Cost effectiveness of malaria vector control activities in Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Malaria vector control activities in Sudan rely largely on Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) and Larval Source Management (LSM). The present study attempted to determine cost effectiveness of inputs and operations of vector control interventions applied in different environmental settings in central and eastern Sudan, as well as their impact. METHODS: The inputs utilized and cost of each vector control activity, operational achievements and impact of the applied malaria vector control activities; IRS, LLINs and LSM were determined for eight sites in Al Gazira state (central Sudan) and Al Gadarif state (eastern Sudan). Operational costs were obtained from data of the National Malaria Control Program in 2017. Impact was measured using entomological indicators for Anopheles mosquitoes. RESULTS: The total cost per person per year was $1.6, $0.85, and $0.32 for IRS, LLINs and LSM, respectively. Coverage of vector control operations was 97%, 95.2% and 25-50% in IRS, LLINs and LSM, respectively. Vectorial capacity of malaria vectors showed statistically significant variations (P < 0.034) and ranged 0.294-0.65 in areas implemented LSM in comparison to 0.097-0.248 in areas applied IRS and LLINs, respectively. Both indoor and outdoor biting Anopheles mosquitoes showed noticeable increase that reached 3-12 folds in areas implemented LSM in comparison to areas implemented IRS and LLINs. Annual malaria prevalence was 13.1-21.1% in areas implemented LSM in comparison to 3.20%, 4.77% in areas implemented IRS and LLINs, respectively. CONCLUSION: IRS and LLINs are cost effective control measures due to adequate inputs and organized process. However, the unit cost of LSM intervention per outcome and subsequently the impact is hugely affected by the low coverage. The very weak support for implementation of LSM which includes inputs resulted in weakness of its process and consequently its impact. Implementation of LSM by local government in urban settings is challenged by many factors the most important are maintenance of adequate stable level of funding, un-adequate number of well trained health workers, unstable political and administrative conditions and weak infrastructure. These challenges are critical for proper implementation of LSM and control of malaria in urban settings in Sudan.

Finding unveiled: Culex thalassius (Diptera: Culicidae), a new mosquito species emerges in the Cabo Verde archipelago.

Mosquito-borne diseases can pose significant burdens. In many countries, they pose a risk to national economies and the well-being of humans and animals. To mitigate this, mosquito surveillance is crucial to assess the real and potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Between 2020 and 2023, mosquito larvae were collected from both indoor and outdoor breeding sites in urban and rural areas of 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands in Cabo Verde. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques that targeted the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I sequence. During this period, 6,825 breeding sites were assessed, and of 8,094 mosquito specimens screened, 194 specimens of Culex thalassius were identified for the first time in the country in 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands. This new finding highlights the importance of including entomological surveillance in health systems. Although this species has only been detected on a few islands, it is important to continuously monitor it to determine its distribution, spread/dispersal, density, and potential involvement in pathogen transmission.

Arbovirus screening of mosquitoes collected in 2022 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, with the implementation of a real-time PCR for the detection of Tahyna virus.

Several Arboviruses (Arthropod-borne virus) are a concrete health risk. While some arboviruses, such as the West Nile virus (WNV) and the Usutu virus (USUV) are actively surveyed, others are neglected, including the Tahyna virus (TAHV). In this work, we tested - searching for all the three viruses - 37,995 mosquitoes collected in 95 attractive traps, baited by carbon dioxide, distributed in the lowlands of Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, between 19 July and 12 August 2022. Among the 668 pools obtained, WNV was detected in 45 pools of Culex (Cx.) pipiens and USUV was recorded in 24 pools of the same mosquito; ten of these Cx. pipiens pools tested positive for both WNV and USUV. Interestingly, we recorded a significant circulation of both WNV lineage 1 (WNV-L1) and lineage 2 (WNV-L2): WNV-L1 strains were detected in 40 pools, WNV-L2 strains in three pools and both lineages were detected in two pools. TAHV was detected in 8 different species of mosquitoes in a total of 37 pools: Aedes (Ae.) caspius (25), Ae. albopictus (5), Ae. vexans (3), Cx. pipiens (2), Ae. cinereus (1) and Anopheles maculipennis sl (1). The significant number of Ae. caspius-pools tested positive and the estimated viral load suggest that this mosquito is the principal vector in the surveyed area. The potential involvement of other mosquito species in the TAHV cycle could usefully be the subject of further experimental investigation. The results obtained demonstrate that, with adequate sampling effort, entomological surveillance is able to detect arboviruses circulating in a given area. Further efforts must be made to better characterise the TAHV cycle in the surveyed area and to define health risk linked to this virus.

