Nova ocorrência de lepidopterismo por Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / New occurrence of lepidopterism by Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Adult forms of lepidopterans can cause health problems. This type of incident is known as Lepidopterism, which is caused by contact with urticating setae released by adults, such as those from the Hylesia Hübner (Saturniidae) genus. In this study, the objective is to document a new occurrence of lepidopterism caused by specimens of Hylesia nigricans(Berg, 1875) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). The outbreak took place in the summer of 2017 in the municipality of Três Coroas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. During this period, approximately 300 people were affected by dermatitis in the municipality.The outbreak resulted from the release of two types of urticating setae by female moths in the area. We want to emphasize that in case of proliferation of this moth species, it is essential to instruct the population to avoid direct contact with these insects. Monitoring these groups of lepidopterans is fundamental in facilitating decision-making and ensuring public health. (AU)

Formas adultas de lepidópteros podem causar problemas de saúde. Esse tipo de acidente é conhecido como lepidopterismo, causado pelo contato com cerdas urticantes liberadas por adultos, como as do gênero Hylesia Hübner (Saturniidae). Neste estudo, o objetivo é registrar uma nova ocorrência de lepidopterismo causado por espécimes de Hylesia nigricans (Berg, 1875) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). O surto ocorreu no verão de 2017, no município de Três Coroas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. No período, aproximadamente 300 pessoas foram acometidas por dermatite no município. O surto foi causado pela liberação de dois tipos de setas urticantes das mariposas fêmeas no ambiente. Ressaltamos que na ocorrência da proliferação dessa espécie de mariposa, é importante instruir a população a evitar o contato direto com esses insetos. O monitoramento desses grupos de lepidópteros é fundamental para facilitar a tomada de decisões e garantir a saúde pública. (AU)

Arbovirus surveillance in mosquitoes: Historical methods, emerging technologies, and challenges ahead.

Arboviruses cause millions of infections each year; however, only limited options are available for treatment and pharmacological prevention. Mosquitoes are among the most important vectors for the transmission of several pathogens to humans. Despite advances, the sampling, viral detection, and control methods for these insects remain ineffective. Challenges arise with the increase in mosquito populations due to climate change, insecticide resistance, and human interference affecting natural habitats, which contribute to the increasing difficulty in controlling the spread of arboviruses. Therefore, prioritizing arbovirus surveillance is essential for effective epidemic preparedness. In this review, we offer a concise historical account of the discovery and monitoring of arboviruses in mosquitoes, from mosquito capture to viral detection. We then analyzed the advantages and limitations of these traditional methods. Furthermore, we investigated the potential of emerging technologies to address these limitations, including the implementation of next-generation sequencing, paper-based devices, spectroscopic detectors, and synthetic biosensors. We also provide perspectives on recurring issues and areas of interest such as insect-specific viruses.

Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. OBJECTIVES: To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. METHODS: A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. FINDINGS: When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.

Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil

BACKGROUND In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. OBJECTIVES To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. METHODS A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. FINDINGS When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. MAIN CONCLUSIONS A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.

Reemergence of human malaria in Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Unforeseen Plasmodium infections in the Atlantic Forest of Brazilian Extra-Amazonian region could jeopardise malaria elimination. A human malaria case was registered in Três Forquilhas, in the Atlantic Forest biome of Rio Grande do Sul, after a 45 years' time-lapsed without any malaria autochthonous notification in this southern Brazilian state. This finding represents the expansion of the malaria distribution areas in Brazil and the southernmost human malaria case record in South America in this decade. The coexistence of the bromeliad-breeding vector Anopheles (Kerteszia) cruzii and non-human primates in the Atlantic Forest regularly visited by the patient claimed for the zoonotic origin of this infection. The reemergence of Atlantic Forest human malaria in Rio Grande do Sul was also discussed.

Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.

