History of research on Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Europe: approaching the world's most invasive mosquito species from a bibliometric perspective.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse), is an invasive species native to Southeast Asia. This insect, which is an important vector of arbovirus such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, has spread rapidly to several parts of the world over the last few decades. This study employed a bibliometric approach to explore, for the first time, Ae. albopictus research activity and output in Europe. We used the Web of Science Core Collection data source to characterize the current scientific research. A total of 903 publications from 1973 to 2022 were retrieved. We also provided a comprehensive analysis by year of publication; distribution by most productive European countries, institutions, and authors; collaboration networks; research topics; most productive journals; and most cited publications. Results showed a notable increase in the number of studies after the chikungunya virus outbreak in Northeast Italy in 2007. More than 60% of these publications across the entire European continent originated from France and Italy. Research output related to 'population and community ecology' topics was significantly high. The most common type of collaboration was national, which occurred between institutions in the same European country. By providing an overview of Ae. albopictus research in Europe, this work contributes to upcoming debates, decision-making, planning on research and development, and public health strategies on the continent and worldwide.

Shedding light on the controversial taxonomic status of Culicoides jamaicensis and Culicoides paolae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): an overseas trip among continents.

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small bloodsucking flies that act as vectors for various pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to examine, using a comprehensive approach, the controversial taxonomic status of 2 Culicoides species that are currently distributed in the Neotropical (Culicoides jamaicensis Edwards) and Palearctic (Culicoides paolae Boorman) areas and possess unique and distinctive features. Previous investigations based on morphological analysis have suggested that these 2 species may be synonyms. Our work updated the current geographical distribution of both species and analyzed new specimens from different geographic origins, together with publicly available sequences. We used 2 universal genetic markers (COI and 28S) to test this hypothesis. Our study reveals evidence that C. paolae and C. jamaicensis belong to the same species due to the following statements: (i) similar morphological features; (ii) low interspecific genetic variation; (iii) association with a single genetic cluster; (iv) inclusion within the subgenus Drymodesmyia, which has only been recorded in the New World; and (v) occurrence in habitats with moderate temperatures. We recommend that European and African specimens of C. paolae be considered from now on as C. jamaicensis. Our comprehensive approach shed new light on the taxonomic status of these 2 Culicoides species and has implications for future studies on their biology and ecology.

Species Diversity, Habitat Distribution, and Blood Meal Analysis of Haematophagous Dipterans Collected by CDC-UV Light Traps in the Dominican Republic.

Haematophagous insects cause major economic losses by both direct damage and the transmission of pathogens. However, the biting Diptera species in the Caribbean region have been poorly documented. During 2021, CDC downdraft suction traps with UV light were employed to assess both the species occurrence and blood meal sources across three different habitats in the Dominican Republic. Eighteen species of mosquitoes (n = 274), six species of Culicoides (n = 803), two black fly species (n = 2), and one species of muscid fly (n = 25) were identified at species-level by morphology and/or molecular phylogenetic approaches based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Engorged mosquito (n = 5) and Culicoides (n = 28) females showed host preferences derived exclusively from mammals (cows and pigs), except Culex species containing the blood of chickens. Our study provides new records of the Diptera Dominican catalogue (Culex salinarius for the Greater Antilles, Culicoides jamaicensis for Hispaniola, and Culicoides haitiensis and Culicoides borinqueni for the Dominican Republic), the first available COI DNA sequences of different Diptera in the GenBank, some pictures of diagnostic features of closely related specimens, spatial distribution across the habitats studied, and new insights on their feeding preferences in the Caribbean region.

Breeding Sites of Synanthropic Mosquitoes in Zika-Affected Areas of the Dominican Republic.

