Mosquito larva distribution and natural Wolbachia infection in campus areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Objective: To determine the prevalence of mosquito larvae in campus areas and the infection rate of endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia in mosquito larvae. Method: The mosquito larvae samples were collected in residential areas and academic buildings of Suranaree University of Technology located in Northeastern Thailand during 2017-2018. Mosquito species identification was performed using GLOBE mosquito protocols and Rattanarithikul & Panthusiri's keys. The gene encoding for the surface protein of Wolbachia was amplified by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: Armigeres sp. is the highest proportion of mosquito larvae followed by Culex spp., Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Toxorynchites spp., respectively. Aedes aegypti have breeding sites mostly in the containers found indoors, whereas the main breeding sites of Aedes albopictus were found in both outdoors and indoors. The House Index and Breteau Index for Aedes spp. was more than 5% and 20%, respectively, in both areas, indicating that these areas are dengue sensitive. The highest proportion of Wolbachia infection was found in the larvae of Culex spp. (86.21%), followed by Aedes albopictus (69.23%) and rarely detected in Aedes aegypti (9.09%). Conclusion: The present study reported the first natural infection of Wolbachia in mosquito larvae in Thailand. Our result suggested that the mosquito species containing higher proportion of Wolbachia are less likely to be vectors for dengue. Therefore, Wolbachia transfection in mosquito larvae could be applied as a biocontrol for dengue and other mosquito-borne disease prevention.

Anuran fauna of the Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, southeastern Brazil: species composition, use of breeding sites, and seasonal patterns of breeding activity / Anurofauna do Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, sudeste do Brasil: composição de espécies, uso de sítios reprodutivos e padrões sazonais de atividade reprodutiva

Abstract: The goal of this work was to study the species composition, the use of breeding sites, and the seasonal patterns of breeding activity of the anuran fauna from Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Fieldwork was carried out from September 2005 to October 2007 through two main methods: active visual search inside a 10 ha- permanent plot and aural and visual search in seven previously selected aquatic breeding habitats. Species richness was related to the sampling effort by means of species accumulation curve and through non-parametric estimators. Thirty-three species distributed in 12 families were recorded, from which 69% are endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Trachycephalus mesophaeus represents a new record for the park. Cycloramphus lutzorum is included as Data Deficient in the IUCN list. The species accumulation curve did not stabilize, showing some tendency to rise. The use of breeding sites by 20 species was compared using cluster analysis, which revealed two major groups: the first with five species (two habitat generalists and three stream specialists) and the second composed by the other species (with different reproductive modes associated with flooded environments). The breeding period of most species was associated to the rainy season (October to February), and only Scinax hayii showed continuous breeding activity during the entire period of study.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a composição de espécies, o uso de habitats reprodutivos e os padrões sazonais de atividade reprodutiva da anurofauna do Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho - Núcleo Sete Barras, estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. O trabalho de campo foi desenvolvido de setembro de 2005 a outubro de 2007 por meio de dois métodos principais: procura visual ativa no interior de uma parcela permanente de 10 ha e busca visual e acústica em sete habitats aquáticos de reprodução previamente selecionados. A riqueza de espécies foi relacionada com o esforço amostral por meio de curvas de acumulação de espécies e estimadores não-paramétricos. Foram registradas 33 espécies distribuídas em 12 famílias, 69% das quais são endêmicas da Mata Atlântica. Trachycephalus mesophaeus representa um novo registro para o parque. Cycloramphus lutzorum está incluída como Deficiente em Dados na lista da IUCN. A curva de acumulação de espécie não se estabilizou, mostrando alguma tendência de crescimento. A similaridade no uso dos ambientes aquáticos por 20 espécies foi avaliada por meio de uma análise de agrupamento, que revelou dois grupos: o primeiro com cinco espécies (duas generalistas de habitat e três especialistas de riachos) e o segundo formado pelas demais espécies (com diferentes modos reprodutivos associados a ambientes aquáticos lênticos). O período reprodutivo da maioria das espécies esteve associado à estação chuvosa (outubro a março), e apenas Scinax hayii mostrou atividade reprodutiva contínua durante todo o período de estudo.

Ecological relationships of Haemagogus spegazzinii (Diptera: Culicidae) in a semiarid area of Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Haemagogus are mosquitoes with diurnal habits that live preferentially in forest areas. In Brazil, they are considered the primary vectors of wild yellow fever. METHODS: The ecological relationships between Haemagogus spegazzinii, the environment, and some of its activities in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte were analyzed by collecting eggs with ovitraps, actively searching in tree holes, capturing adults in Shannon traps, and conducting an investigation for viral infections. RESULTS: A total of 2420 eggs, 271 immature specimens (larvae and pupae), and 206 adults were collected. Egg collection depended on rainfall and relative humidity, with oviposition occurring between January and May. Larvae were found in five plant species, including Tabebuia aurea (craibeira), with 160 larvae collected. We observed shared breeding sites between Hg. spegazzinii and the following species: Aedes albopictus, Aedes terrens, Culex spp., and Toxorhynchites theobaldi. Adults exhibited greater activity between 5 pm and 6 pm, when 191 (92.7%) specimens were captured, while only 1 (0.5%) was collected between 7 pm and 8 pm. The relationship between Hg. spegazzinii and rainfall was significant, with positive correlations with accumulated rainfall 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 days before mosquito collection. We found that the species was infected with the DENV-2 virus. CONCLUSIONS: This work contributes new information on the bioecology of Hg. spegazzinii, with data on the main reproduction periods, oviposition, breeding sites, activity times, and the relationship between the species and meteorological variables in the Caatinga of northeastern Brazil.