Blood-feeding mosquitoes locate humans spatially by detecting a combination of human-derived chemical signals, including carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other volatile organic compounds. Mosquitoes use these signals to differentiate humans from other animals. Spatial abiotic factors (e.g. humidity, heat) are also used by mosquitoes to find a host. Mosquitoes cause discomfort and harm to humans, being vectors of many pathogens. However, not all humans suffer from mosquito bites with the same frequency or intensity. Some individuals are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, and this has an important impact on the risk of infection by pathogens transmitted by these vectors, such as arboviruses and malaria parasites. Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes is partially due to individual characteristics in the composition and intensity in the release of mosquito attractants. The factors that determine these particularities are diverse, modestly understood and still quite controversial. Thus, this review discusses the role of pregnancy, infection with malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.), skin microbiota, diet, and genetics in human attractiveness to mosquitoes. In brief, pregnancy and Plasmodium infection increase the host attractiveness to mosquitoes. Skin microbiota and human genetics (especially HLA alleles) modulate the production of mosquito attractants and therefore influence individual susceptibility to these insects. There is evidence pointing to a role of diet on human susceptibility to mosquitoes, with some dietary components having a bigger influence than others. In the last part of the review, other factors affecting human-mosquito interactions are debated, with a special focus on the role of mosquito genetics, pathogens and environmental factors (e.g. wind, environmental disturbances). This work highlights that individual susceptibility to mosquitoes is composed of interactions of different human-associated components, environmental factors, and mosquito characteristics. Understanding the importance of these factors, and how they interact with each other, is essential for the development of better mosquito control strategies and studies focused on infectious disease dynamics.

Detection of antibodies against Icoaraci, Ilhéus, and Saint Louis Encephalitis arboviruses during yellow fever monitoring surveillance in non-human primates (Alouatta caraya) in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Free-ranging non-human primates (NHPs) can host a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, such as arboviruses, which include the yellow fever virus (YFV). This study aimed to detect the circulation of YF and other arboviruses in three wild Alouatta caraya populations in forests in southern Brazil. METHODS: We collected 40 blood and serum samples from 26 monkeys captured/recaptured up to four times from 2014 to 2016, searching for evidence of arboviruses by virus isolation, PCR, and neutralization tests. RESULTS: Viral isolation and genome detection were negative; however, we detected neutralizing antibodies against the Saint Louis, Ilhéus, and Icoaraci viruses in three NHPs. CONCLUSIONS: Saint Louis Encephalitis, Ilhéus, and Icoaraci viruses circulated recently in the region. Future studies should investigate the role of NHPs, other vertebrate hosts and wild vectors in the region's arbovirus circulation and the potential risks of the arboviruses to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.

ATLANTIC-PRIMATES: a dataset of communities and occurrences of primates in the Atlantic Forests of South America.

Primates play an important role in ecosystem functioning and offer critical insights into human evolution, biology, behavior, and emerging infectious diseases. There are 26 primate species in the Atlantic Forests of South America, 19 of them endemic. We compiled a dataset of 5,472 georeferenced locations of 26 native and 1 introduced primate species, as hybrids in the genera Callithrix and Alouatta. The dataset includes 700 primate communities, 8,121 single species occurrences and 714 estimates of primate population sizes, covering most natural forest types of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina and some other biomes. On average, primate communities of the Atlantic Forest harbor 2 ± 1 species (range = 1-6). However, about 40% of primate communities contain only one species. Alouatta guariba (N = 2,188 records) and Sapajus nigritus (N = 1,127) were the species with the most records. Callicebus barbarabrownae (N = 35), Leontopithecus caissara (N = 38), and Sapajus libidinosus (N = 41) were the species with the least records. Recorded primate densities varied from 0.004 individuals/km2 (Alouatta guariba at Fragmento do Bugre, Paraná, Brazil) to 400 individuals/km2 (Alouatta caraya in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil). Our dataset reflects disparity between the numerous primate census conducted in the Atlantic Forest, in contrast to the scarcity of estimates of population sizes and densities. With these data, researchers can develop different macroecological and regional level studies, focusing on communities, populations, species co-occurrence and distribution patterns. Moreover, the data can also be used to assess the consequences of fragmentation, defaunation, and disease outbreaks on different ecological processes, such as trophic cascades, species invasion or extinction, and community dynamics. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this Data Paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.

