Communities of arthropods associated with the composting process of the organic solid waste produced in a landfill in Brazil.

Composting is a process recommended as a way to recycle the organic part of the solid waste in which several micro and macroorganisms act as decomposers of the organic matter, in a process that takes around 120 days and faces roughly three different phases. Because we do not know the community of arthropods associated with the compost produced in one of the biggest landfills placed in Brazil, here we collected and identified the community of arthropods present in each phase of the organic compost. Our hypothesis is that the abundance and diversity of arthropods are different within each phase of the compost and we hope to find particular groups of arthropods that can be used as indicator of specific phases. In total, we identified the taxa of 1204 arthropods (insects, arachnidan and diplopods). We found that diversity and abundancy of arthropods were indeed different for each maturation phase of the compost, but we did not find families that are good indicators of each phase. In addition, to be certain about the safety of the compost produced, we investigated the presence of microorganisms in the final product and we found considerable levels of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in some samples. Finally, we argue that the presence of these macro and microorganisms during the process may be beneficial or harmful. Since their presence decreased greatly by the end of the process, we acknowledge that composting works efficiently as a way to recycle the organic part of the waste generated in Brazil.

Evaluation of the baited ovitrap with natural attractant for monitoring Aedes spp. in Dili, capital of East Timor. / Avaliação da armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural para o monitoramento de Aedes spp. em Dili, capital do Timor-Leste.

Dengue transmission has been known in East Timor since 2005, but the country is not equipped with an Aedes aegypti mosquito monitoring and control program. This study aimed to evaluate the baited ovitrap as a possible tool to monitor the arbovirus vector Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) and was conducted in the city of Dili, capital of East-Timor, between epidemiological weeks 32 (02/08) and 48 (02/12) of 2016. In total, 70 ovitraps were installed in residences scattered throughout fifteen streets of four Administrative Posts (districts) of the city. The following entomological indicators were used: Ovitrap Positivity Index (OPI), Vector Density Index (VDI), and Egg Density Index (EDI). A total of 158.904 eggs were collected during the experiment. The OPI showed that 98-100% of traps contained Aedes spp. in all areas of the study. The EDI and OPI indicators were positively and significantly correlated with the temperature. The two- and three-week lag for rainfall indicated a significant positive correlation for VDI and EDI. Therefore, the ovitrap is a tool that can integrate the actions of an Aedes spp. monitoring and control program in East-Timor.

A dengue ocorre no Timor-Leste desde 2005, porém não existe um programa de monitoramento e controle do "Aedes aegypti". O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar a armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural como uma possível ferramenta para monitorar o vetor das arboviroses: Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) e Zika (ZIKV). O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Dili, capital do Timor-Leste, entre as semanas epidemiológicas 32 (02/08) a 48 (02/12) de 2016. Foram instaladas 70 armadilhas Ovitrampa, em residências de 15 sucos (ruas), de quatro Postos Administrativos (bairros) da cidade. Para as analises dos dados utilizou-se os indicadores entomológicos: Índice de Positividade de Ovitrampa (IPO), Índice de Densidade Vetorial (IDV) e Índice de Densidade de Ovos (IDO). Durante o experimento foram coletados 158.904 ovos de Aedes spp.. O IPO demonstrou que todas as áreas tiveram 98% a 100% de armadilhas contendo ovos de Aedes spp.. Os indicadores IDO e IPO apresentaram correlações positivas e significativa com a temperatura. A defasagem de duas e três semanas para precipitação indicou correlação positiva significativa para IDV e IDO. Portanto, a armadilha ovitrampa é uma ferramenta que pode integrar as ações de um programa de monitoramento e controle de Aedes spp. no Timor-Leste.

Avaliação da armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural para o monitoramento de Aedes spp. em Dili, capital do Timor-Leste / Evaluation of the baited ovitrap with natural attractant for monitoring Aedes spp. in Dili, capital of East Timor