Riqueza de mosquitos en La Habana: su importancia para fomentar la participación comunitaria en su control / Species mosquito richness in Havana: its importance to promote community participation in its control

Introducción: La identificación de las especies de mosquitos a nivel de cada municipio forma parte del Programa de Vigilancia y Control de Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus vigente en Cuba. Objetivo: Identificar las especies de mosquitos en sitios de crías artificiales y naturales y relacionarlo con el papel de la comunidad en el control de sus poblaciones en la provincia La Habana. Métodos: Se identificaron las muestras larvarias de mosquitos enviadas al laboratorio provincial de Entomología, colectadas en depósitos artificiales y en sitios naturales en los municipios de La Habana desde enero del 2000 hasta el 2016. Resultados: En el estudio se identificaron un total de 48 especies de mosquitos. Aedes aegypti, Gymnometopa mediovittata, Culex quinquefasciatus y Culex nigripalpus, estuvieron presentes en todos los municipios de La Habana. Los depósitos abandonados en los alrededores de las viviendas y terrenos baldíos como: latas, bebederos, chatarra metálica, neumáticos de autos usados, entre otros, relacionados con actividades humanas, aportaron la mayor riqueza de especies al ecosistema urbano, seguido por los huecos de árboles y sitios de cría naturales. Los depósitos artificiales de almacenamiento de agua con fines domésticos en las viviendas, tales como: tanques, cisternas, cubos, entre otros, fueron los de menor riqueza, pero fundamentales para la presencia de Ae. aegypti. Conclusiones: Disponer de datos actualizados sobre la distribución de las especies de mosquitos y sus sitios de cría en La Habana constituyen una información valiosa para fomentar la participación de la comunidad en la eliminación de estos en momentos de epidemias en que se involucren estos vectores(AU)

Introduction: Identification of the mosquito species present in each municipality is part of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Surveillance and Control Program currently in place in Cuba. Objective: Identify the mosquito species in artificial and natural breeding sites and relate that information to the role played by the community in the control of their populations in the province of Havana. Methods: Identification was performed of mosquito larval samples submitted to the Provincial Entomology Laboratory and collected from artificial containers and natural breeding sites in Havana municipalities from January 2000 to 2016. Results: A total 48 mosquito species were identified in the study. Aedes aegypti, Gymnometopa mediovittata, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex nigripalpus were found to be present in all Havana municipalities. Unused containers scattered around households and in uncultivated fields, such as cans, troughs, scrap metal and used car tires, among other items related to human activities, contribute the greatest species richness to the urban ecosystem, followed by tree holes and natural breeding sites. Artificial water storage containers in households, such as elevated and underground water tanks and buckets, among others, contributed lesser richness, but were fundamental for the presence of A. aegypti. Conclusions: Updated data about the distribution of mosquito species and their breeding sites in Havana is valuable information to foster community participation in their elimination in the event of epidemics involving these vectors(AU)

Assessment of dengue mosquito breeding sources and source reduction at a coastal village in Puducherry

Background: Dengue virus can cause a wide range of illness in humans, from unapparent infection, to classic dengue fever and to fatal dengue haemorrhagic fever. Until a vaccine becomes available for public health use, primary prevention of transmission is crucial to decrease the burden of dengue, and control of Aedes is the only available strategy.Methods: The mosquito larval survey was carried out in the month of November 2017 in Echangadu, a coastal village in Puducherry to assess mosquito breeding sources for the presence of dengue vector species. The survey was performed by selecting houses where freshwater was available. For each household, the presence or absence of possible breeding sources were recorded, as well as the presence or absence of mosquito larvae.Results: Of the 102 houses surveyed, 20 of the houses were infested with Aedes larvae. A total of 182 containers were found in these households of which 47 containers were positive for Aedes larvae. Coconut shells, plastic, metal and discarded containers were the most often found breeding sites.Conclusions: The larval surveillance indicators among the households surveyed revealed a very high risk of future dengue outbreak in the village. All the containers examined including those positive for Aedes larvae were safely disposed

A study on mosquito density in rural Kerala before and after floods

Background: Mosquito borne diseases are a major public health problem in Kerala. Mosquito density assessed by larval surveys is easier and quicker to perform. The larval indices are an important practical predictor of outbreaks of mosquito borne disease and are valuable in taking preventive measures. This study is done to calculate standardized larval indices namely house index, container index and Breteau index and to identify the major breeding sources of mosquitoes in the residential environment in a rural of Thrissur, Kerala.Methods: A cross-sectional study selecting 80 houses from 1 wards of Konnikara village under Thrikkur Panchayath under the field practice area of rural training centre, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences Thrissur. Every water holding container indoors and outdoors was counted and searched for larval presence and noted on a pretested format.Results: In this study, 80 houses were surveyed in 2 days initially in June and in September. All the entomological indices were found to be above the critical level in the initial survey in June. House index=36% container index=44%; Breteau index=143% showing high chances for outbreaks of mosquito borne diseases. In September though the indices were very low house index 1.25% container index 2.77% and Breteau index.Conclusions: The area is prone for mosquito borne disease outbreaks like dengue fever and after interventions the vector indices and potential risks came down

