[Effect of the combination of Metarhizium anisopliae and Gliocladium virens on the oviposition, hatching and emergency of Aedes aegypti]. / Efecto de la combinación de Metarhizium anisopliae y Gliocladium virens sobre la oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the combination of Metarhizium anisopliae and Gliocladium virens, both with Aqua Reslin Super, on the oviposition, hatching and emergence of Aedes aegypti. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evaluations were carried out to determine the effect of treatments impregnated on filter paper and exposed within plastic containers on the oviposition, hatching and emergency of Aedes aegypti. RESULTS: The results indicated that the fungus and insecticide combinations did not affect the oviposition behavior, but if the hatching of the eggs and the adult's emergency. CONCLUSIONS: With the results it can be concluded that the combination of fungi + insecticide can be a good option to be applied in oviposition sites with a view to the development of a lethal ovitrap.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de la combinación de Metarhizium anisopliae y Gliocladium virens, ambos con Aqua Reslin Super, sobre oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizaron evaluaciones para determinar el efecto de los tratamientos impregnados en papel filtro y expuestos dentro de recipientes de plástico sobre la oviposición, eclosión y emergencia de Aedes aegypti. RESULTADOS: Los resultados indicaron que las combinaciones hongo e insecticida no afectaron el comportamiento de oviposición, pero sí la eclosión de los huevos y la emergencia del adulto. CONCLUSIONES: Con los resultados se puede concluir que la combinación de hongos + insecticida puede ser una buena opción para aplicarse en sitios de oviposición con miras al desarrollo de una ovitrampa letal.

[Response of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) to transfluthrin and linalool impregnated in different of fabric types.] / Respuesta de Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) a transflutrina y linalol impregnados en diferentes tipos de tela.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of spatial repellency against Ae. aegypti of two chemical compounds impregnated in different types of fabrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the year 2015-2016 in the Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. The high-throughput screening system was used to evaluate the response of Ae. aegypti to transfluthrin and linalool, impregnated individually at different concentrations in poplin, cotton and polyester. The effect of their mixtures was also determined, washing on residuality and percentage of protection. RESULTS: The highest spatial repellency response was for 0.1% linalool-cotton treatment (RE = 70 ± 5.77%). The mixture of 0.1% linalool and 0.001% transfluthrin presented a similar spatial repellence percentage for the three types of fabric. The transfluthrin-poplin treatment 0.001% maintained a residual of five days. 0.1% linalool produced a 62.50% protection in the presence of an attraction stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested the impregnation of 0.1% linalool in clothing as a protection measure for Ae. aegypti.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de repelencia espacial contra Ae. aegypti de dos compuestos químicos impregnados en diferentes tipos de telas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en el periodo 2015-2016 en el Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Se utilizó el Sistema de Procesamiento de Alto-rendimiento para evaluar la respuesta de Ae. aegypti a transflutrina y linalol, impregnados individualmente a diferentes concentraciones en popelina, algodón y poliéster. También se determinó el efecto de sus mezclas, lavado sobre la residualidad y porcentaje de protección. RESULTADOS: La mayor respuesta de repelencia espacial fue para el tratamiento linalol-algodón al 0.1% (RE= 70 ± 5.77%). La mezcla de linalol 0.1% y transflutrina 0.001% presentóun porcentaje de repelencia espacial similar para los tres tipos de tela. El tratamiento transflutrina-popelina 0.001%N mantuvo una residualidad de cinco días. El linalol al 0.1% produjo 62.50% de protección en presencia de un estímulo de atracción. CONCLUSIONES: Se sugiere la impregnación de linalol al 0.1% en ropa como medida de protección de las picaduras de Ae. aegypti.

[Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico]. / Resistencia a insecticidas en Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) de Tapachula, Chiapas, México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the insecticide resistance status of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from Tapachula, México. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mosquito eggs were collected with the use of ovitraps and CDC susceptibility bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted to determine resistance levels and resistance mechanisms, respectively. RESULTS: Ae. aegypti showed resistance to deltamethrin and permethrin (PYRs), malathion, chlorpyrifos and temephos (OP), and to bendiocarb (CARB), while Ae. albopictus showed resistance to malathion and to a lesser intensity to chlorypirifos, temephos, permethrin and deltamethrin. Both species showed high levels of P450 and GSTs, while levels of esterases varied by species and collection site. Altered acethilcholinesterase was detected in both species. CONCLUSIONS: In an urban habitat from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico where vector control using insecticides takes place, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are only susceptible to propoxur.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la resistencia a insecticidas en Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus de Tapachula, Chiapas, México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron ovitrampas para obtener huevos de mosquitos Aedes y se realizaron pruebas de susceptibilidad (CDC) y ensayos enzimáticos con la primera generación. RESULTADOS: Aedes aegypti mostró resistencia a deltametrina, permetrina, malatión, clorpirifos, temefos y a bendiocarb (CARB), mientras que Aedes albopictus a malatión y en menor grado a cloripirifos, temefos, permetrina y deltametrina. Ambas especies mostraron altos niveles de enzimas como citocomo P450 y glutatión S-tranferasa, mientras que los niveles de esterasas variaron por especie y sitio muestreado. Se detectó acetilcolinesterasa insensible a insecticidas en ambas especies. CONCLUSIONES: En un hábitat urbano de Tapachula, Chiapas, México donde se aplica control con insecticidas Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus sólo son susceptibles al propoxur.

Socioeconomic factors, attitudes and practices associated with malaria prevention in the coastal plain of Chiapas, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico is in the malaria pre-elimination phase; therefore, continuous assessment and understanding of the social and behavioural risk factors related to exposure to malaria are necessary to achieve the overall goal. The aim of this research was to investigate socio-economic backgrounds, attitudes and practices related with malaria in rural locations from the coastal plain of Chiapas. METHODS: In January 2012, 542 interviews were conducted to householders from 20 villages across the coastal plain of Chiapas. Questions were about housing conditions, protection from mosquito bites and general information of householders. Chi2 analyses were performed to see whether there was a dependence of those reported having malaria with their house conditions and their malaria preventive practices. Results were discussed and also compared statistically against those obtained 17 years ago from the same area. RESULTS: Most households had 2-5 people (73.6%), 91.6% of houses had 1-3 bedrooms. The physical structure of the houses consisted of walls mainly made of block or brick 72.3%, the floor made of cement 90.0%, while the roof made of zinc sheet 43.9%, and straw or palm 42.2%. A 23.1% of the interviewed completed elementary school and 16.6% was illiterate. A 9.9% of the residents reported at least one family member having had malaria. A 98.1% of families used some method to prevent mosquito bites; those using bed nets were 94.3%. Almost 72% of families bought products for mosquito protection. A total of 537 out of 542 families agreed with the indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticide and a frequency of application as often as every two months was preferred. CONCLUSION: Housing conditions and malaria preventive practices have improved in these rural areas in 17 years, which could be in favor of malaria elimination in this area. Information generated by this study could help in the decision making about whether to use insecticide as indoor residual spraying or to implement massive distribution of long-lasting impregnated bed nets, considering the number of bedrooms and the structure of houses in the region, which may lead to a more efficient vector control for the coastal plain of Chiapas.

[Design and evaluation of a ovitrap for monitoring and control of Aedes aegypti, dengue fever vector]. / Diseño y evaluación de una ovitrampa para el monitoreo y control de Aedes aegypti, principal vector del dengue.

OBJECTIVE: To design and evaluate in field conditions an ovitrap with chemical attractants and a population regulator for the monitoring and control of dengue vectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CRISPP ovitrap (OC) effectiveness was evaluated in comparison with a standard ovitrap (OE). A septum containing two chemical attractants and a mesh tricot on the surface of the water was collocated in the OC. The number of eggs in both ovitraps and the mortality of the emerged adults were counted. Also the residual effect was determined. RESULTS: There were a total of 7168 eggs, 4659 (65%) were layed in the OC and 2509 (35%) in the OE and the emergence of adults in the OC was 0% compared with 93% in the OE. The residual effect was four days. CONCLUSIONS: The OC contained more eggs and caused minor emergency dengue vector adults in comparison with the OE.