Resumo A dengue ocorre no Timor-Leste desde 2005, porém não existe um programa de monitoramento e controle do "Aedes aegypti". O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar a armadilha ovitrampa iscada com atraente natural como uma possível ferramenta para monitorar o vetor das arboviroses: Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) e Zika (ZIKV). O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Dili, capital do Timor-Leste, entre as semanas epidemiológicas 32 (02/08) a 48 (02/12) de 2016. Foram instaladas 70 armadilhas Ovitrampa, em residências de 15 sucos (ruas), de quatro Postos Administrativos (bairros) da cidade. Para as analises dos dados utilizou-se os indicadores entomológicos: Índice de Positividade de Ovitrampa (IPO), Índice de Densidade Vetorial (IDV) e Índice de Densidade de Ovos (IDO). Durante o experimento foram coletados 158.904 ovos de Aedes spp.. O IPO demonstrou que todas as áreas tiveram 98% a 100% de armadilhas contendo ovos de Aedes spp.. Os indicadores IDO e IPO apresentaram correlações positivas e significativa com a temperatura. A defasagem de duas e três semanas para precipitação indicou correlação positiva significativa para IDV e IDO. Portanto, a armadilha ovitrampa é uma ferramenta que pode integrar as ações de um programa de monitoramento e controle de Aedes spp. no Timor-Leste.

A comparison of larval, ovitrap and MosquiTRAP surveillance for Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti

In Brazil, the entomological surveillance of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti is performed by government-mandated larval surveys. In this study, the sensitivities of an adult sticky trap and traditional surveillance methodologies were compared. The study was performed over a 12-week period in a residential neighbourhood of the municipality of Pedro Leopoldo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. An ovitrap and a MosquiTRAP were placed at opposite ends of each neighbourhood block (60 traps in total) and inspections were performed weekly. The study revealed significant correlations of moderate strength between the larval survey, ovitrap and MosquiTRAP measurements. A positive relationship was observed between temperature, adult capture measurements and egg collections, whereas precipitation and frequency of rainy days exhibited a negative relationship.

A comparison of larval, ovitrap and MosquiTRAP surveillance for Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti.

In Brazil, the entomological surveillance of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti is performed by government-mandated larval surveys. In this study, the sensitivities of an adult sticky trap and traditional surveillance methodologies were compared. The study was performed over a 12-week period in a residential neighbourhood of the municipality of Pedro Leopoldo, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. An ovitrap and a MosquiTRAP were placed at opposite ends of each neighbourhood block (60 traps in total) and inspections were performed weekly. The study revealed significant correlations of moderate strength between the larval survey, ovitrap and MosquiTRAP measurements. A positive relationship was observed between temperature, adult capture measurements and egg collections, whereas precipitation and frequency of rainy days exhibited a negative relationship.

Field optimisation of MosquiTRAP sampling for monitoring Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae)

A sticky trap designed to capture gravid Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti mosquitoes, MosquiTRAP, has been evaluated for monitoring this species in Brazil. However, the effects of trap densities on the capture rate of Ae. aegypti females and the sensitivity of vector detection are still unknown. After a preliminary study has identified areas of high and low female mosquito abundance, a set of experiments was conducted in four neighbourhoods of Belo Horizonte (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil) using densities of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 traps per block. Trap sensitivity (positive MosquiTRAP index) increased significantly when 1-8 MosquiTRAPs were installed per block in both high and low abundance areas. A strong fit was obtained for the total number of mosquitoes captured with increasing trap densities through a non-linear function (Box-Lucas) (r² = 0,994), which likely exhibits saturation towards an equilibrium level. The capacity of the Mean Female Aedes Index to distinguish between areas of high and low Ae. aegypti abundance was also investigated; the achieved differentiation was shown to be dependent on the MosquiTRAP density.

Field optimisation of MosquiTRAP sampling for monitoring Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae).

A sticky trap designed to capture gravid Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti mosquitoes, MosquiTRAP, has been evaluated for monitoring this species in Brazil. However, the effects of trap densities on the capture rate of Ae. aegypti females and the sensitivity of vector detection are still unknown. After a preliminary study has identified areas of high and low female mosquito abundance, a set of experiments was conducted in four neighbourhoods of Belo Horizonte (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil) using densities of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 traps per block. Trap sensitivity (positive MosquiTRAP index) increased significantly when 1-8 MosquiTRAPs were installed per block in both high and low abundance areas. A strong fit was obtained for the total number of mosquitoes captured with increasing trap densities through a non-linear function (Box-Lucas) (r² = 0,994), which likely exhibits saturation towards an equilibrium level. The capacity of the Mean Female Aedes Index to distinguish between areas of high and low Ae. aegypti abundance was also investigated; the achieved differentiation was shown to be dependent on the MosquiTRAP density.