Herramientas Cartográficas digitales en vigilancia de enfermedades transmitidas por Aedes spp; caso en Costa Rica / Digital cartographic tools in surveillance of diseases transmitted by Aedes spp; Case in Costa Rica

Resumen Los mosquitos del genero Aedes, han provocado importantes epidemias de enfermedades como dengue, chikungunya, fiebre amarilla y zika en las Américas. La vigilancia epidemiológica de tales enfermedades, a través de los sistemas de información geográfica y la cartografía digital se han convertido en aliados para la Salud Pública. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el uso práctico de una herramienta geoespacial de acceso gratuito, en la vigilancia de enfermedades transmitidas por Aedes spp., en un sector endémico de Costa Rica para la presencia de este vector. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio de caso sobre la implementación de Herramientas Cartográficas digitales en un Área Rectora de Salud local del Ministerio de Salud, y su uso exitoso para la geo-localización de los casos sospechosos de dengue, zika y chikungunya notificados en esa área entre 2013 y 2016. Resultados: Se logró implementar el mapeo digital de los casos a través de marcas de posición. Con ventajas en la vigilancia epidemiológica, gracias al programa que permitió la identificación rápida de las viviendas, identificación de conglomerados, y selección de zonas prioritarias para intervenir. Además, fue un apoyo en la ejecución de los planes operativos, y en la conducción de actividades de movilización social. Discusión: Por su calidad de visualización topográfica y la interfaz intuitiva, las Herramientas Cartográficas digitales fueron útiles útil para la vigilancia epidemiológica de la transmisión de virus por el vector Aedes spp en Nandayure de Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Abstract Aedes mosquito, because of it´s capability for spreading several virus, and it´s wide distribution at the American Continent, has generated epidemics of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and zika. Epidemic surveillance of these vector transmitted diseases, using free Geographic Information Systems and digital programs, has become into a great partner of Public Health departments. Objective: This study describes the practical use of free software of satellite image and free Geographic Information Systems, for the surveillance of Aedes spp transmitted diseases, in a Costa Rican Aedes endemic location. Methods: It is a case study developed at one local office, of Ministry of health in Costa Rica, geo locating the reported cases of dengue, zika, chikungunya from 2013 to 2016. Results: the achievement of position marks representing the house of all the cases reported, in a digital database of points and layers. Improvement in epidemic surveillance, thanks to the use of the selected programs that permitted to identify the conglomerates of cases at the neighborhoods, and the higher priority intervention zones. Discussion: the programs used, helped to visualize planned routes for the execution of social movement actions, and operational plans. Thanks to the image quality and the easy interactive interface, free Software selected, resulted into a useful tool for the surveillance of Aedes spp. transmitted diseases in the case of the public health department of Nandayure, from Guanacaste province of Costa Rica.

Sitios de cría de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) en el cantón de Parrita, provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica, junio 2013 / Breeding sites for Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) in the area of Parrita, Puntarenas province, Costa Rica, June 2013

ResumenIntroducción:En Costa Rica el dengue constituye la principal enfermedad de transmisión vectorial. El cantón de Parrita ha sido uno de los cantones con mayor notificación de dengue en los últimos años. En este cantón en el 2013 se reportaron 1120 casos de dengue, ocupando el número 18 entre los cantones del país con mayor notificación de casos. El control del dengue requiere un conocimiento integral de su principal vector Aedes aegypti, el cual utiliza gran variedad de recipientes artificiales para su cría.Objetivos:Identificar y describir los principales sitios de cría del Ae. aegypti en el cantón de Parrita que se encontraba en pleno brote de dengue durante las semanas epidemiológicas 23 y 24 en el año 2013.Material y Métodos:El muestreo entomológico fue realizado por 29 funcionarios de Manejo Integrado de Vectores del Ministerio de Salud. La presencia de al menos una larva de Ae. aegypti en cualquiera de los depósitos permitió designar al contenedor correspondiente como positivo.Resultados:En el período de estudio fueron detectados 918 criaderos o sitios de cría positivos por Ae. aegypti en un total de 5 027 casas visitadas. Se identificó́ la presencia de Ae. aegypti en todas las localidades trabajadas del cantón de Parrita, siendo los sitios de cría más frecuentes: tarros, baldes, llantas, chatarra mecánica y tanques.Discusión:Se evidencia que el control del Ae. aegypti debe hacerse de manera integral con énfasis en la coordinación intersectorial debido a la variedad y multicausalidad de los sitios de cría.