Indoor volatiles of primary school classrooms in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico, are attractants to Aedes aegypti females.

We determined the behavioral response of Aedes aegypti females to volatile compounds collected in indoor primary school classrooms. Volatiles were collected from classrooms from 0800 through 1030 h and 1130 through 1400 h in urban and rural schools in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. Female responses to volatiles were assessed in a Y-tube olfactometer. Chemical compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Volatiles from both schools were attractive when compared against their control. When such volatiles were compared, those from the rural school were more attractive than the ones from the urban school. Chromatographic profiles were similar between schools; however, the rural school showed more compounds. Attraction of Ae. aegypti females toward volatiles of primary school classrooms might increase dengue transmission probabilities in those sites.

[Behavioral response of Anopheles albimanus to volatile compounds collected inside houses from the south of Chiapas, Mexico]. / Respuesta de Anopheles albimanus a compuestos volátiles de casas del sur de Chiapas, México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of volatile compounds in homes on the behavioral response of Anopheles albimanus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in January 2006, in the village of Nueva Independencia village, Suchiate, Chiapas. Volatile compounds were collected inside homes and the extracts were tested on unfed females in a Y-olfactometer. Extracts were analyzed in a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system (GC-MS). RESULTS: Twenty eight extracts were obtained, twelve presented attraction and two repellency responses. GC-MS analyses of the extracts indicated variation in the volatile compound present in the extracts, but could not associated specific compounds with any particular effect. CONCLUSIONS: Within homes, volatiles presented attraction and repellency responses to An. albimanus. A definate pattern concerning the presence of a characteristic chemical compound and the observed response was not found.

Vegetation-derived cues for the selection of oviposition substrates by Anopheles albimanus under laboratory conditions.

Oviposition response of gravid Anopheles albimanus Wiedemman (Diptera: Culicidae) females to water containing Brachiaria mutica, Cynodon dactylon, Jouvea straminea, Fimbristylis spadicea, and Ceratophyllum demersum was investigated. Gravid An. albimanus females deposited similar egg numbers in cups containing natural plants in water from natural breeding sites and in cups containing natural plants in distilled water. Gravid mosquitoes deposited significantly more eggs in cups containing natural plants in water from natural breeding sites than in cups containing artificial plants in water from the corresponding natural breeding sites. These results were confirmed in experiments conducted in a wind tunnel, indicating that female response is mediated by chemical cues from plants. Bioassays with organic extracts of all 5 plant species indicated that these extracts at 100%, 10%, and 1% concentrations had an oviposition repellent effect, while attractiveness was observed at 0.1%, 0.01%, and 0.001%. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the organic extracts found in all 5 plants showed a mixture of terpenoid and alcohol compounds, among them: guaiacol, phenol, isoeugenol, longifolene, caryophyllene, phenyl ethyl alcohol, and p-cresol. These results suggest that middle-range volatiles from plants may function as chemical cues for the female's oviposition response in this mosquito species.

Respuesta de Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) a transflutrina y linalol impregnados en diferentes tipos de tela / Response of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) to transfluthrin and linalool impregnated in different of fabric types

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de repelencia espacial contra Ae. aegypti de dos compuestos químicos impregnados en diferentes tipos de telas. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó en el periodo 2015-2016 en el Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Se utilizó el Sistema de Procesamiento de Alto-rendimiento para evaluar la respuesta de Ae. aegypti a transflutrina y linalol, impregnados individualmente a diferentes concentraciones en popelina, algodón y poliéster. También se determinó el efecto de sus mezclas, lavado sobre la residualidad y porcentaje de protección. Resultados: La mayor respuesta de repelencia espacial fue para el tratamiento linalol-algodón al 0.1% (RE= 70 ± 5.77%). La mezcla de linalol 0.1% y transflutrina 0.001% presentó un porcentaje de repelencia espacial similar para los tres tipos de tela. El tratamiento transflutrina-popelina 0.001% mantuvo una residualidad de cinco días. El linalol al 0.1% produjo 62.50% de protección en presencia de un estímulo de atracción. Conclusión: Se sugiere la impregnación de linalol al 0.1% en ropa como medida de protección de las picaduras de Ae. aegypti.

