Back to Where It Was First Described: Vectors of Sylvatic Yellow Fever Transmission in the 2017 Outbreak in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Evidence of sylvatic yellow fever was first reported in Atlantic Forest areas in Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in 1931. An entomological survey was conducted in six forest sites during and after an outbreak reported ~80 years after the last case in the area. Among 10,658 mosquitoes of 78 species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, and Hg. janthinomys/capricornii were considered the main vectors as they had a relatively high abundance, co-occurred in essentially all areas, and showed high YFV infection rates. Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. soperi, Sa. identicus, Aedes aureolineatus, and Shannoniana fluviatilis may have a secondary role in transmission. This is the first report of Sa. identicus, Ae. aureolineatus, and Sh. fluviatilis infected with YFV. Our study emphasizes the importance of entomological monitoring and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in receptive areas to YFV transmission.

The rediscovery of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

Use of geoprocessing to define malaria risk areas and evaluation of the vectorial importance of anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

In Brazil, introduced malaria occurs from the flat to the sloping hot areas, predominantly outside the Amazon Region, where endemic malaria has occurred in the past. This is a consequence of human migrations to other Brazilian states, including the state of Espírito Santo (ES). The objective of this study was to use geoprocessing to define the areas at risk of introduced malaria transmission and evaluate the vectorial importance of species of anophelines in ES. Anophelines were sampled from 1997-2005 in 297 rural localities identified or not identified as foci of malaria during the last 20 years. The geoclimatic variables temperature, relief and marine influence were obtained from a database of the ES Natural Units. The 14,663 anophelines captured belonged to 22 species. A significant association was found between the occurrence of malaria foci and the presence of hot, low-lying areas or gently undulating to undulating relief. The occurrence of the disease was associated with the presence of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles aquasalis. Geoprocessing was determined to be a useful tool for defining areas at risk for malaria and vectors in ES.

Description of Evandromyia grimaldii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae), a new phlebotomine species from the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil.

Phlebotomine sand flies present great species diversity, especially in Brazil, where there are about 300 known species. This work describes a new species of sand fly found in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, in the Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, municipality of Cariacica. Spermathecae with superficial striations and the common duct longer than the genital fork permit the inclusion of the new species in the subgenus Evandromyia s. str., series rupicola. The new species resemble Ev. rupicola from which it may be distinguished by the aspects of the spermatheca and the length of the genital filament of the male, longer in the new species.

[Natural infection of Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) in Espírito Santo State]. / Infecção natural de Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) por flagelados morfologicamente semelhantes a Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) no Estado do Espírito Santo.

Adult specimens of Triatoma vitticeps are frequently captured by residents in rural areas of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. With aim of determining the natural infection rate of this species, we examined the excrement of 116 wild specimens, captured in 27 municipal districts of the state, after blood meal in chicken and spontaneous excretion. Of these, 100 (86.2%) were infected with flagellates morphologically similar to Trypanosoma cruzi. Our results showed natural infection rates of Tritoma vitticeps superior to previous studies. The low incidence of Chagas disease in the state is probably due to late excretion in this vector, given that works of alimentary specificity demonstrated the presence of Tritoma vitticeps in intradomiciliary and frequent contact with humans. The high rate of natural infection observed reinforces the need for sustained entomologic surveillance on this triatomine.

Environmental Niche Modelling of Phlebotomine Sand Flies and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Identifies Lutzomyia intermedia as the Main Vector Species in Southeastern Brazil.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by sand flies. The state of Espírito Santo (ES), an endemic area in southeast Brazil, has shown a considerably high prevalence in recent decades. Environmental niche modelling (ENM) is a useful tool for predicting potential disease risk. In this study, ENM was applied to sand fly species and CL cases in ES to identify the principal vector and risk areas of the disease. Sand flies were collected in 466 rural localities between 1997 and 2013 using active and passive capture. Insects were identified to the species level, and the localities were georeferenced. Twenty-one bioclimatic variables were selected from WorldClim. Maxent was used to construct models projecting the potential distribution for five Lutzomyia species and CL cases. ENMTools was used to overlap the species and the CL case models. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed, adopting a 5% significance level. Approximately 250,000 specimens were captured, belonging to 43 species. The area under the curve (AUC) was considered acceptable for all models. The slope was considered relevant to the construction of the models for all the species identified. The overlay test identified Lutzomyia intermedia as the main vector of CL in southeast Brazil. ENM tools enable an analysis of the association among environmental variables, vector distributions and CL cases, which can be used to support epidemiologic and entomological vigilance actions to control the expansion of CL in vulnerable areas.

The rediscovery of Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

[Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) breeding sites in native bromeliads in Vitória City, ES]. / Criadouros de Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) em bromélias nativas na Cidade de Vitória, ES.