Avaliação da operacionalidade da armadilha MosquiTRAP no monitoramento de Aedes aegypti / Operational evaluation of a sticky trap in the monitoring of Aedes aegypti

Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade dos agentes de saúde para identificar corretamente os mosquitos capturados pela MosquiTRAP e comparar o tempo gasto na pesquisa larvária, ovitrampa e MosquiTRAP. Metodologia: aspectos operacionais do monitoramento de Aedes aegypti foram avaliados em doze municípios das cinco regiões geográficas do Brasil. Resultados: o tempo gasto pelos agentes de saúde na vistoria da MosquiTRAP foi semelhante ao da ovitrampa (8,0 e 6,8 min., respectivamente) e ambos foram inferiores a pesquisa larvária (24,8 min.). Os agentes de saúde identificaram A. aegypti (mínimo de 97,4 por cento de acerto) e Aedes albopictus (100 por cento de acerto) em cinco dos seis municípios onde esta espécie foi registrada. O índice de pendência da MosquiTRAP em todos os municípios variou entre 0,20 por cento e 4,43 por cento. Conclusão: os resultados indicam que a ovitrampa e MosquiTRAP apresentaram vantagens em relação a pesquisa larvária com redução do tempo de vistoria das casas, implicando uma redução de custos.

Objectives: to assess the capacity of health workers to correctly identify mosquitoes captured by MosquiTRAP, and to compare the time spent on larval survey, egg trap (ovitrap) and MosquiTRAP. Methodology: operational aspects of monitoring of the Aedes aegypti were assessed in twelve municipalities in five geographic regions of Brazil. Results: time spent by health workers to inspect the MosquiTRAP was similar to ovitrap (8.0 and 6.8 minutes, respectively) and both took less than larval survey (24.8 minutes). Health workers identified A. aegypti (minimum of 97.4 percent hit) and A. albopictus (100 percent hit) in five of the six municipalities where this species was recorded. MosquiTRAP pendency index in all municipalities varied from 0.20 percent to 4.43 percent. Conclusion: results indicate that ovitrap and MosquiTRAP have advantages over larval survey in terms of reduced time spent at residences, implying cost reduction.

Preliminary evaluation of the 'Dengue-MI' technology for Aedes aegypti monitoring and control.

Limitations in the laboratory identification of Aedes aegypti and processing of field data based on larval surveys led to the development of the 'Intelligent Dengue Monitoring' technology (MI-Dengue). MI-Dengue consists of a trap that captures gravid female Ae. aegypti, coupled with a computerized system for field data collection, transmission, and access to georeferenced maps in real time. The current study describe the first experience with a system for monitoring adult Ae. aegypti and presents the preliminary results in three municipalities that adopted MI-Dengue as a strategy to identify key areas and orient control measures. Weekly georeferenced maps and an entomological indicator (Mean Female Aedes Index) provided information on infested areas and infestation levels, color-coded according to the number of captured female Ae. aegypti, and indicated risk-free, dengue alert, and critical situations that triggered appropriate control measures. The preliminary results suggest that the adoption of this control strategy with house-to-house visits in a 200m radius of the positive trap helped reduce dengue in the municipalities that adopted the system.

Preliminary evaluation of the "Dengue-MI" technology for Aedes aegypti monitoring and control / Avaliação preliminar da tecnologia "MI-Dengue" para o monitoramento e controle do Aedes aegypti

Limitations in the laboratory identification of Aedes aegypti and processing of field data based on larval surveys led to the development of the "Intelligent Dengue Monitoring" technology (MI-Dengue). MI-Dengue consists of a trap that captures gravid female Ae. aegypti, coupled with a computerized system for field data collection, transmission, and access to georeferenced maps in real time. The current study describe the first experience with a system for monitoring adult Ae. aegypti and presents the preliminary results in three municipalities that adopted MI-Dengue as a strategy to identify key areas and orient control measures. Weekly georeferenced maps and an entomological indicator (Mean Female Aedes Index) provided information on infested areas and infestation levels, color-coded according to the number of captured female Ae. aegypti, and indicated risk-free, dengue alert, and critical situations that triggered appropriate control measures. The preliminary results suggest that the adoption of this control strategy with house-to-house visits in a 200m radius of the positive trap helped reduce dengue in the municipalities that adopted the system.