Abstract: Objective: Evaluate the effect of spatial repellency against Ae. aegypti of two chemical compounds impregnated in different types of fabrics. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the year 2015-2016 in the Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. The high-throughput screening system was used to evaluate the response of Ae. aegypti to transfluthrin and linalool, impregnated individually at different concentrations in poplin, cotton and polyester. The effect of their mixtures was also determined, washing on residuality and percentage of protection. Results: The highest spatial repellency response was for 0.1% linalool-cotton treatment (RE = 70 ± 5.77%). The mixture of 0.1% linalool and 0.001% transfluthrin presented a similar spatial repellence percentage for the three types of fabric. The transfluthrin-poplin treatment 0.001% maintained a residual of five days. 0.1% linalool produced a 62.50% protection in the presence of an attraction stimulus. Conclusion: It is suggested the impregnation of 0.1% linalool in clothing as a protection measure for Ae. aegypti.

Resistencia a insecticidas en Aedes aegypti y Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) de Tapachula, Chiapas, México / Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) populations from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la resistencia a insecticidas en Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus de Tapachula, Chiapas, México. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron ovitrampas para obtener huevos de mosquitos Aedes y se realizaron pruebas de susceptibilidad (CDC) y ensayos enzimáticos con la primera generación. Resultados: Aedes aegypti mostró resistencia a deltametrina, permetrina, malatión, clorpirifos, temefos y a bendiocarb (CARB), mientras que Aedes albopictus a malatión y en menor grado a cloripirifos, temefos, permetrina y deltametrina. Ambas especies mostraron altos niveles de enzimas como citocomo P450 y glutatión S-tranferasa, mientras que los niveles de esterasas variaron por especie y sitio muestreado. Se detectó acetilcolinesterasa insensible a insecticidas en ambas especies. Conclusión: En un hábitat urbano de Tapachula, Chiapas, México donde se aplica control con insecticidas Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus sólo son susceptibles al propoxur.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the insecticide resistance status of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus from Tapachula, México. Materials and methods: Mosquito eggs were collected with the use of ovitraps and CDC susceptibility bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted to determine resistance levels and resistance mechanisms, respectively. Results: Ae. aegypti showed resistance to deltamethrin and permethrin (PYRs), malathion, chlorpyrifos and temephos (OP), and to bendiocarb (CARB), while Ae. albopictus showed resistance to malathion and to a lesser intensity to chlorypirifos, temephos, permethrin and deltamethrin. Both species showed high levels of P450 and GSTs, while levels of esterases varied by species and collection site. Altered acethilcholinesterase was detected in both species. Conclusion: In an urban habitat from Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico where vector control using insecticides takes place, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are only susceptible to propoxur.

Potential for entomopathogenic fungi to control Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a vector of Chagas disease in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The use of entomopathogenic fungi to control disease vectors has become relevant because traditional chemical control methods have caused damage to the environment and led to the development of resistance among vectors. Thus, this study assessed the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi in Triatoma dimidiata. METHODS: Preparations of 108 conidia/ml of Gliocladium virens, Talaromyces flavus, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were applied topically on T. dimidiata nymphs and adults. Controls were treated with the 0.0001% Tween-80 vehicle. Mortality was evaluated and recorded daily for 30 days. The concentration required to kill 50% of T. dimidiata (LC50) was then calculated for the most pathogenic isolate. RESULTS: Pathogenicity in adults was similar among B. bassiana, G. virens and T. flavus (p>0.05) and differed from that in triatomine nymphs (p=0.009). The most entomopathogenic strains in adult triatomines were B. bassiana and G. virens, which both caused 100% mortality. In nymphs, the most entomopathogenic strain was B. bassiana, followed by G. virens. The native strain with the highest pathogenicity was G. virens, for which the LC50 for T. dimidiata nymphs was 1.98 x108 conidia/ml at 13 days after inoculation. CONCLUSIONS: Beauveria bassiana and G. virens showed entomopathogenic potential in T. dimidiata nymphs and adults. However, the native G. virens strain presents a higher probability of success in the field, and G. virens should thus be considered a potential candidate for the biological control of triatomine Chagas disease vectors.