Entomological surveillance reveals transmission of malaria but not lymphatic filariasis in two communities in North-West Nigeria.

Malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are two serious public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, and both diseases are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Successful control of both diseases requires detailed information on transmission dynamics; thus, this study investigated malaria and LF transmission indices in two (2) communities (Jidawa and Kargo) in North-West Nigeria. Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled from twenty-five (25) randomly selected houses from each of the two communities using pyrethrum spray collection (PSC). The samples were identified morphologically and molecularly characterised using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Human biting rate (HBR), indoor resting density (IRD), sporozoite rate (SR) and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were calculated using standard formulae. The thorax region of the collected samples were dissected and smeared; then, Plasmodium and Wuchereria bancrofti parasites were identified using microscopy. A total of 2417 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected, and all were identified morphologically as An. gambiae s.l. Further molecular identification of sibling species revealed that An. gambiae and An. arabiensis were the only sibling species present. A total of 818 Anopheles mosquitoes were screened for Plasmodium and Wuchereria bancrofti parasites. A total of 180 samples were positive for Plasmodium parasites (Jidawa = 151; Kargo = 29), and none was positive for W. bancrofti (0%). Result of entomological indices for malaria transmission showed that indoor resting density was higher in Jidawa (10 mosquitoes/room/night) while human biting rate (2.07 bites/person/night), sporozoite rate (29.3%) and entomological inoculation rate (0.61) were higher in Kargo. In total, 35.2% of the samples were blood-fed while 67.4% were parous. There is active transmission of malaria in the two communities but not LF, suggesting the effectiveness of mass drug administration for LF. Concerted efforts should be focused on malaria control as transmission of the disease persists.

Design and Evaluation of a Sticky Attractant Trap for Intra-Domiciliary Surveillance of Aedes aegypti Populations in Mexico.

Surveillance consists of systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation and is essential for planning and implementing control activities. The lack of success in the control and surveillance of the Ae. aegypti mosquito elsewhere demands the development of new accessible and effective strategies. This work aimed to develop and evaluate an adhesive lure trap for household indoor surveillance of Ae. aegypti. Based on a bibliographic review, four compounds that have significant attraction percentages for Ae. aegypti were considered. Our more effective blend was determined through preliminary bioassays using the high-throughput screening system (HITSS) and 90 × 90 cm mosquito cages. We designed a low-cost, pyramid-shaped, sticky cardboard trap to incorporate the selected blend. Semi-field 2 × 2 m cages and field tests were utilized to evaluate its effectiveness through mosquito capture percentages. In laboratory tests, blend number 2 presented an attraction percentage of 47.5 ± 4.8%; meanwhile, in semi-field cages, a 4-inch, 110 v powered fan was used to disperse the attractants, and then a similar capture percentage of 43.2 ± 4.0% was recorded. Results were recorded during the field evaluation of the at-house indoor environment and were compared with those recorded with the golden-standard BG-Sentinel trap, i.e., our prototype trapped an average of 6.0 ± 1.5 mosquitoes versus 10.0 ± 2.6. In most Latin American countries, there is a lack of formal and accessible strategies for monitoring adult populations of Ae. Aegypti; therefore, we must develop tools that reinforce entomological surveillance methods.

First report of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcI) and Trypanosoma rangeli (TrA), in Rondônia, Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia.

Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance as they are vectors of Chagas disease. The first report of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 in Rondônia, Brazil, is described. The insects were captured on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus sp. Two adult male specimens of R. stali were identified and were found to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. The confirmation of this Rhodnius species in Rondônia increases the number of triatomines from nine to ten species in this state.

Invasive Aedes mosquitoes in an urban-peri-urban gradient in northern Spain: evidence of the wide distribution of Aedes japonicus.