As limitações na identificação do Aedes aegypti em laboratório e no processamento das informações obtidas em campo pelo método da pesquisa larvária levaram ao desenvolvimento do "Monitoramento Inteligente da Dengue" (MI-Dengue). O MI-Dengue consiste em uma armadilha que captura fêmeas grávidas de Ae. aegypti associada ao sistema informatizado de coleta, transmissão e acesso das informações de campo, e mapas georreferenciados em tempo real. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever pela primeira vez um sistema de monitoramento de adultos de Ae. aegypti e apresentar os resultados preliminares em três municípios que adotaram o MI-Dengue como estratégia para identificar áreas e direcionar as ações de controle. Semanalmente, mapas georreferenciados e o indicador entomológico (IMFA) forneceram informações das áreas onde os níveis de infestações, caracterizados por cores em função da quantidade de fêmeas de Ae. aegypti capturadas, indicaram situação de sem risco, alerta e crítica que desencadearam ações de controle. Os resultados preliminares sugerem que a adoção dessa estratégia de controle com visitas casa a casa em um raio de 200m da armadilha positiva contribuiu para a redução de casos de dengue nos municípios que adotaram o MI-Dengue.

Efeito da ovitrampa letal na longevidade de fêmeas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) / Effect of lethal ovitrap on the longevity of females of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

A armadilha de oviposição acrescida de inseticida pode funcionar como novo método de controle de fêmeas do mosquito Aedes aegypti. Fêmeas de Aedes aegypti foram colocadas em contato com ovitrampas letais envelhecidas e a mortalidade variou de 60,3 por cento a 100 por cento sendo significativo o efeito do envelhecimento das palhetas impregnadas com deltametrina no percentual de mortalidade.

Oviposition traps with added insecticide may work as a new method for controlling the females of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Females of Aedes aegypti were placed in contact with lethal ovitraps with aging. The mortality rate ranged from 60.3 percent to 100 percent. The effect of aging the slats impregnated with deltamethrin was significant in relation to the percentage mortality among Aedes aegypti females.

[Evaluation of the HP trap baited with different release rates of octenol for capturing anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) in Brejo do Mutambal, municipality of Varzelândia, State of Minas Gerais]. / Avaliação da armadilha HP iscada com diferentes taxas de liberação de octenol na captura de anofelinos (Diptera: Culicidae) em Brejo do Mutambal, Município de Varzelândia, Estado de Minas Gerais.

To evaluate the role of octenol in collecting anophelines, HP traps baited with different rates of evaporation. A total of 285 anophelines was captured and there was no significant difference in the numbers of anophelines captured between the control traps and the traps baited with octenol and no difference between the release rates.

Avaliação da armadilha HP iscada com diferentes taxas de liberação de octenol na captura de anofelinos (Diptera: Culicidae) em Brejo do Mutambal, Município de Varzelândia, Estado de Minas Gerais / Evaluation of the HP trap baited with different release rates of octenol for capturing anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) in Brejo do Mutambal, municipality of Varzelândia, State of Minas Gerais

Para avaliar o papel do octenol na coleta de anofelinos foram utilizadas armadilhas HP iscadas com diferentes taxas de evaporação. Foram capturados 285 anofelinos e não houve diferença entre o número de anofelinos coletados com as armadilhas controle e as iscadas com octenol e nem entre as taxas de evaporação.

To evaluate the role of octenol in collecting anophelines, HP traps baited with different rates of evaporation. A total of 285 anophelines was captured and there was no significant difference in the numbers of anophelines captured between the control traps and the traps baited with octenol and no difference between the release rates.

[Effect of lethal ovitrap on the longevity of females of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)]. / Efeito da ovitrampa letal na longevidade de fêmeas de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Oviposition traps with added insecticide may work as a new method for controlling the females of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Females of Aedes aegypti were placed in contact with lethal ovitraps with aging. The mortality rate ranged from 60.3% to 100%. The effect of aging the slats impregnated with deltamethrin was significant in relation to the percentage mortality among Aedes aegypti females.

Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais.