Some insects that are vectors of human diseases have accompanied man in his migrations throughout the world and breed exclusively in the proximity of human dwellings. The mosquito Aedes aegypti has been responsible for epidemics of dengue in Brazil and its presence also constitutes a serious risk for future outbreaks of urban yellow fever. The failure of campaigns to eradicate this species justifies the search for alternative breeding sites, which may be beyond the reach of present control measures. In this study the occurrence of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in native bromeliads on rocky slopes was investigated in five areas of Vitória, capital of the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo, ES. Water contained in the bromeliads was collected with the aid of a suction apparatus to search for culicid larvae. The degree of infestation of buildings in adjacent urban areas was evaluated simultaneously. Culicid larvae were found in bromeliads in four of the five areas investigated, Aedes aegypti being present in two areas. The presence of breeding sites in bromeliads was not related to indices of infestation of buildings in adjacent areas. Further studies are necessary to define whether breeding sites in bromeliads constitute primary foci of Aedes aegypti, or are a consequence of high infestation levels in urban areas.

Breeding sites of Aedes aegypti in metropolitan vacant lots in Greater Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Aedes aegypti in breeding sites located in vacant lots (VLs) and determine the effectiveness of VL cleaning to reduce insect foci. METHODS: Two types of VLs were sampled, the experimental VL, which was cleaned monthly, and the control VL, which was not cleaned. RESULTS: Monthly cleaning of VLs reduced the abundance of immature forms of A. aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for combating this vector should include regular cleaning of VLs and educating the public regarding the risks of discarding waste in inappropriate areas.

American visceral leishmaniasis dissociated from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil has always been associated with the presence of the Lutzomyia longipalpis vector. The geographic distribution of this vector in this state is related to the presence of specific geoclimatic characteristics, such as a dry climate, low elevations (< 450 m), steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The occurrence of human autochthonous cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities without these geoclimatic characteristics justifies the present study and our main goal was to test the association between the occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of the Lu. longipalpis. Sand flies were captured monthly from July 2006 to August 2007 using Shannon and CDC traps in two municipalities with records of autochthonous American visceral leishmaniasis and one with no record. We captured 13,112 sand flies, but no Lu. longipalpis was found. The absence of Lu. longipalpis and the possible role of another American visceral leishmaniasis vector in these localities were discussed.

A new species of Nemopalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Brazil

A new species of Nemopalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Brazil. Nemopalpus parvus sp. nov. collected in the Atlantic rainforest of the state of Espírito Santo, in southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis transmission area in northern Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is endemic to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil, where it is widely distributed. The composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis focus was determined by monthly sampling, using Shannon light traps in an Atlantic Forest reserve and adjacent habitat that had been modified by human activity. Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of the most abundant species were also monitored from June 2004 to May 2006. Of the 6,176 specimens collected, 47.4% were captured in the forest and 52.6% in the disturbed habitat. Although Lutzomyia davisi (60.8%) predominated in specimens from the forest, those captured near human dwellings consisted almost entirely of Lu. choti (72%) and Lu. intermedia (24.3%). All three species occurred throughout the year. Based on our findings, Lu. intermedia probably acts as the principal domestic Leishmania vector in the study area.

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 from Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on samples collected with a Möricke trap installed on the ground at the Biological Station of Santa Lúcia, municipality of Santa Teresa, in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Males have a paramere with a spiniform prolongation on the distal surface and an aedeagus with a long posterior membranous dorsal prolongation. Females have a racket-shaped genital furca and tubular spermatheca, tapered on the apical third. This finding raises the number of Sycorax species known from Brazil to seven.

Espécie nova de Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) da Mata Atlântica, sudeste do Brasil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. é descrita e ilustrada a partir de exemplares coletados com armadilha Möricke instalada sobre o solo, na Estação Biológica de Santa Lúcia, município de Santa Teresa, estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Machos apresentam parâmero com prolongamento espiniforme na superfície distal e edeago com longo prolongamento posterior membranoso e dorsal. Fêmeas com forquilha genital em forma de raquete e espermateca tubular, afilada no terço apical. Eleva-se para sete o número de espécies de Sycorax para o Brasil.

Breeding sites of Aedes aegypti in metropolitan vacant lots in Greater Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Criadouros de Aedes aegypti em terrenos baldios na região metropolitana da Grande Vitória, Estado do Espírito Santo

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Aedes aegypti in breeding sites located in vacant lots (VLs) and determine the effectiveness of VL cleaning to reduce insect foci. METHODS: Two types of VLs were sampled, the experimental VL, which was cleaned monthly, and the control VL, which was not cleaned. RESULTS: Monthly cleaning of VLs reduced the abundance of immature forms of A. aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for combating this vector should include regular cleaning of VLs and educating the public regarding the risks of discarding waste in inappropriate areas.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de Aedes aegypti em diferentes tipos de criadouros em terrenos baldios (TBs) e os efeitos da limpeza mensal do terreno na redução dos focos do inseto. MÉTODOS: Dois tipos de TBs foram amostrados, TB experimental submetido à limpeza mensal e TB controle, sem limpeza prévia. RESULTADOS: A limpeza mensal dos TBs reduziu significativamente a abundância de formas imaturas do inseto. CONCLUSÕES: Estratégias de combate ao vetor devem incluir a limpeza de TBs e a conscientização da população sobre o risco que representa o descarte de lixo em local impróprio.