BACKGROUND: The expansion of invasive mosquitoes throughout Europe has increased in recent decades. In northern Spain, Aedes albopictus was detected for the first time in 2014, and Aedes japonicus was detected in the three Basque provinces in 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of these mosquito species and their association with factors related to urbanization. METHODS: In 2021, a total of 568 ovitraps were deployed in 113 sampling sites from 45 municipalities with > 10,000 inhabitants. Oviposition substrate sticks were replaced each fortnight and examined for Aedes eggs from June to November. Aedes eggs were counted, and the eggs from a selection of positive oviposition sticks, encompassing at least one stick from each positive ovitrap, were hatched following their life cycle until the adult stage. When egg hatching was not successful, PCR targeting the COI gene and sequencing of amplicons were carried out. RESULTS: Eggs were detected in 66.4% of the sampling sites and in 32.4% of the ovitraps distributed in the three provinces of the Basque Country. Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus were widespread in the studied area, confirming their presence in 23 and 26 municipalities, respectively. Co-occurrence of both species was observed in 11 municipalities. The analysis of the presence of Aedes invasive mosquitoes and the degree of urbanization (urban, suburban, peri-urban) revealed that Ae. albopictus showed a 4.39 times higher probability of being found in suburban areas than in peri-urban areas, whereas Ae. japonicus had a higher probability of being found in peri-urban areas. Moreover, the presence of Ae. albopictus was significantly associated with municipalities with a higher population density (mean = 2983 inh/km2), whereas Ae. japonicus was associated with lower population density (mean = 1590 inh/km2). CONCLUSIONS: The wide distribution of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus observed confirmed the spread and establishment of these species in northern Spain. A new colonization area of Ae. japonicus in Europe was confirmed. Due to the potential impact of Aedes invasive mosquitoes on public health and according to our results, surveillance programs and control plans should be designed considering different urbanization gradients, types of environments, and population density.

Nondestructive Methods of Pathogen Detection: Importance of Mosquito Integrity in Studies of Disease Transmission and Control.

Mosquitoes are vectors of many pathogens, including viruses, protozoans, and helminths, spreading these pathogens to humans as well as to wild and domestic animals. As the identification of species and the biological characterization of mosquito vectors are cornerstones for understanding patterns of disease transmission, and the design of control strategies, we conducted a literature review on the current use of noninvasive and nondestructive techniques for pathogen detection in mosquitoes, highlighting the importance of their taxonomic status and systematics, and some gaps in the knowledge of their vectorial capacity. Here, we summarized the alternative techniques for pathogen detection in mosquitoes based on both laboratory and field studies. Parasite infection and dissemination by mosquitoes can also be obtained via analyses of saliva- and excreta-based techniques or of the whole mosquito body, using a near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) approach. Further research should be encouraged to seek strategies for detecting target pathogens while preserving mosquito morphology, especially in biodiversity hotspot regions, thus enabling the discovery of cryptic or new species, and the determination of more accurate taxonomic, parasitological, and epidemiological patterns.

Field Evaluation of Commonly Used Adult Mosquito Traps in Greece.

Background: Entomological monitoring activities are a major part of mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases surveillance. Several trapping methods are implemented worldwide, aiming to gather data on species composition and their abundance in various study areas. Methods: Several methodological modifications, such as trapping systems baited with attractants or carbon dioxide, have been proposed to increase trap efficiency. The aim of this study was to test different trap types, commonly used in Greece to collect mosquitoes, with the addition of the Biogents Sentinel lure. Moreover, traps were placed in two distinct land types and two different heights above the ground to compare their efficacy. West Nile Virus is endemic in Greece, so we also aimed to detect viral presence and circulation in selected mosquito pools. Results: Adult mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens s.l., and Culiseta longiareolata were collected in both study areas. The trap type had a significant impact on the total collections, while the trap position and interaction between trap and position did not significantly affect mosquito catches. WNV was detected in Cx. pipiens s.l. pools examined from the two study areas. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the role of trapping methods as a key component for monitoring and surveillance of adult mosquito populations, reflecting that several trap types present with different mosquito species capture and catch rates.

Web Geographic Information System: A Support Tool for the Study, Evaluation, and Monitoring of Foci of Malaria Transmission in Mexico.