AbstractIntroduction: Dengue fever represents the main vector-borne illness in Costa Rica. The area called Parrita has been one of those with the highest reporting of dengue during the last few years. During 2013, in Parrita, there were 1120 reports of this illness and thus it came to occupy the 18th spot among the areas with the highest reporting of cases in the whole of Costa Rica. Control of dengue requires comprehensive knowledge of the main vector, Aedes aegypti, since this insect uses a large variety of artificial containers for its breeding.Objectives:To identify and describe the main breeding sites for Ae. aegypti in the area of Parrita which was in the midst of a full-blown outbreak of dengue fever during epidemiological weeks' number 23 and 24 in the year 2013.Materials and Methods:Entomological sampling was performed by 29 employees of the Integrated Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health. The presence of at least one Ae. aegypti larva in any of the containers was considered enough to designate this as a "positive" container.Results:During the study period, 918 breeding sites or sites positive for the vector were identified among a total of 5 027 homes visited. The presence of Ae. aegypti was confirmed in all the localities surveyed in the area of Parrita. The most frequent types of breeding sites were as follows: cans, buckets, tires, mechanical garbage and different types of tanks.Discussion:The conclusion is that there is evidence to suggest that the control of Ae. aegypti should be done in a comprehensive fashion with emphasis of inter-sectoral co-ordination due to the variety and multi-causality of the breeding sites.

Distribución espacial y temporal de los sitios de cría de aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) en La Habana, Cuba / Spatial and temporal distribution of breeding sites of aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Havana, Cuba

INTRODUCCIÓN: Aedes albopictus es un mosquito originario de las selvas del sudeste de Asia, que en las últimas décadas está extendiéndose a todos los continentes. Ésta especie se registró por primera vez en Cuba en la provincia La Habana en 1995. OBJETIVO: determinar la distribución espacial y temporal de los sitios de cría de Ae. albopictus en los municipios de la provincia de La Habana durante el 2011 y 2012. MÉTODOS: se realizó el muestreo de todos los depósitos conteniendo agua en los bloques o manzanas, así como, en los terrenos baldíos presentes en las áreas urbanas y peri urbanos del universo de cada municipio que compone la provinciaLa Habana. RESULTADOS: Ae. albopictus se registró en 13 de los 15 municipios del área estudiada, lo que evidencia además de su introducción su dispersión en el área. Se encontró una mayor presencia de Ae. albopictus en los municipios periféricos tales como Playa, La Lisa, Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, Cotorro, Guanabacoa y Habana del Este.Se encontró un incremento en el total de muestras en el 2012 con respecto al 2011notándose en ambos años un incremento a partir de junio hasta octubre. La mayor cantidad de muestras de Ae. albopictus con más de una especie de culícido correspondieron en ambos años a los meses de lluvia (mayo-septiembre). CONCLUSIONES: se constató la presencia y distribución de Ae. albopictus en La Habana favorecido por las condiciones ecológicas existentes y la disponibilidad de sitios de cría(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Aedes albopictus is a mosquito native to the forests of Southeast Asia which has spread to all continents in recent decades. The species was first reported in Cuba in the province of Havana in 1995. OBJECTIVE: determine the spatial and temporal distribution of breeding sites of Ae. albopictus in the municipalities of the province of Havana in 2011 and 2012. METHODS: sampling was conducted of all containers with water in residential areas and vacant lots of urban and suburban zones of all municipalities in the province of Havana. RESULTS: presence of Ae. albopictus was reported in 13 of the 15 municipalities in the study area, revealing not only its introduction but also its spread in the area. The greatest presence of Ae. albopictus was found in peripheral municipalities like Playa, La Lisa, Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, Cotorro, Guanabacoa and Habana del Este. An increase in the total number of samples was observed in 2012 with respect to 2011. In both years there was an increase from June to October. Again in both years, the greatest number of samples of Ae. albopictus with more than one culicid species was found in the rainy season (May to September). CONCLUSIONS: the presence and distribution of Ae. albopictus in Havana was confirmed. Favorable ecological conditions and the availability of breeding sites play a decisive role in such presence and distribution(AU)

Presencia larval de anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) en La Habana, Cuba 2010-2012 / Larval presence of anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Havana, Cuba, 2010-2012

INTRODUCCIÓN: Anopheles albimanus es el principal vector de la malaria en Cuba, éste también se encuentra distribuido en varios países del continente americano. OBJETIVO: determinar la presencia larval de An. albimanus en la provincia de La Habana durante 2010-2012. MÉTODOS: el muestreo se llevó a cabo con una frecuencia semanal en el período 2010-2012. Los sitios de cría encuestados fueron clasificados como naturales permanentes y temporales así como depósitos artificiales. RESULTADOS: se registra la presencia de An. albimanus en 9 (60,0 por ciento) del total de los municipios muestreados en el 2010 y en 12 (80 por ciento) en los años 2011 y 2012. Los municipios que no lo registraron en los tres años fueron Centro Habana, Plaza de la Revolución y Habana Vieja. La provincia obtuvo un promedio de 1173,8 y 97,7 muestras larvales de ésta especie por año y por mes respectivamente. El municipio Boyeros mostró un promedio de muestras de 922,6 por año y 76,8 por mes siendo el que mantiene la mejor vigilancia sobre An. albimanus. Los sitios de cría con mayor presencia de An. albimanus correspondieron al grupo de naturales permanentes destacándose las zanjas y lagunas naturales, además se encontraron criaderos en 26 tipos diferentes de depósitos artificiales. A partir de mayo ocurre un incremento del número de muestras hasta octubre. CONCLUSIONES: se encontró presencia larval de An. albimanus en la mayoría de los municipios durante todo el año; por lo que mantener un constante monitoreo sobre la especie debe ser una prioridad en la vigilancia de la malaria en La Habana(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Anopheles albimanus is the main malaria vector in Cuba. It is also distributed in several countries in the Americas. OBJECTIVE: determine the larval presence of An. albimanus in the province of Havana in the period 2010-2012. METHODS: sampling was conducted on a weekly basis during the period 2010-2012. The breeding sites surveyed were classified as natural permanent, natural temporary and artificial containers. RESULTS: presence of An. albimanus was reported in 9 (60.0 percent) of the municipalities sampled in 2010 and 12 (80 percent) of those sampled in 2011 and 2012. The municipalities of Centro Habana, Plaza de la Revolución and Habana Vieja did not report any larval presence of An. albimanus in any of the three years. The province had an average 1 173.8 and 97.7 larval samples per year and month, respectively. In the municipality of Boyeros, the average was 922.6 per year and 76.8 percent month. This is the municipality with the best surveillance of An. albimanus. The greatest presence of An. albimanus was found in natural permanent breeding sites, particularly ditches and natural ponds. Breeding sites were also found in 26 different types of artificial containers. An increase in the number of samples was observed from May to October. CONCLUSIONS: larval presence of An. albimanus was found in most municipalities throughout the year. Therefore, permanent monitoring of the species should be a priority of malaria surveillance in Havana(AU)