Potential for entomopathogenic fungi to control Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a vector of Chagas disease in Mexico

Introduction The use of entomopathogenic fungi to control disease vectors has become relevant because traditional chemical control methods have caused damage to the environment and led to the development of resistance among vectors. Thus, this study assessed the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi in Triatoma dimidiata. Methods Preparations of 108 conidia/ml of Gliocladium virens, Talaromyces flavus, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were applied topically on T. dimidiata nymphs and adults. Controls were treated with the 0.0001% Tween-80 vehicle. Mortality was evaluated and recorded daily for 30 days. The concentration required to kill 50% of T. dimidiata (LC50) was then calculated for the most pathogenic isolate. Results Pathogenicity in adults was similar among B. bassiana, G. virens and T. flavus (p>0.05) and differed from that in triatomine nymphs (p=0.009). The most entomopathogenic strains in adult triatomines were B. bassiana and G. virens, which both caused 100% mortality. In nymphs, the most entomopathogenic strain was B. bassiana, followed by G. virens. The native strain with the highest pathogenicity was G. virens, for which the LC50 for T. dimidiata nymphs was 1.98 x108 conidia/ml ...

Diseño y evaluación de una ovitrampa para el monitoreo y control de Aedes aegypti, principal vector del dengue / Design and evaluation of a ovitrap for monitoring and control of Aedes aegypti, dengue fever vector

Objetivo. Diseñar y evaluar en condiciones de campo una ovitrampa con atrayentes químicos y un regulador de poblaciones para el monitoreo y control de los vectores del dengue. Material y métodos. A la ovitrampa CRISPP (OC) se le colocaron dos atrayentes químicos y una malla tricot sobre la superficie del agua. La efectividad de la OC fue evaluada y comparada contra una ovitrampa estándar (OE); además se determinó el efecto residual de los atrayentes. Resultados. Se contabilizaron un total de 7168 huevos; 4659 (65%) fueron puestos en la OC y 2509 (35%) en la OE; la emergencia de adultos en la OC fue 0% contra 93% en la OE, y el efecto residual fue de cuatro días. Conclusión. La OC atrajo un mayor número de huevos y controló a 100% de los adultos emergidos en comparación con la OE.

Objective. To design and evaluate in field conditions an ovitrap with chemical attractants and a population regulator for the monitoring and control of dengue vectors. Materials and methods. CRISPP ovitrap (OC) effectiveness was evaluated in comparison with a standard ovitrap (OE). A septum containing two chemical attractants and a mesh tricot on the surface of the water was collocated in the OC. The number of eggs in both ovitraps and the mortality of the emerged adults were counted. Also the residual effect was determined. Results. There were a total of 7168 eggs, 4659 (65%) were layed in the OC and 2509 (35%) in the OE and the emergence of adults in the OC was 0% compared with 93% in the OE. The residual effect was four days. Conclusions. The OC contained more eggs and caused minor emergency dengue vector adults in comparison with the OE.

[Physico-chemical signals involved in host localization and in the induction of mosquito bites]. / Señales físico químicas involucradas en la búsqueda de hospederos y en la inducción de picadura por mosquitos.

