Disruption of processes by blocking vector-pathogen interactions provides several candidates for molecular control strategies, but TBV and GMI efficacies are still limited and other secondary effects of GMI (improving transmission of other pathogens, affectation of other organisms) should be discarded.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar el conocimiento actual de las interacciones patógeno-insecto susceptibles a incluirse en el diseño de estrategias moleculares para el control de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores. Material y métodos: Se examinaron los agentes causales de la malaria, el dengue y la enfermedad de Chagas, y las moléculas de insectos que participan en interacciones durante la infección de sus vectores. Resultados: Se presentan moléculas de patógenos que participan en la invasión del intestino del insecto y moléculas inmunes inducidas en los vectores. Se discute su inclusión en vacunas bloqueadoras de transmisión (VBT) y en la modificación genética de vectores (MGI) o de sus bacterias simbióticas. Conclusión: La interrupción de procesos mediante el bloqueo de las interacciones patógeno-vector proporciona varios candidatos para las estrategias de control molecular, pero la eficacia de VBT y MGI es aún limitada y los efectos secundarios de MGI (aumento de la transmisión de otros patógenos y afectación de otros organismos) deben descartase.

Species of the subfamily Triatominae Jeannel, 1919 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) present in the Collection of Chagas Disease Vectors (FIOCRUZ-COLVEC), State of Minas Gerais

Introduction Biological collections are depositories of information on different species and contribute to the knowledge, protection, conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Methods A list of triatomine species currently included in the Collection of Chagas Disease Vectors (FIOCRUZ-COLVEC) was prepared from the database made available by the Reference Center on Environmental Information. Results COLVEC curatorship houses 4,778 specimens of triatomines, of which 811 come from other American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States of America, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela) and 3,967 are autochthonous from Brazil. Altogether, 56 species of Chagas disease vectors are represented in the COLVEC: two species of the Tribe Cavernicolini Usinger, 1944; fifteen species of the tribe Rhodniini Pinto, 1926, of which 12 are of the genus Rhodnius and 3 are of the genus Psamolestes; and 39 species of the tribe Triatomini Jeannel, 1919, represented by the genus Dipetalogaster, two species of the genus Eratyrus, two of the genus Meccus, seven of the genus Panstrongylus and 27 of the genus Triatoma. Conclusions This list provides important data on the diversity of triatomines ...

Triatominae species of Suriname (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) and their role as vectors of Chagas disease

Nine species of Triatominae, representing three tribes and five genera, are currently known in Suriname. An annotated list of the species based on the collections of the Bureau of Public Health (Suriname), the National Zoological Collection Suriname and the National History Museum Leiden (the Netherlands) is provided. Additionally, the results of several years of opportunistic collection in two domestic environments are presented. The most common species are Rhodnius pictipes Stål, 1972, Rhodnius robustus Larrouse, 1972 and Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811). The significance of the species as vectors of Chagas disease in Suriname is discussed.

Revalidation and redescription of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma Galvão, 1956 and an identification key for the Triatoma brasiliensis complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma is revalidated based on the results of previous multidisciplinary studies on the Triatoma brasiliensis complex, consisting of crossing experiments and morphological, biological, ecological and molecular analyses. These taxonomic tools showed the closest relationship between T. b. macromelasoma and Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis. T. b. macromelasoma is redescribed based on specimens collected in the type locality and specimens from a F1 colony. The complex now comprises T. b. brasiliensis, T. b. macromelasoma, Triatoma melanica, Triatoma juazeirensis and Triatoma sherlocki. An identification key for all members of the complex is presented. This detailed comparative study of the morphological features of T. b. macromelasoma and the remaining members of the complex corroborates results from multidisciplinary analyses, suggesting that the subspecific status is applicable. This subspecies can be distinguished by the following combination of features: a pronotum with 1+1 narrow brownish-yellow stripes on the submedian carinae, not attaining its apex, hemelytra with membrane cells darkened on the central portion and legs with an incomplete brownish-yellow ring on the apical half of the femora. Because the T. brasiliensis complex is of distinct epidemiological importance throughout its geographic distribution, a precise identification of its five members is important for monitoring and controlling actions against Chagas disease transmission.