Sitios de cría de Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) y distribución geográfica de Aedes albopictus (Skuse) en la provincia de Limón, Costa Rica. 2012 / Breeding sites of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and geographic distribution of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in the province of Limón, Costa Rica. 2012

Introducción: en Costa Rica el dengue constituye la principal enfermedad de transmisión vectorial. Su control requiere un conocimiento integral de su principal vector Aedes aegypti, el cual utiliza gran variedad de recipientes artificiales para su cría. Aedes albopictus aunque no se ha relacionado con la trasmisión de esta enfermedad en las Américas, es un excelente vector en Asia y se reporta en Costa Rica desde finales de los 90. Objetivos: identificar y describir los principales sitios de cría del Ae. aegypti y la distribución geográfica de éste y del Ae. albopictus en la provincia de Limón en el año 2012. Métodos: todas las localidades de la provincia fueron muestreadas y visitadas en su totalidad al menos una vez cada cuatro meses por parte del personal de manejo integrado de vectores. En todas las visitas se buscaron todos los recipientes con agua, con presencia o no de larvas de Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus. Se tomaron muestras por cada tipo de recipiente donde se encontraron larvas. Resultados: se identificó la presencia de Ae. aegypti en los seis cantones de la provincia de Limón. Los sitios de cría más frecuentes fueron las llantas, los tanques y los baldes. Así mismo se identificó la presencia del Ae. albopictus en cinco de los seis cantones de la provincia. Conclusiones: en la provincia de Limón se encuentran año tras año los mismos sitios de cría del Ae. aegypti tanto en cantidad como en calidad. Así mismo se observa que la proliferación del Ae. aegypti está directamente relacionada con el ser humano, sus malos hábitos, y por la baja calidad de los servicios de salud de protección y mejoramiento del ambiente humano. Estos resultados demuestran que el abordaje del control del Ae. aegypti debe ser integral. Con el reporte del Ae. albopictus en este trabajo y el reporte en Siquirres en el 2009 se ha identificado a esta especie al menos una vez en todos los cantones de la provincia de Limón.

Introduction: dengue is the main vector-borne disease in Costa Rica. Control of dengue requires comprehensive knowledge about its main vector, Aedes aegypti, which may breed in a great variety of artificial containers. Aedes albopictus, on the other hand, has not been associated with dengue transmission in the Americas, but it is an efficient vector in Asia and its presence in Costa Rica has been reported since the late 1990s. Objectives: identify and describe the main breeding sites of Ae. aegypti and the geographic distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the province of Limón in the year 2012. Methods: all localities in the province were sampled and visited in their entirety at least once every four months by personnel from the integrated vector management program. During these visits, all containers with water were searched for the presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae. Samples were taken from each type of container where larvae were found. Results: Ae. aegypti was found to be present in the six cantons of the province of Limón. The most common breeding sites were pneumatic tires, water tanks and buckets. Aedes albopictus was found to be present in five of the six cantons. Conclusions: the same number and types of breeding sites of Ae. aegypti are found year after year in the province of Limón. It has also been noticed that proliferation of Ae. aegypti is directly related to human beings, their bad habits, and the poor quality of health services in charge of protecting and improving the human environment. These results show that control of Ae. aegypti should be approached in a comprehensive manner. With this report of Ae. albopictus and the 2009 report about Siquirres, the species has been identified at least once in all cantons of the province of Limón.

Primer registro de Culex (Carrollia) anduzei Cerqueira & Lane, 1944 en Venezuela y Culex (Melanoconion) dunni Dyar, 1918 en el estado Bolívar / First record of Culex (Carrollia) anduzei Cerqueira & Lane, 1944 in Venezuela and Culex (Melanoconion) dunni Dyar, 1918 in Bolivar state

En este trabajo se señala por primera vez para Venezuela, la presencia de la especie Culex (Carrollia) anduzei Cerqueira & Lane, la cual estaba registrada solamente en Brasil. Con este nuevo registro, su distribución geográfica en América incluye Brasil y Venezuela. Por otro lado, se reporta por primera vez la presencia de la especie Culex (Melanoconion) dunni Dyar en el estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Este es un vector de la Encefalitis Equina Venezolana.