Molecular phylogeny of the Myzorhynchella Section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae): genetic support for recently described and resurrected species.

Phylogenetic relationships among species of the Myzorhynchella Section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) were investigated using the nuclear ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), the nuclear whitegene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) regions. The recently described Anopheles pristinus and resurrected Anopheles guarani were also included in the study. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses found Anopheles parvus to be the most distantly related species within the Section, a finding that is consistent with morphology. An. pristinus and An. guarani were clearly resolved from Anopheles antunesi and Anopheles lutzii, respectively. An. lutzii collected in the same mountain range as the type locality were found within a strongly supported clade, whereas individuals from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, tentatively identified as An. lutzii based on adult female external morphology, were distinct from An. lutzii, An. antunesi and from each other, and may therefore represent two new sympatric species. A more detailed examination of An. lutzii sensu latoalong its known geographic range is recommended to resolve these anomalous relationships.

Molecular phylogeny of the Myzorhynchella Section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) (Diptera: Culicidae): genetic support for recently described and resurrected species

Phylogenetic relationships among species of the Myzorhynchella Section of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) were investigated using the nuclear ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), the nuclear whitegene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) regions. The recently described Anopheles pristinus and resurrected Anopheles guarani were also included in the study. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses found Anopheles parvus to be the most distantly related species within the Section, a finding that is consistent with morphology. An. pristinus and An. guarani were clearly resolved from Anopheles antunesi and Anopheles lutzii, respectively. An. lutzii collected in the same mountain range as the type locality were found within a strongly supported clade, whereas individuals from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, tentatively identified as An. lutzii based on adult female external morphology, were distinct from An. lutzii, An. antunesi and from each other, and may therefore represent two new sympatric species. A more detailed examination of An. lutzii sensu latoalong its known geographic range is recommended to resolve these anomalous relationships.

[New records and epidemiological potential of certain species of mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Novos registros e potencial epidemiológico de algumas espécies de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae), no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

INTRODUCTION: Entomological surveillance has proven to be an important strategy for monitoring culicidae fauna, aimed at predicting the risk of exposure to pathogen vector species. The present work reports species identified for the first time in the State Rio Grande do Sul and discusses the epidemiological potential displayed by mosquito species occurring in Maquiné municipality and in other regions of the State. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected with Nasci vacuum and CDC light traps between December 2006 and December 2008, in the wild, rural and urban areas of Maquiné. RESULTS: Fifty-five species were verified, of which 22 were registered for the first time in the state and 10 are potential vector species for the Saint Louis, Oropouche, Aura, Trocara, Ilhéus, Rocio, Una, West Nile, and eastern equine encephalitis viruses. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the importance of entomological surveillance as a tool for gathering information and promoting Health Surveillance actions.

Novos registros e potencial epidemiológico de algumas espécies de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae), no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / New records and epidemiological potential of certain species of mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: A vigilância entomológica tem se mostrado uma importante estratégia de monitoramento da fauna de culicídeos com vistas a predizer o risco de exposição a espécies vetoras de patógenos. Esse trabalho apresenta uma lista de mosquitos identificados pela primeira vez no Rio Grande do Sul e discute o potencial epidemiológico de algumas espécies ocorrentes no Município de Maquiné com registros em outras regiões do Estado. MÉTODOS: Os mosquitos foram coletados com aspirador de Nasci e armadilhas CDC, entre dezembro de 2006 e dezembro de 2008, em área silvestre, rural e urbana do Município de Maquiné. RESULTADOS: Foram verificadas 55 espécies, das quais 22 são registradas pela primeira vez no estado e 10 são potencialmente vetoras do vírus Saint Louis, Oropouche, Aura, Trocara, Ilhéus, Rocio, Una, West Nile e encefalite equina do leste. CONCLUSÕES: Esses dados demonstram a importância da Vigilância Entomológica como ferramenta de informação e ação para a Vigilância em Saúde.