Disease vector female mosquitoes respond to physic-chemical signals to localize vertebrate hosts for blood meals. Zoophylic mosquitoes preferentially respond to CO2 and octenol released in the breath and bodily fluids, while anthropophylic mosquitoes respond to lactic acid and a variety of sweat compounds. These compounds are modified by saprophytic microorganisms in the skin sebaceous glands. Other factors present in human dwellings contribute to the integration of microsystems with characteristic odors that have different attraction for mosquitoes, explaining the focalization of malaria transmission in few households in endemic areas. The identification of the chemical attractants and their molecular receptors could be used to complement new methods to attract mosquitoes to traps during epidemiological surveys, to increase their contact with insecticides in control interventions, and for genetic manipulation to divert mosquito bites towards other animal populations. The English version of this paper is available at:http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Respuesta de Anopheles albimanus a compuestos volátiles de casas del sur de Chiapas, México / Behavioral response of Anopheles albimanus to volatile compounds collected inside houses from the south of Chiapas, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Determinar el efecto de los compuestos volátiles en las casas sobre la respuesta conductual del vector del paludismo Anopheles albimanus. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio se realizó en enero de 2006 en el ejido Nueva Independencia, municipio de Suchiate, Chiapas. Se colectaron compuestos volátiles dentro de casas y los extractos se probaron sobre hembras sin alimentar en un olfatómetro en "Y". Los extractos se analizaron mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 28 extractos, 12 presentaron respuesta de atracción y dos de repelencia. Los análisis por CG-EM indicaron variación en la presencia de compuestos volátiles y no se vincularon con compuestos específicos indicativos de algún efecto. CONCLUSIONES: Los volátiles en casas presentaron efecto de atracción y repelencia para An. albimanus. No se reconoció un patrón definido en cuanto a la presencia de compuestos químicos característicos y la respuesta obtenida.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of volatile compounds in homes on the behavioral response of Anopheles albimanus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in January 2006, in the village of Nueva Independencia village, Suchiate, Chiapas. Volatile compounds were collected inside homes and the extracts were tested on unfed females in a Y-olfactometer. Extracts were analyzed in a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system (GC-MS). RESULTS: Twenty eight extracts were obtained, twelve presented attraction and two repellency responses. GC-MS analyses of the extracts indicated variation in the volatile compound present in the extracts, but could not associated specific compounds with any particular effect. CONCLUSIONS: Within homes, volatiles presented attraction and repellency responses to An. albimanus. A definate pattern concerning the presence of a characteristic chemical compound and the observed response was not found.

Señales físico químicas involucradas en la búsqueda de hospederos y en la inducción de picadura por mosquitos: [revisión] / Physic-chemical signals involved in host localization and induction of disease vector mosquito bites: [review]

Las hembras de los mosquitos vectores de enfermedades utilizan señales físicas y químicas para localizar su fuente de alimentación sanguínea en hospederos vertebrados. Los mosquitos zoofílicos responden preferentemente al CO2 y al octenol liberados en la respiración y excreciones, mientras que los mosquitos antropofílicos responden al ácido láctico y a una variedad de compuestos del sudor. Estos compuestos son modificados por microrganismos saprófitos de las glándulas sebáceas de la piel. Otros factores presentes en las viviendas contribuyen a la integración de microsistemas constituidos por olores característicos, que explican los diferentes niveles de atracción de mosquitos y la focalización de la transmisión del paludismo a una porción de casas en localidades de áreas endémicas. La identificación de estos atrayentes químicos y sus moléculas receptoras en mosquitos puede ser utilizada como complemento de nuevos métodos para la vigilancia epidemiológica, para atraer a los mosquitos a trampas de colecta o para incrementar su contacto con insecticidas usados en su control, así como en la manipulación genética para desviar las picaduras de los mosquitos hacia otros hospederos vertebrados.

Disease vector female mosquitoes respond to physic-chemical signals to localize vertebrate hosts for blood meals. Zoophylic mosquitoes preferentially respond to CO2 and octenol released in the breath and bodily fluids, while anthropophylic mosquitoes respond to lactic acid and a variety of sweat compounds. These compounds are modified by saprophytic microorganisms in the skin sebaceous glands. Other factors present in human dwellings contribute to the integration of microsystems with characteristic odors that have different attraction for mosquitoes, explaining the focalization of malaria transmission in few households in endemic areas. The identification of the chemical attractants and their molecular receptors could be used to complement new methods to attract mosquitoes to traps during epidemiological surveys, to increase their contact with insecticides in control interventions, and for genetic manipulation to divert mosquito bites towards other animal populations.