Estudo das células T reguladoras FOXP3+ na infecção experimental por Trypanosoma cruzi / Study of FOXP3 + regulatory T cells in experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Diversos estudos têm demonstrado que células T reguladoras (Treg) CD4+Foxp3+ são importantes no controle da imunidade em doenças autoimunes e infecções. Pacientes com a forma indeterminada da doença de Chagas apresentam um número elevado de células Treg circulantes comparados com pacientes que progrediram para a forma cardíaca. Entretanto, estudos utilizando a depleção por anticorpos para o marcador CD25, em modelo murino, mostraram resultados controversos sobre o papel das células Treg na infecção por T. cruzi. No presente estudo, procuramos mostrar como células CD4+FoxP3+ são afetadas na infecção aguda e, ainda, avaliamos a sua distribuição em animais tratados com a droga tripanocida benznidazol (Bz). Utilizamos um modelo experimental de infecção com a cepa Y do T. cruzi em camundongos C57BL/6 e, por citometria de fluxo, avaliamos a distribuição de células Treg no baço e no timo desses animais. Nossos dados mostram uma diminuição significativa na frequência de células Treg no baço de animais infectados, em comparação com os controles. Já no timo, verificamos o aumento da frequência destas células em relação ao grupo controle. Contudo, análise dos valores absolutos de células Treg revelou ausência de alterações numéricas tanto no baço como no timo. Estes resultados nos levaram a investigar a distribuição de subpopulações de células CD4+FoxP3+ baseada na expressão intracelular do fator de transcrição Helios, cuja presença é sugestiva de subpopulação de células Treg de origem tímica, em contraposição à sua ausência, que indica a origem por indução periférica. Nossos dados mostraram que o número de células Treg Helios+ não se altera em nenhum dos grupos na periferia, mas está diminuída no timo. Já a população Helios- encontra-se aumentada no baço de animais infectados. Utilizamos também dois protocolos de tratamento: prévio (dpi -1 ao 11) e posterior (dpi 7 ao 14). Demonstramos também que o tratamento com Bz após a primeira semana de infecção não altera os números de células Treg no baço ou timo dos animais infectados. De forma interessante, um protocolo de tratamento prévio à infecção resultou em aumento das subpopulações de células Treg no baço, mas sem alteração no timo. Nossos dados indicam que as células Treg não são afetadas de forma importante em animais infectados pelo T. cruzi, sugerindo que essas células sejam resistentes aos mecanismos indutores de morte celular no timo e de expansão celular no baço que são observados na fase aguda da infecção.

Simpatría de triatominos (Reduviidae) y escorpiones (Buthidae) en Cocos nucifera y Acrocomia aculeata (Aracaceae) de Anzoátegui, Venezuela / Simpatry of triatomines (Reduviidae) and scorpions (Buthidae) in Cocos nucifera and Acrocomia aculeata (Aracaceae) in Anzoátegui State, Venezuela

El hallazgo de Rhodnius prolixus y Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) con Rhopalurus laticauda (Scorpiones, Buthidae) en palmas permitió ampliar los conocimientos sobre la ecología de estos artrópodos. Para ello se estudió la presencia de ambos artrópodos en Cocos nucifera - palma de coco (n = 14) y Acrocomia aculeata - palma corozo (n = 14), de peridomicilios del municipio Bolívar, noreste del estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela. Se contabilizó, en 28 palmeras, un total de 114 ejemplares de R. laticauda, 223 de T. maculata (con 62,8% de infección con Trypanosoma cruzi) y 328 de R. prolixus (con 88,1% de infección con T. cruzi). Los resultados demostraron simpatría de ambos grupos zoológicos en los ecotopos estudiados, con mayor abundancia de T. maculata y R. prolixus en C. nucifera (P = 0,00001) y de R. laticauda en A. aculeata (P = 0,006). La presencia de triatominos infectados con T. cruzi en C. nucifera en el noreste de Anzoátegui, es de significación epidemiológica por la estrecha relación de esta palma con el hábitat antrópico, a lo cual se suma el papel similar para A. aculeata como palma de menor uso en la vivienda rural campesina. Correspondido con la simpatría de estos artrópodos, es posible que R. laticauda pueda actuar como depredador sobre los triatominos.

The finding of Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) together with Rhopalurus laticauda (Scorpiones, Buthidae) in palms enabled us to widen our knowledge of the ecology of these arthropods. The presence of these arthropods in peridomicilar Cocos nucifera - coconut palm (n = 14) and Acrocomia aculeata - grugu palm (n = 14), in Bolívar municipality, northeast Anzoátegui state, Venezuela, was studied. A total of 114 R. laticauda, 223 T. maculata (62.8% infected with Trypanosoma cruzi) and 328 R. prolixus (88.1% infected with T. cruzi) insects were counted in 28 palms. The results showed that the zoological groups were sympatric in the ecotopes studied, although T. maculata and R. prolixus were more abundant in C. nucifera (P = 0.00001) and R. laticauda in A. aculeata (P = 0.006). The presence of triatomes infected with T. cruzi in C. nucifera in northeastern Anzoátegui is epidemiologically significant due to the strong association of this palm to human habitation, as well as the role played by A. aculeata as a less used palm for rural dwellings. The sympatry of these arthropods leads us to suggest that R. laticauda could act as a predator of these triatomes.

Insecticidal activity of venomous saliva from Rhynocoris fuscipes (Reduviidae) against Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera by microinjection and oral administration

Rhynocoris fuscipes is a potential predator of many economically important pests in India. In the present study, its venomous saliva (VS) was collected by milking and diluted with HPLC grade water to different concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm). Microinjection of Rhynocoris fuscipes VS was more toxic than its oral administration in Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) and Spodoptera litura (tobacco cutworm). Thus, R. fuscipes VS was found to be toxic to third instar S. litura and H. armigera with respective LD50s of 846.35 and 861.60 ppm/larva at 96 hours after microinjection. The current results showed that VS of Rhynocoris fuscipes caused mortality of H. armigera and S. litura. Active peptides from VS may be isolated, identified and assessed for their impact in order to ascertain how they alter the physiology of these pests, information that could be applicable in pest management programs.(AU)

Comparative study of the stridulatorium sulcus, buccula and rostrum of nymphs of Triatoma klugi Carcavallo et al, Triatoma vandae Carcavallo et al and Triatoma williami Galvão et al (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Ultrastructural analysis of the ventral region of the head - rostrum, buccula and stridulatorium sulcus - of 1st, 3rd and 5th instars of Triatoma klugi Carcavallo et al, Triatoma vandae Carcavallo et al, and Triatoma williami Galvão et al, are described in here. Morphological differences in the analyzed structures for all three Triatoma species studied were detected under scanning electron microscopy, allowing their grouping by their morphological similarities. Species-specific differences at each nymphal development stage were analyzed as well.