In this work we report for the first time the presence of Culex (Carrollia) anduzei Cerqueira & Lane in Venezuela. With this new record the geographical distribution of this species in America includes Brazil and Venezuela. Also we report for the first time the presence of Culex (Melanoconion) dunni Dyar in Bolívar state, Venezuela. This is a vector of The Venezuelan Equine Encefalitis.

Aedes albopictus y sus sitios de cría en la provincia de Limón, Costa Rica / Aedes albopictus and its breeding sites in the province of Limón, Costa Rica

Introducción: Aedes albopictus es un mosquito originario del sudeste asiático y vector del dengue, la fiebre amarilla, virus Chikungunya, y otros arbovirus. Objetivos: identificar la presencia del Aedes albopictus y describir sus principales sitios de cría en la provincia de Limón. Métodos: todas las localidades de la provincia fueron muestreadas y visitadas en su totalidad, al menos una vez cada 2 meses por parte del personal de manejo integrado de vectores. En cada visita se buscaban todos los recipientes con agua, con presencia o no de larvas de Aedes albopictus. Se tomaron muestras por cada tipo de recipiente donde se encontraron larvas. Resultados: se identificó la presencia de Aedes albopictus en el cantón de Pococí, no así en los 5 cantones restantes de la provincia de Limón. Se observó que los sitios de cría son variados, los depósitos artificiales constituyeron 50 %, mientras los naturales 39,28 % del total de positivos. Conclusiones: se demuestra la presencia del Aedes albopictus en el cantón de Pococí y se describen sus principales sitios de cría.

Introduction: Aedes albopictus, a mosquito native to Southeast Asia, is the vector of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya fever and other arboviruses. Objectives: identify the presence of Aedes albopictus and describe its main breeding sites in the province of Limón. Methods: all areas in the province were sampled and visited in their entirety at least once every two months by personnel from the Integrated Vector Management Program. Visits included inspection of all water containers, irrespective of whether they contained Aedes albopictus larvae. Samples were taken from each type of container where larvae were found. Results: the presence of Aedes albopictus was identified in the municipality of Pococí, not in the other 5 municipalities in the province. It was found that there was a wide variety of breeding sites, 50 % of which were artificial and 39.28 % natural. Conclusions: presence of Aedes albopictus was identified in the municipality of Pococí and its main breeding sites described.

Depósitos observados con larvas de Aedes aegypti durante el uso operacional del biolarvicida Bactivec / Aedes aegypti larvae found in reservoirs during the operational use of Bactivec biolarvicide

Introducción: la determinación de los sitios de cría de Aedes aegypti constituye un factor de importancia para la aplicación de estrategias de control. Objetivo: identificar los depósitos utilizados por Aedes aegypti durante el período de uso operacional del biolarvicida Bactivec en el municipio Mariel. Métodos: de mayo 2008-2009, durante el período operacional del biolarvicida Bactivec, se realizó la búsqueda de criaderos positivos al culícido en áreas urbanas y semiurbanas de los consejos populares Boca/Mojica/Henequén, Mariel, Sabana/Zayas, Quiebra Hacha y Cabañas. Se identificaron todos los recipientes positivos al vector en las áreas en las que fueron colectados, se determinó el porcentaje de participación de cada tipo de recipiente en relación con el total de muestras positivas. Resultados: se identificaron 35 tipos de depósitos utilizados como sitio de cría del culícido. Los recipientes no útiles eliminables representaron el 54,28 porciento, los de almacenamiento de agua 14,29 porciento y los útiles 11,43 porciento; la presencia del vector del dengue en criaderos naturales y aguas contaminadas fue de 8,57 porciento. Conclusiones: los depósitos no útiles resultaron los más utilizados por el culícido para la puesta, seguido por los de almacenamiento de agua, los cuales se trataron con el biolarvicida. Se destaca la presencia de Aedes aegypti en aguas contaminadas, que también fueron tratadas con Bactivec

Introduction: the detection of breeding sites of Aedes aegypti is an important factor for the implementation of control strategies. Objective: to identify the reservoirs where Aedes aegypti mosquito was observed during the period of operational use of Bactivec larvicide in Mariel municipality. Methods: during the period of operational use of Bactivec biolarvicide from May 2008 to 2009, breeding sites positive for this mosquito were searched for in urban and semiurban areas of the people's councils Boca/Mojica/Henequen, Mariel, Sabana/Zayas, Quiebra Hacha y Cabanas. All the positive reservoirs were identified in those areas where they were collected and the percentage of involvement of each type of reservoir with respect to the total amount of positive samples was estimated. Results: thirty five types of reservoirs used as the breeding site of the mosquito were identified. The useless disposable reservoirs accounted for 54.28 percent, water storage reservoirs for 14.29 and the useful ones for 11.43 percent. The presence of the dengue vector in natural breeding sites and in polluted waters reached 8.57 percent. Conclusions: the useless reservoirs turned to be the most used by the Culicidae for egg-laying, following by the water storage ones which were treated with biolarvicide. Aedes aegypti was heavily present in polluted waters, which were also treated with Bactivec

House types and demographic risk factors for sustained endemic filariasis in south-eastern Nigeria