Malaria is currently an endemic disease in Mexico. The country joined the WHO's E-25 initiative for the elimination of Plasmodium vivax to achieve elimination and certification within the established period. Having a Web-based information system was, therefore, deemed necessary to assist in the detection, investigation, and elimination of transmission in the foci, as well as for the timely treatment of malaria-positive cases. The "Information System for the Elimination of Malaria in Mexico" was designed, developed, and implemented with a geographic vision, which includes a Web tool to georeference homes and aquatic systems, a dashboard and an indicator evaluation card for monitoring activities, notification of probable cases, and vector control among other indicators. The implementation of the system was gradual in the seven states that are currently in the malaria elimination phase; subsequently, the system was implemented in non-transmission states. In 2020, the system implementation stage began; first, the basic data of more than 96,000 homes throughout the country were georeferenced, and then the primary data capture tools of 17 formats, 32 reports, and 2 geographic viewers were enabled for information queries. A total of 56 active foci have been identified in 406 localities as well as 71 residual foci in 320 localities. Recently, the Foci Manager was developed, which is a specific tool for the study, evaluation, and monitoring of active foci through a GIS, a dashboard, and a systematized evaluation certificate. Georeferencing tools decreased the cost of spatial data collection.

Moradores de áreas rurais de municípios mineiros endêmicos para a doença de Chagas: ideias e concepções sobre a doença, os vetores e os serviços de saúde / Residents of rural areas in municipalities of Minas Gerais endemic for Chagas disease: their ideas and conceptions about the disease, vector, and health services

Resumo Introdução A vigilância da doença de Chagas (DC), baseada na participação popular, ocorre por meio da detecção e notificação de insetos suspeitos de serem vetores da DC aos Postos de Informação de Triatomíneos (PITs). Objetivo Compreender as ideias e concepções dos moradores em áreas rurais dos municípios da Microrregião de Saúde de Itaúna (MSI) em relação a aspectos relacionados à DC, seus vetores e serviços de saúde. Método Em 2016, foram realizados quatro grupos focais nos municípios da MSI. Esses grupos focais foram gravados, transcritos e analisados utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Neste processo, identificamos e categorizamos unidades de análise tanto dentro de cada grupo focal quanto entre eles. Resultados Descobrimos que há compreensão por parte de alguns moradores sobre a natureza da transmissão da DC, as características morfológicas e hábitos dos vetores, o encaminhamento do vetor para os PITs e o diagnóstico da DC. Também encontramos relatos da ausência de intervenções educacionais e de saúde relacionadas à DC. Conclusão Compreender as concepções e ideias sobre a DC das populações em áreas endêmicas é fundamental para desenvolver futuras estratégias envolvendo a participação popular.

Abstract Background The surveillance of Chagas disease (CD) based on public participation is carried out through the detection and notification of insects suspected of being vectors of CD to Triatomine Information Posts (TIPs). Objective To understand the ideas and conceptions of residents in rural areas of the municipalities of the Micro-region of Health de Itaúna (MHI) regarding aspects related to CD, its vectors, and health services. Method In 2016, four focus groups were conducted in the municipalities of MHI. These focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the content analysis technique. In this process, units of analysis, both within each focus group and between them, were identified and categorized. Results It was found that some residents have a good understanding of the nature of CD transmission and of the morphological characteristics and habits of the vectors, in addition to an understanding of the forwarding of the vector to TIPs, and the diagnosis of CD. Reports of the absence of education and health interventions related to CD were also found. Conclusion Understanding the conceptions and ideas about CD of populations in endemic areas is fundamental to developing future strategies involving public participation.

Surveillance of Zika and Dengue viruses in field-collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from different states of India.

The emergence of Zika created a panic situation worldwide and burdened the public health system of the affected countries. In India, Zika outbreak occurred in 2017 and in July 2021 one laboratory-confirmed case was also reported in Kerala state. The study aimed to assess any positivity in field-collected mosquitoes for ZIKV and DENV during 2016-2021. Mosquito samples were received from 4 Zika affected citites, whereas samples were collected from Delhi. Out of 2346 pools, 4 pools for ZIKV, and 23 pools for DENV were found positive. ZIKV positive pools were from Shastri Nagar, Jaipur (2 pools), Rajpur Hotel, Jaipur (1 pool) and Kanpur (1 pool). Ten localities of Delhi were found positive for DENV. It was observed that the maximum positivity rate for both viruses were found in September-October. The active role of the vector in local transmission of ZIKV warrants regular surveillance and monitoring of Aedes vectors in India.

Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS and ATR-FTIR) together with multivariate classification for non-destructive differentiation between female mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti recently infected with dengue vs. uninfected females.

One of the most important steps in preventing arboviruses is entomological surveillance. The main entomological surveillance action is to detect vector foci in the shortest possible stages. In this work, near and medium infrared spectra collected from female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes recently infected and not infected with dengue were used in order to build chemometric models capable of differentiating the spectra of each class. For this, computational algorithms such as Successive Projection Algorithm (SPA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) were used together with Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The constructed models were evaluated with sensitivity and specificity calculations. It was observed that models based on near infrared (NIR) spectra have better classification results when compared to mid infrared (MIR) spectra, as well as models based on GA present better results when compared to those based on SPA. Thus, NIR-GA-LDA obtained the best results, reaching 100.00 % for sensitivity and specificity. NIR spectroscopy is 18 times faster and 116 times cheaper than RT-qPCR. The findings reported in this study may have important applications in the field of entomological surveillance, prevention and control of dengue vectors. In the future, mosquito traps equipped with portable NIR instruments capable of detecting infected mosquitoes may be used, in order to enable an action plan to prevent future outbreaks of the disease.

Entomological Surveillance of Aedes Mosquitoes: Comparison of Different Collection Methods in an Endemic Area in RIO de Janeiro, Brazil.

Using collection methods for Aedes adults as surveillance tools provides reliable indices and arbovirus detection possibilities. This study compared the effectiveness of different methods for collecting Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and detecting arboviruses circulating in field-caught female specimens. Collection sites were defined in urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes in two Brazilian cities. Collections were performed using Adultraps (ADT), BG-Sentinel (BGS), CDC-like traps (CDC), and indoor (ASP-I) and outdoor (ASP-O) aspiration during the rainy and dry seasons of 2015 and 2016. Generalized linear mixed models were used to model the effectiveness of each collection method. A total of 434 Ae. aegypti and 393 Ae. albopictus were collected. In total, 64 Ae. aegypti and sixteen Ae. albopictus female pools were tested for DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV, or YFV; none were positive. Positivity and density were linear at low densities (<1 specimen); thereafter, the relationship became non-linear. For Ae. aegypti, ADT and CDC were less effective, and ASP-I and ASP-O were as effective as BGS. For Ae. albopictus, all collection methods were less effective than BGS. This study highlights the need for an integrated surveillance method as an effective tool for monitoring Aedes vectors.

Synanthropic triatomines in Hidalgo state, Mexico: Spatial-temporal distribution, domestic transmission cycle, and natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.

Triatomine vectors are responsible for the main route of transmission of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This illness is potentially life-threatening and highly disabling and represents a major public health concern in the endemic countries in Latin America. The analysis of the spatial and temporal occurrence of triatomine insects is critical, since control strategies strongly depend on the vector species found within each area. Such knowledge is non-existent in Hidalgo state, an endemic region of Chagas disease in Mexico. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to analyze broad-scale spatial and temporal patterns of synanthropic triatomines collected in Hidalgo. Data was taken from the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) of Mexico and the state program of Vector Control of the Secretary of Health, covering the period of 1997-2019. Our analyses demonstrate a differential distribution of Triatoma dimidiata, T. mexicana, T. gerstaeckeri and T. barberi, which are the four predominant species, and that climate, temperature, and precipitation are some of the drivers of their distribution pattern. Notably, we report the presence of T. nitida, T. pallidipennis and T. phyllosoma for the first time in the state. In addition, we found seasonal variations of the populations of T. mexicana and T. gerstaeckeri, but not for T. dimidiata, whose population remains constant throughout the year. The insects were found mainly intradomicile (81.79%), followed by peridomicile (17.56%) and non-domestic areas (0.65%), with an average T. cruzi infection of 16.4%. Based on this evidence, priority sites for vector control intervention were identified. Our findings are very valuable for understanding the epidemiology of Chagas disease, the generation of future potential risk maps and for the development and implementation of effective and targeted vector control programs in Hidalgo state.