Mortalidad por enfermedad de chagas: a propósito de los brotes de chagas agudo como enfermedad reemergente de transmisión alimentaria

Tras la ocurrencia de los primeros brotes de Chagas agudos en la capital (diciembre 2007) y Estado Vargas (marzo 2009) por trasmisión oral, se procedió a una revisión de la mortalidad por la enfermedad registrada entre 1997 y 2006, cuyos datos se analizaron de acuerdo a la edad, sexo y forma de presentación. El número absoluto de muertes sigue siendo elevado con promedio de 796 muertes anuales, de predominio en el sexo masculino, la mayoría en después de los 60 años de edad. Llama la atención que de las 18 muertes por forma aguda 5 no afectaron al corazón, mientras en la forma crónica, apenas 10 afectan al sistema digestivo y 6 otros órganos. Durante el período analizado no se registraron muertes con afección del sistema nervioso central

After the first Chagas’ acute outbreaks occurred in Caracas (December 2007) and Vargas State (March 2009) by oral transmission, we proceeded to revise the registered mortality data due to the disease between 1997 and 2006 and to analyze them by age, sex and the form of presentation. Absolute annual number of deaths still is high with an average of 796, male predominant and occurrence after 60 years of age. We should pay attention to the fact that out of the 18 acute deaths, 5 did not affect the heart, while in the chronic form, only 10 affected the digestive system and 6 affected other organs. During the analyzed time period there were no registered deaths due to nervous system compromise

Ocorrência de Panstrongylus guentheri Berg (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) no Mato Grosso do Sul / Occurrence of Panstrongylus guentheri Berg (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Relata-se a primeira ocorrência de Panstrongylus guentheri Berg no Brasil. Essa espécie, até então, havia sido observada somente na Argentina, Paraguai, Bolívia e Uruguai. Desta feita, amplia-se a distribuição geográfica desse Triatominae por meio de dois exemplares capturados nos municípios de Bodoquena e Itaporã, ambos no Mato Grosso do Sul. Esses exemplares estavam em ambiente intradomiciliar.

The first occurrence of Panstrongylus guentheri Berg in Brazil is presented. This species had been reported only in the territories of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay. We have extended the geographic distribution of this Triatominae, with two specimens captured in Bodoquena and Itaporã cities, both in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. These specimens were found in the intradomestic environment.

Conducta de picada y defecación de Mepraia spinolai en dos hospederos frecuentes en su habitat / Feedind behaviour of Mepraia spinolai in two frequent hosts from its habitat

The aim of this study was to compare the feeding and defecation behavior of wild and laboratory-reared specimens of Mepraia spinolai confronted to the rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, and the wild rodent, Octodon degus as hosts. Time variations in bite, blood ingestion and defecation were analized, including weight gain after a blood meal. Considering bite duration significant differences were found according to the origin of insect. Laboratory reared specimens spent less biting time when fed on rabbit. No differences were found in blood ingestion time nor in defecation time. Blood meal was significantly different according to origin of the insect. Wild specimens of M. spinolaifed more blood than the laboratory ones. From these results it was apparent that there are not significant differences in the bug behavior when they are confronted to these hosts, being both mammals of a similar epidemiological importance.

Se estudió la conducta de alimentación y defecación de ejemplares de Mepraia spinolai provenientes de laboratorio y terreno alimentados sobre conejo, Oryctolagus cuniculus, y sobre roedores degu, Octodon degus. Se analizaron las diferencias en el tiempo de picada (latencia de picada), tiempo de ingesta de sangre, tiempo de defecación y cantidad de sangre ingerida en condiciones de laboratorio. El análisis del tiempo de picada, mostró que hubo diferencias significativas según origen de las vinchucas; esto es que los ejemplares de laboratorio demoraron el menor tiempo en picar a los conejos de terreno con el mismo hospedero, quienes tomaron el mayor tiempo. No hubo diferencias significativas para el tiempo de ingesta de sangre ni para el tiempo de defecación. Se encontraron diferencias entre grupos al comparar la cantidad de sangre ingerida; los insectos provenientes del terreno consumieron la mayor proporción de sangre comparados con los criados en laboratorio. De acuerdo con los resultados, estos insectos son generalistas en cuanto a hospederos y por tanto ninguno de ellos demostró tener una mayor importancia en el rol epidemiológico de mantención del parásito en el ciclo silvestre de la enfermedad.