American visceral leishmaniasis dissociated from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral americana dissociada da presença de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

A ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, sempre foi associada à presença do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis. A distribui- ção geográfica desse vetor no estado está relacionada à ocorrência de características geoclimáticas específicas, tais como clima seco, baixas altitudes, relevo acidentado e afloramentos rochosos A ocorrência de casos humanos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral americana em municípios sem essas características geoclimáticas justificou o presente estudo, com objetivo de testar a associação entre a ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana e a presença de Lu. longipalpis. Flebotomí- neos foram capturados mensalmente de julho de 2006 a agosto de 2007 com uso de armadilhas de Shannon e CDC em dois municípios com registros de leishmaniose visceral americana autóctone e um sem registros. Foram capturados 13.112 flebotomíneos, mas nenhum Lu. longipalpis foi encontrado. A ausência de Lu. longipalpis e a possível participação de outro vetor de leishmaniose visceral americana nessas localidades foram discutidas.

Distribuição de espécies de borrachudos (Diptera: Simuliidae) do Espírito Santo, Brasil / Distribution of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Entre os anos de 2004 e 2008 foram realizadas coletas de Simuliidae em várias localidades no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. No total, 66 córregos e rios das doze principais bacias hidrográficas do estado foram amostrados. Dezessete espécies foram coletadas, sendo que nove delas representam ocorrências novas para o estado (Simulium pertinax, S. jujuyense, S. rubrithorax, S. subnigrum, S. travassosi, S. spinibranchium, S. hirtipupa, S. lutzianum e S. anamariae), duplicando o número de espécies conhecidas no estado.

We conducted a freshwater survey from 2004 to 2008 in several localities of Espírito Santo, Brazil. In total, 66 streams and rivers were sampled in the 12 hydrographic basins of the state. We collected and identified 17 species of which nine represent new records (Simulium pertinax, S. jujuyense, S. rubrithorax, S. subnigrum, S. travassosi, S. spinibranchium, S. hirtipupa, S. lutzianum e S. anamariae). These findings doubled the number of records of black fly species to the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

American visceral leishmaniasis dissociated from Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral americana dissociada da presença de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera, Psychodidae) no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

The occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil has always been associated with the presence of the Lutzomyia longipalpis vector. The geographic distribution of this vector in this state is related to the presence of specific geoclimatic characteristics, such as a dry climate, low elevations (< 450m), steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The occurrence of human autochthonous cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities without these geoclimatic characteristics justifies the present study and our main goal was to test the association between the occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of the Lu. longipalpis. Sand flies were captured monthly from July 2006 to August 2007 using Shannon and CDC traps in two municipalities with records of autochthonous American visceral leishmaniasis and one with no record. We captured 13,112 sand flies, but no Lu. longipalpis was found. The absence of Lu. longipalpis and the possible role of another American visceral leishmaniasis vector in these localities were discussed.

A ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, sempre foi associada à presença do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis. A distribuição geográfica desse vetor no estado está relacionada à ocorrência de características geoclimáticas específicas, tais como clima seco, baixas altitudes, relevo acidentado e afloramentos rochosos A ocorrência de casos humanos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral americana em municípios sem essas características geoclimáticas justificou o presente estudo, com objetivo de testar a associação entre a ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana e a presença de Lu. longipalpis. Flebotomíneos foram capturados mensalmente de julho de 2006 a agosto de 2007 com uso de armadilhas de Shannon e CDC em dois municípios com registros de leishmaniose visceral americana autóctone e um sem registros. Foram capturados 13.112 flebotomíneos, mas nenhum Lu. longipalpis foi encontrado. A ausência de Lu. longipalpis e a possível participação de outro vetor de leishmaniose visceral americana nessas localidades foram discutidas.

Description of two new species of Sycorax Curtis (Diptera, Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Descrição de duas espécies novas de Sycorax Curtis (Diptera, Psychodidae, Sycoracinae) da Mata Atlântica do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Two new species of Sycorax Curtis from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Espírito Santo, S. cariacicaensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov. and S. espiritosantensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov., are described and illustrated.

Duas espécies novas de Sycorax Curtis da Floresta Atlântica do Espírito Santo, S. cariacicaensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov. e S. espiritosantensis Santos & Bravo sp. nov., são descritas e desenhadas.