Evaluation of triatomines infestation occurrence in home environments in the city of Taua-Ce, 2012 / Avaliação da ocorrência de infestação por triatomíneos em ambientes domiciliares no município de Tauá-Ce, 2012 / Evaluación de la ocurrencia de infestación por triatominos en ambientes domiciliarios en el municipio de Tauá-Ce, 2012

Background and Objectives: Triatomines are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a parasitic disease that affects mammals and humans. The destruction or transformation of natural ecotopes has intensified, resulting in the invasion of triatomines in households, bringing risks to the population. Thus, the objective of the study was to carry out a data survey on triatomine infestation in the countryside of the city of TauaCe, in 2012. Methods: This is a descriptive/exploratory study of a quantitative nature, where the Secondary data were obtained from the Municipal Health Department (Endemic Nucleus). Results: The percentage of infestation in the 15 locations studied was 26.1%, with the most affected locations being: Sítio Central do Incra 50%, Fazenda Brôco 18.2%, Jordão 16.7%, Fazenda Bom Lugar 0%, Fazenda Riacho do Mato 40%, Fazenda Cearauai 37.5%, Sítio Riacho do Mato 30%, Fazenda Cedro 17.4%, Cachoeirinha 27%, Fazenda Várzea do Feijão 24%, Cachoeira do Júlio 41.2%, Fazenda Mutuquinha 9,4%, Sítio Várzea Grande 33.3%, Iparana 9.1% and Cachoeira do Celso 16.7%. Conclusion: The study showed that there is a significant rate of triatomine infestation in the home environment, which represents a great risk to the health of the population of Taua. Therefore, a more frequent entomological control is suggested, going beyond the period of campaigns for a better monitoring of the occurrence of these insects in the area.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: Triatomíneos são vetores de Trypanosoma cruzi, agente etiológico da doença de Chagas, parasitose que atinge mamíferos e humanos. A destruição ou transformação dos ecótopos naturais tem se intensificado, resultando na invasão de triatomíneos em domicílios trazendo riscos a população. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do estudo foi realizar um levantamento de dados sobre a infestação de triatomíneos em localidades do interior do município de Tauá-Ce, em 2012. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo/exploratório de natureza quantitativa, onde os dados secundários foram obtidos junto à Secretaria de Saúde (Núcleo de Endemias) do município. Resultados: O percentual de infestação nas 15 localidades estudadas foi de 26,1%, sendo as localidades mais afetadas: Sítio Central do Incra 50%, Fazenda Brôco 18,2%, Jordão 16,7%, Fazenda Bom Lugar 0%, Fazenda Riacho do Mato 40%, Fazenda Cearauai 37,5%, Sítio Riacho do Mato 30%, Fazenda Cedro 17,4%, Cachoeirinha 27%, Fazenda Várzea do Feijão 24%, Cachoeira do Júlio 41,2%, Fazenda Mutuquinha 9,4%, Sítio Várzea Grande 33,3%, Iparana 9,1% e Cachoeira do Celso 16,7%. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou que há um expressivo índice de infestação triatomínica em ambiente domiciliar, o que representa um grande risco a saúde da população tauaense. Sendo assim, sugere-se um controle entomológico mais frequente, ultrapassando o período de campanhas para um melhor acompanhamento da ocorrência desses insetos na região.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: Los triatomíneos son vectores de Trypanosoma cruzi, agente etiológico de la enfermedad de Chagas, parasitosis que afecta a mamíferos y humanos. La destrucción o transformación de los ecótopos naturales se ha intensificado, resultando en la invasión de triatomíneos en domicilios trayendo riesgos a la población. Ante lo expuesto, el objetivo del estudio fue realizar un levantamiento de datos sobre la infestación de triatomíneos en localidades del interior del municipio de Tauá-Ce, en 2012. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo/exploratorio de naturaleza cuantitativa, donde los datos secundarios fueron obtenidos junto a la Secretaría de Salud (Núcleo de Endemias) del municipio. Resultados: El porcentaje de infestación en las 15 localidades estudiadas fue de 26,1%, siendo las localidades más afectadas: Sítio Central do Incra 50%, Fazenda Brôco 18,2%, Jordão 16,7%, Fazenda Bom Lugar 0%, Fazenda Riacho do Mato 40%, Fazenda Cearauai 37,5%, Sítio Riacho do Mato 30%, Fazenda Cedro 17,4%, Cachoeirinha 27%, Fazenda Várzea do Feijão 24%, Cachoeira do Júlio 41,2%, Fazenda Mutuquinha 9,4%, Sítio Várzea Grande 33,3%, Iparana 9,1% e Cachoeira do Celso 16,7%. Conclusión: El estudio mostró que hay un expresivo índice de infestación triatomínica en ambiente domiciliar, lo que representa un gran riesgo para la salud de la población tauaense. Siendo así, se sugiere un control entomológico más frecuente, superando el período de campañas para un mejor seguimiento de la ocurrencia de esos insectos en la región.(AU)