This study was aimed at assessing both the quality of housing in the coastal and upland areas of Eastern Nigeria using a predetermined three-category house type approach, as well as the distance of the respective houses from major vector breeding sites, in relation to the prevalence of microfilaraemia. From each community, all individuals who were more than one year old or resident in the area for at least a year were screened. The target population was 1000 persons each for coastal and upland areas. Houses in the areas were categorized into three main types. Type I: mud houses built with thatched roofs, small windows and yawning eaves that hold no barrier for mosquitoes; Type II: mud houses built with zinc roofing sheets; Type III: modern-style houses built and plastered with cement and having large doors and windows. A total of 855 houses were screened, out of which 191 (22.3%) were Type I; while 430 (50.3%) and 234 (27.4%) were Type II and Type III respectively. An average of three and four persons per house was recorded for the Upland and Coastal populations respectively. Familial clustering was the settlement pattern in the former, while houses were adjoined one to another in the latter. In the Upland area, 10.0% of the houses had at least one Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaraemia (Wbmf) positive individual, and this comprised of 8.7% harbouring one mf positive individual each, and 1.3% housing two Wbmf positive individuals each. In total, 52% of all positive microfilaraemia cases were from Type I while 39% and 9% of positive microfilaraemia cases were from Type II and Type III respectively. Microfilaraemia was significantly higher among those that lived in poorest quality house type, and in proximity to major vector breeding sites such as streams.

Identification of the natural breeding sites of sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), potential vectors of leishmaniasis, in the province of Chaco, Argentina

The aim of this work was to identify the natural breeding sites of sandflies in the province of Chaco, Argentina, for the first time. Preliminary studies were conducted in two different phytogeographic regions: dry Chaco (Parque Provincial Pampa del Indio), in January 2010, and humid Chaco (Resistencia, Margarita Belén and Colonia Benítez), from May-September 2010. A total of 127 samples were collected (Pampa del Indio: 15, Resistencia: 37, Margarita Belén: 36, Colonia Benítez: 39). A female of Migonemyia migonei was found in Pampa del Indio at the base of a bromeliad in the summer (January) and a pupal exuvium of a phlebotomine fly was found in Resistencia, in a place where dogs rested, in the winter (July). These findings highlighted these two sites as potential breeding sites. Because the existence of potential natural breeding sites for sandflies has been demonstrated in both forest and periurban areas, expanding the search efforts and characterising these sites will enable the development of specific study designs to gain insight into the spatial distribution of the risks posed by these vectors. The resulting information will serve as a basis for proposing and evaluating vector control measures.

Unusual developing sites of dengue vectors and potential epidemiological implications

Objective: To identify the unusual breeding sites of two dengue vectors, i.e. Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) and Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti). Methods: During the second half of 2010, we performed an occasional survey in rural (Teluk Tempoyak) and urban (Gelugor) areas of Penang Island, Malaysia, to identify cryptic breeding sites. Results: In the rural area, we found heterogeneous immature stages of Ae. albopictus in the water bowl of an encaged bird. We also observed Ae. aegypti eggs deposited in the flush tank of a toilet in the urban area. Conclusions:It can be concluded that both breeding patterns can increase contact with hosts (humans and birds) and presumably population densities of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, thereby potentially boosting the risks for spread and transmission of arboviral diseases.

Aspectos ecológicos de Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) en Caracas, Venezuela / Ecological notes of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in Caracas city, Venezuela

Se realizaron muestreos de Aedes albopictus en todas sus fases de desarrollo en la ciudad de Caracas. Aedes albopictus se encontró distribuido principalmente en parques y áreas verdes de la ciudad entre los 900 y 1490 m, en una variedad de sitios de cría de inmaduros: internodos de bambú, espatas de palmas, envases plásticos, floreros, bromelias, y tanques de almacenamiento de agua, siendo los primeros tres los mas importantes. El patrón de actividad de alimentación de las hembras mostró dos picos de actividad, el primero a las 7:30-9:30 y el segundo a las 14:30-17:30. Su tiempo de ingesta estuvo entre 1-2 minutos y su actividad sobre el hospedador no muy lejano a los lugares de cría y de refugio. A partir de estas primeras observaciones de su ecología, se pretende generar información que pueda ser útil en campañas de vigilancia y control de esta especie. Se realizan consideraciones y sugerencias para una detección e identificación eficiente por parte de las instituciones de salud de Venezuela.

We have collected specimens of all life cycle phases of Aedes albopictus in Caracas city. It occurs mainly in parks and green areas of the city between 900 to 1,490 m altitude, in the following breeding sites: Bamboo internodes, fallen spathes of palm, plastic cans, flower pots, bromeliads and water tanks. The females´s biting pattern was bimodal, with a first peak between 7:30-9:30 and the second around 14:30-17:30. The ingurgitation time was 1-2 minutes and the host localization and biting activity was no far from breeding and resting sites. With these preliminary ecological results, we pretend produce useful information to design strategies for Ae. albopictus detection and control. We propose considerations and suggestions for an efficient specimen detection and identification by mean of Venezuelan public health institutions.