Between October, 1997 and September, 1999 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais a study of seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis was carried out in three distinct areas of the municipality. Sand flies were sampled at 15-day intervals in three residences, in each of which two CDC light traps were installed, one indoors and the other in the peridomicile. A total of 397 sand flies were captured in the three areas, with 65%, 30% and 1% of specimens collected in the eastern, northeast and Barreiro districts, respectively. The overall proportions of sand flies collected inside and around the houses were similar (57% vs 43%) and this pattern was seen for both Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia whitmani . The highest population levels during the two years of the study were from October to March. From October onwards, numbers increased constantly until February. A gradual fall was seen from April onwards until the lowest levels were reached in the months of June, July and August.

[Persistence and efficacy of growth regulator pyriproxyfen in laboratory conditions for Aedes aegypti]. / Persistência e eficácia do regulador de crescimento pyriproxyfen em condições de laboratório para Aedes aegypti.

The persistence and efficacy of growth regulator pyriproxyfen were evaluated in two final concentrations 0.01 and 0.05 ppm against Aedes aegypti larvae in laboratory conditions using three types of containers: cement box (45 liters), glass bottle (5 liters) and plastic bucket (20 liters). The tests were carried after 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days of treatment against Aedes aegypti larvae 3rd and 4th instar. The percentages of larvae, pupae and adult mortality, the percentage of adult emergence inhibition and time duration of bioassays were calculated. A was observed a persistence of 45 and 90 days by using 0.01 and 0.05 ppm final concentrations of pyriproxyfen, respectively, was observed. We observed that mortality in the pupa stage was significantly higher than larvae and adults mortality for all containers and concentrations.

Seasonal variation of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais

Entre outubro de 1997 e setembro de 1999, em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais foi conduzido um estudo de variacão sazonal de Lutzomyia longipalpis em três áreas distintas do município. Os flebotomíneos foram coletados quinzenalmente em três residências, em cada área, nas quais foram instaladas duas armadilhas luminosas CDC, sendo uma no intradomicílio e a outra no peridomicílio. Um total de 397 flebotomíneos foi capturado nas três áreas, com 65%, 30% e 1% exemplares coletados nos distritos Leste, Nordeste e Barreiro, respectivamente. A proporcão total de flebotomíneos coletados no intradomicílio e peridomicílio foi semelhante (57% vs 43%) e este padrão foi visto para Lutzomyia longipalpis e Lutzomyia whitmani . Durante os dois anos de estudo, o nível da populacão foi maior no período de outubro a marco. A partir de outubro o número de flebotomíneos aumenta constantemente até fevereiro. Uma gradual reducão foi observada a partir de abril até alcancar o nível mais baixo nos meses de junho, julho e agosto.

Persistência e eficácia do regulador de crescimento pyriproxyfen em condicões de laboratório para Aedes aegypti / Persistence and efficacy of growth regulator pyriproxyfen in laboratory conditions for Aedes aegypti

A persistência e a eficácia do regulador de crescimento pyriproxyfen foram testadas em concentracões de 0,01 e 0,05ppm, contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, utilizando os recipientes caixas d'água (45 litros), frascos de vidro (5 litros) e baldes de plástico (20 litros). As avaliacões foram nos dias 1, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 e 120 após o tratamento usando larvas de 3º e 4º estádio de Aedes aegypti. Foi calculado o percentual de mortalidade de larvas, pupas e adultos, percentual de inibicão de emergência de adulto e duracão dos bioensaios. Observou-se que a persistência foi de 45 dias e 90 dias para concentracão final de 0,01 e 0,05ppm de pyriproxyfen, respectivamente. Observamos que a mortalidade de pupas foi significativamente maior que a de larvas e de adultos para todos os recipientes e concentracões.

[Effect of larvae density on adult size of Aedes aegypti reared under laboratory condictions]. / Efeito da densidade larval no tamanho de adultos de Aedes aegypti criados em condições de laboratório.

To evaluate the influence of larval density in development of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes we evaluated three different densities. It was observed that conditions of high larval density and shortage of food produced a reduction in the size of adults and increased mortality rate of Aedes aegypti in laboratory conditions.

Efeito da densidade larval no tamanho de adultos de Aedes aegypti criados em condições de laboratório / Effect of larvae density on adult size of Aedes aegypti reared under laboratory condictions

Para avaliar a influência da densidade larval no desenvolvimento do mosquito Aedes aegypti, foram testadas três diferentes densidades. Observou-se que em condições de alta densidade larvária e carência de alimentos houve uma redução no tamanho dos adultos e aumento na taxa de mortalidade de Aedes aegypti em condições de laboratório.