Entomological survey of phlebotominae sand flies (diptera: psychodidae) and vector species in the tegumentary leishmaniasis endemic area in eastern brazilian Amazon, Amapá state / Levantamento entomológico de flebotomíneos (Diptera: Psychodidae) e espécies vetoras na área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar na Amazônia oriental brasileira, Estado do Amapá

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is an endemic that has increased considerably in recent decades in the Amazon region, sand flies are the vectors of the transmission of the protozoan that causes leishmaniasis, so the objective of this study was to carry out a survey of the diversity of species and the presence of Leishmania DNA in vectors circulating in three endemic counties for tegumentary leishmaniasis in the eastern Brazilian Amazon (Amapá state, Brazil). Using CDC light traps, a total of 10,773 specimens were collected between February 2019 and February 2020, representing 64 species in 15 genera. The vector specie Nyssomyia umbratilis Ward and Frahia, 1977 was the predominant species (13.20% of the total), being collected in all three counties, followed by Trichopygomyia trichopyga Floch & Abonnenc, 1945 (11.41%), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis Mangabeira,1942 (9.47%) and Nyssomyia anduzei Rozeboom, 1942 (7.61%). For the identification of Leishmania DNA, 775 pools of unengorged females were used, of which 5 tested positive, 2 of Nyssomya umbratilis Ward & Fraiha,1977, 1 of Nyssomyia anduzei and 2 of Psychodopygus davisi Root,1934, demonstrating a natural total infection rate of 0.64%. This study increases the knowledge of vector diversity, as well as identifying Leishmania spp. in circulation in the eastern region of the Amazon.

A leishmaniose tegumentar americana é uma endemia que aumentou consideravelmente nas últimas décadas na região amazônica, os flebotomíneos são os vetores da transmissão do protozoário causador da leishmaniose, portanto o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento da diversidade de espécies e a presença de DNA de Leishmania em vetores que circulam em três municípios endêmicos de leishmaniose tegumentar na Amazônia oriental brasileira (Amapá, Brasil). Usando armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC, um total de 10.773 espécimes foram coletados entre fevereiro de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020, representando 64 espécies em 15 gêneros. As espécie vetoras - singular Nyssomyia umbratilis Ward e Frahia 1977 foram as espécies predominantes (13,20% do total), sendo coletadas nos três municípios, seguido por Trichopygomyia trichopyga Floch & Abonnenc, 1945 (11,41%), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis Mangabeira, 1942 (9,47%) e Nyssomyia anduzei Rozeboom, 1942 (7,61%). Para a identificação do DNA de Leishmania, foram utilizados 775 pools de fêmeas não ingurgitadas, dos quais 5 foram positivos, 2 de Nyssomya umbratilis Ward & Fraiha, 1977, 1 de Nyssomyia anduzei e 2 de Psychodopygus davisi Root, 1934, demonstrando uma taxa de infecção total de 0,64%. Este estudo aumenta o conhecimento da diversidade de vetores, bem como a identificação das espécies de Leishmania spp. em circulação na região oriental da Amazônia.

Entomological Surveillance Activities in Regions in Greece: Data on Mosquito Species Abundance and West Nile Virus Detection in Culex pipiens Pools (2019-2020).

Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been recorded in Greece since 2010, with seasonal outbreaks (summer-autumn) on an almost annual basis, caused mainly by the WNV lineage 2 strain (Nea Santa-Greece-2010). National Public Health Organization (NPHO) in Greece is annually implementing enhanced surveillance of human WNV infection, in order to promptly identify human cases of WNV infection and monitor distribution in terms of time and place. Entomological surveillance activities were carried out on a national basis in 2019 and 2020, under NPHO coordination and the collaboration of several private subcontractors, along with the Unit of Medical Entomology, Laboratory for Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (LSID). The aim was to monitor mosquito species composition, abundance, and WNV circulation in mosquito pools of Culex pipiens s.l. species. Adult mosquito traps were placed in selected sites; collected samples were morphologically characterized and pooled by date of collection, location, and species types. Female Culex pipiens s.l. pools were tested for WNV and WNV infection rates (MIR and MLE) were estimated. Highest mean number of female Culex pipiens s.l. species was recorded in Central Macedonia both for 2019 and 2020. Six hundred and fifty-nine mosquito pools (147 in 2019 and 512 in 2020) of female Culex pipiens s.l. were examined for WNV presence. The highest MLE was detected in Western Macedonia in 2019 and in Thessaly in 2020. Here, we present data on the mosquito species composition in the studied areas and WNV detection in mosquitoes from areas in Greece where the specific national mosquito surveillance program was implemented, for two years, 2019 and 2020.

Entomo-Virological Aedes aegypti Surveillance Applied for Prediction of Dengue Transmission: A Spatio-Temporal Modeling Study.

Currently, DENV transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti affects approximately one in three people annually. The spatio-temporal heterogeneity of vector infestation and the intensity of arbovirus transmission require surveillance capable of predicting an outbreak. In this work, we used data from 4 years of reported dengue cases and entomological indicators of adult Aedes collected from approximately 3500 traps installed in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, to evaluate the spatial and temporal association between vector infestation and the occurrence of dengue cases. Entomological (TPI, ADI and MII) and entomo-virological (EVI) indexes were generated with the goal to provide local health managers with a transmission risk stratification that allows targeting areas for vector control activities. We observed a dynamic pattern in the evaluation; however, it was a low spatio-temporal correlation of Ae. aegypti and incidence of dengue. Independent temporal and spatial effects capture a significant portion of the signal given by human arbovirus cases. The entomo-virological index (EVI) significantly signaled risk in a few areas, whereas entomological indexes were not effective in providing dengue risk alert. Investigating the variation of biotic and abiotic factors between areas with and without correlation should provide more information about the local epidemiology of dengue.

Avaliação do conhecimento sobre a doença de Chagas em escolares das zonas rural e urbana de municípios endêmicos em Minas Gerais / Assessment of knowledge about Chagas disease in schoolchildren in rural and urban areas of endemic municipalities in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento de escolares do ensino médio de três escolas localizadas em municípios mineiros endêmicos para a doença de Chagas e extrair informações relativas à sua percepção em relação aos aspectos gerais, biológicos, clínicos e epidemiológicos da doença, do vetor e controle entomológico da doença de Chagas, além de comparar o conhecimento dos participantes em função da localização das escolas (zona rural ou urbana). Para isso, aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado a 68 alunos. Todos os participantes já ouviram falar a respeito da doença de Chagas, afirmando ter adquirido esse conhecimento, sobretudo, com familiares e escola. Além disso, muitos participantes demonstraram conhecer os hábitos dos vetores, tais como hematofagia e fontes alimentares. Não houve associação clara entre o perfil de urbanização e o conhecimento dos participantes. No entanto, alunos da zona urbana apresentaram menos conhecimento prático a respeito dos triatomíneos e aspectos relativos à transmissão da doença, em relação aos alunos da zona mais "ruralizada". Sugere-se o aprofundamento do tema nos currículos escolares do ensino médio e a necessidade de elaboração de ações de educação em saúde voltadas à vigilância entomológica da doença de Chagas nesses municípios e, provavelmente, em outras regiões do Brasil.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of high school students from three schools located in endemic municipalities of Minas Gerais to Chagas disease and to extract information related to their perception regarding the general, biological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease, vector and entomological control of Chagas disease, in addition to comparing the knowledge of participants according to the location of schools (rural or urban area). For this, a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 68 students. All participants have heard about Chagas disease, stating that they have acquired this knowledge, especially with family members and school. In addition, many participants demonstrated to know the habits of vectors, such as hematophagy and dietary sources. There was no clear association between the urbanization profile and the participants' knowledge. However, students from the urban area presented less practical knowledge about triatoins and aspects related to the transmission of the disease, in relation to students in the most "ruralized" area. It is suggested the deepening of the theme in high school curricula and the need to develop health education actions aimed at entomological surveillance of Chagas disease in these municipalities and, probably, in other Brazilian regions.