Aportes de la asesoría cubana a la vigilancia entomológica en Haití / Contributions made by the Cuban advisory work to the entomological surveillance in Haiti

Introducción: el terremoto ocurrido en Haití en enero de 2010 condujo a un agravamiento de las condiciones higiénicas, sanitarias y ambientales, lo cual incrementó la disponibilidad de sitios de cría de vectores de enfermedades en el país. Objetivo: reportar los primeros resultados acerca de la vigilancia entomológica establecida por parte de la asesoría que realiza Cuba en Haití después del terremoto. Métodos: el trabajo se llevó a cabo en 7 localidades situadas en el departamento Oeste, uno de los 10 en que se encuentra dividido Haití; se realizaron muestreos larvales en recipientes y sitios de cría naturales con las metodologías establecidas para ambos. La frecuencia de muestreo fue semanal en el período mayo-octubre, 2010. Resultados: se reportaron la presencia y distribución en el departamento Oeste en Haití de 12 especies de mosquitos y la presencia de Triatoma rubrofasciata. Se identificaron los principales sitios de cría de las tres especies de mosquitos de mayor importancia; Aedes aegypti, que correspondió a depósitos de almacenamiento de agua seguidos por gomas usadas de auto y pequeños depósitos artificiales; Anopheles albimanus en los campos de arroz, pisada de animales y planicies pantanosas costeras; y para Culex quinquefasciatus vector de filariosis linfática aún sin erradicar en Haití, fueron los canales y las zanjas de aguas residuales. Conclusiones: estos resultados son los primeros que se obtienen en esta vigilancia después de la ocurrencia del terremoto, que constituyen información valiosa para la toma de decisiones en el momento de programar el control ante la presencia de cualquier epidemia, donde se involucren estos insectos vectores en este Departamento.

Introduction: the earthquake occurred in Haiti in January 2010 led to the worsening of the hygienic, sanitary and environmental conditions and increased the number of breeding sites for disease-borne vectors in the country. Objectives: to report the first results of the entomological surveillance set by the Cuban advisory group in Haiti after the earthquake. Methods: the work was carried out in 7 sites located in West department, one of the ten departments of the country; larval sampling was conducted in reservoirs and natural breeding sites based on the methodologies for both. The sampling was weekly in the May-October period in 2010. Results: twelve mosquito species were reported in the West department as well as the presence of Triatoma rubrofasciata. The fundamental breeding sites of the three most important mosquito species were identified including Aedes aegypti with water tanks followed by worn car rubbers and small artificial deposits, Anopheles albimanus in rice fields, animal footprints and coastal swampy plains, and Culex quniquefasciatus, one lymphatic phylarosis-borne vector still existing in Haiti, in drains and waste water ditches. Conclusions: these results are the first ones from this surveillance program after the earthquake and represent valuable information for the decision-making at the time of designing a control program to face the occurrence of any epidemics in which these insect vectors might be involved in this department.

Comportamento de formas imaturas de Aedes aegypti, no litoral do Estado de São Paulo / Behavior of immatures Aedes aegypti in the coast State of São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Em região de alta incidência de dengue, no litoral do Estado de São Paulo, selecionaram-se 9 áreas, com objetivo de avaliar o comportamento de formas imaturas de Aedes aegypti. MÉTODOS: As 9 áreas foram agrupadas em 4 estratos, diferenciados pelo uso e ocupação do solo. Foram coletadas larvas e pupas numa amostra de cerca de 500 imóveis em cada área. RESULTADOS: Apesar do pneu e lona apresentarem as maiores taxas de positividade para Aedes aegypti, o ralo, juntamente com outros recipientes fixos nas edificações foram altamente predominantes entre os recipientes positivos (32 a 76 por cento dos recipientes positivos). As áreas coletivas de prédios e os imóveis não residenciais de grande porte apresentaram as maiores taxas de positividade para Aedes aegypti enquanto os apartamentos, as menores. Os níveis de infestação foram maiores na área residencial com predominância de prédios de apartamentos, onde 76 por cento dos criadouros detectados foram recipientes fixos nas edificações. CONCLUSÕES: Esses conhecimentos são importantes subsídios para a estratégia de controle, pois reforçam a necessidade de atenção especial para determinados tipos de imóveis, bem como da adequação da norma técnica de ralo de água pluvial e da melhoria de manutenção das edificações. Além disso, são necessárias observações sistemáticas que permitam acompanhar a dinâmica de ocupação de diferentes imóveis e recipientes por Aedes aegypti e a incorporação desses conhecimentos nas ações de controle do vetor na região.

INTRODUCTION: In a region of high dengue incidence, on the coast of the State of São Paulo, 9 areas were selected to evaluate the behavior of immature Aedes aegypti. METHODS: The 9 areas were grouped into 4 strata according to soil use and occupation. Larvae and pupas were collected in a sample of approximately 500 buildings in each area. RESULTS: Although tires and canvas presented the highest positive rates for Aedes aegypti, drains and other containers fixed to the buildings were highly predominant among positive containers; 32 to 76 percent of the positive containers in the 4 study strata. Public areas of apartment buildings and large non-residential premises presented the highest positive rates for Aedes Aegypti, while apartments presented the lowest. Infestation levels were greater in residential areas with predominance of apartment buildings, where 76 percent of the breeding sites detected were containers fixed to the buildings. CONCLUSIONS: This knowledge is an important tool in the control strategy, since it reinforces the need for special attention regarding certain types of buildings and the adjustment of technical norms for pluvial water drains and improvement of building maintenance. Moreover, systematic observations are required to follow-up the occupancy dynamic of different buildings and containers by Aedes aegypti and the incorporation of this knowledge in the control of vectors in the region.