INTRODUCTION: Entomological surveillance has proven to be an important strategy for monitoring culicidae fauna, aimed at predicting the risk of exposure to pathogen vector species. The present work reports species identified for the first time in the State Rio Grande do Sul and discusses the epidemiological potential displayed by mosquito species occurring in Maquiné municipality and in other regions of the State. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected with Nasci vacuum and CDC light traps between December 2006 and December 2008, in the wild, rural and urban areas of Maquiné. RESULTS: Fifty-five species were verified, of which 22 were registered for the first time in the state and 10 are potential vector species for the Saint Louis, Oropouche, Aura, Trocara, Ilhéus, Rocio, Una, West Nile, and eastern equine encephalitis viruses. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the importance of entomological surveillance as a tool for gathering information and promoting Health Surveillance actions.

Vigilância entomológica de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae) como estratégia de Vigilância Ambiental em Saúde no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Entomological surveillance of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) as a strategy of the Health Environmental Surveillance in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Introdução: O estudo dos insetos em virtude da nocividade ou benefício que oferecem ao homem é objeto da entomologia aplicada. No Brasil, a incorporação da entomologia pela saúde pública vem ocorrendo de forma gradual até os dias de hoje. A vigilância entomológica surge como uma ferramenta que possibilita sistematizar informações sobre os insetos, com a finalidade de conhecer aspectos biológicos e ecológicos que permitam definir o papel vetorial, predizer o risco de exposição da população humana aos vetores e fornecer bases técnicas para ações de controle das espécies de interesse. Embora existam meios legais para tornar a Vigilância Entomológica uma prática contínua e abrangente, essa ainda não é uma realidade no Rio Grande do Sul. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância da entomologia em saúde pública, através das práticas de Vigilância Entomológica de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae), vinculadas à rotina da Vigilância Ambiental em Saúde. Métodos: Entre dezembro de 2006 e dezembro de 2008 foram realizados estudos mensais, abordando aspectos ecológicos da fauna em uma área de Mata Atlântica do litoral norte do Estado, empregando armadilhas CDC e aspirador de Nasci. Em novembro de 2008, no noroeste, foram realizadas investigações entomológicas em áreas com circulação de vírus da febre amarela, utilizando rede entomológica associada a aspirador tipo frasco e, em julho de 2006, ações de monitoramento do vírus do Nilo Ocidental em refúgio de aves migratórias no sul do Estado, com uso de aspirador de Nasci. Resultados: O trabalho possibilitou detectar 23 novos registros de mosquitos para o Rio Grande do Sul. As coletas continuadas mostraram uma distribuição sazonal das espécies, sendo o período de outubro a maio o mais indicado para atividades de levantamento e monitoramento da fauna. O papel vetorial de Haemagogus leucocelaenus foi comprovado já que o vírus da febre amarela foi novamente detectado nessa espécie. Outra importante contribuição foi o primeiro isolamento...

Culicinae ( Diptera, Culicidae ) ocorrentes no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Culicinae ( Diptera, Culicidae ) occurring in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Este trabalho lista as espécies e aponta a ocorrência de Culicinae, com base em coletas de adultos realizadas no período de setembro de 2001 a agosto de 2002, em 11 zonas fisiográficas do Estado, busca de informacões bibliográficas e verificacão de exemplares em colecões. São relacionadas 57 espécies, sendo que 22 constituem novas ocorrências para o Rio Grande do Sul. São ampliados os locais de ocorrência de Aedeomyia squamipennis, Culex chidesteri, Culex quinquefasciatus, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Mansonia titillans, Ochlerotatus albifasciatus, Ochlerotatus crinifer, Ochlerotatus fluviatilis, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Ochlerotatus serratus, Psorophora confinnis, Psorophora ferox, Sabethes aurescens, Trichoprosopon pallidiventer e Uranotaenia lowii.