Mosquito-borne diseases are a major public health concern in the Caribbean. Domestic water-storage containers are preferred breeding habitats for synanthropic mosquito species, among which Aedes aegypti stands out due to its role in arbovirus transmission. To determine the microenvironmental features associated with container-dwelling mosquitoes, a house-to-house cross-sectional entomological survey was carried out in 9 Dominican provinces affected by Zika virus in 2016. All containers with the potential to store water were sampled, all immature mosquitoes were collected, and information on the type, capacity, volume of stored water, building material, presence of flowers, and house location was documented. The specimens were identified and larval indices (House index [HI], Container index [CI], Breteau index [BI], and Ae. aegypti Breeding Percentage) were applied. A total of 665 dwellings were surveyed across 30 neighborhoods. A total of 1,420 water-filled container habitats were sampled, 19.3% of which harbored immature mosquitoes of 5 species, including 4 important vectors. The dominance of Ae. aegypti was marked, as it was present in all sampled neighborhoods, inhabiting 272 containers (19.1%). Larval indices were higher than the threshold values accepted (5% for the HI and BI, and 3% for the CI) in almost all neighborhoods. The presence of Aedes spp. was associated with the serviceability of water-holding containers (χ2 = 16.56522; P < 0.001), and the difference in volume between water-holding containers was associated with the presence of Aedes spp. infection (χ2 = 4; P < 0.001), the containers up to 5 liters being the most infested. This is the first entomological research based on synanthropic mosquito breeding habitats that cover urban areas of the 3 macro-regions of the Dominican Republic.

Mathematical modeling of the effects of atmospheric pressure on mosquito (Díptera: Culicidae) population density in Villa Clara, Cuba / Modelación matemática del efecto de la presión atmosférica sobre la densidad poblacional de los mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) en Villa Clara, Cuba

Abstract Introduction: Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are considered one of the most versatile organisms in the world as they can breed in any pool of water, such as puddles or tanks. However, their reproduction is influenced by atmospheric variables that allow predicting their population density. Objective: To assess the impact of atmospheric pressure on mosquito population density in the province of Villa Clara, Cuba, by means of a mathematical model based on a regressive objective regression (ROR) methodology. Materials and methods: The development of the mathematical model to predict breeding sites was based on the number of breeding sites reported in the province of Villa Clara between 2000 and 2017, and the ROR model. Furthermore, a regression analysis was carried out using the IBM SPSS® version 19.0, which allowed obtaining models that explained 100% of the variance, with its corresponding standard error. Results: With respect to the number of breeding sites, an increasing trend was observed in the municipality of Cifuentes, while the trend was downward in Ranchuelo and Caibarién. The municipalities of Santa Clara and Encrucijada had the highest and lowest standard deviation (13.432 vs. 5.968, respectively), which demonstrates great variability among the data of each municipality. Conclusions: There is a close relationship between atmospheric pressure and mosquito population density since both total and specific larval densities increase as atmospheric pressure increases.

Resumen Introducción. Los mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) son uno de los organismos más versátiles del mundo, pues pueden reproducirse en cualquier depósito de agua, como charcos o tanques. Sin embargo, su reproducción está influenciada por variables atmosféricas que permiten predecir su densidad poblacional. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de la presión atmosférica en la densidad poblacional de mosquitos en la provincia de Villa Clara, Cuba, mediante el uso de modelos matemáticos basados en la metodología de regresión objetiva regresiva (ROR). Materiales y métodos. El desarrollo del modelo matemático de pronóstico de focos de reproducción se basó en el número de focos reportados en la provincia de Villa Clara entre 2000 y 2017, y en el modelo ROR. Además, se realizó un análisis de regresión mediante el programa IBM SPSS® versión 19.0, lo que permitió obtener modelos de regresión que explicaron el 100% de la varianza, con su error típico. Resultados. Respecto a la cantidad de focos, se observó una tendencia al aumento en el municipio de Cifuentes, mientras que en Ranchuelo y Caibarién la tendencia fue a la reducción. Los municipios de Santa Clara y Encrucijada tuvieron la desviación estándar más alta y más baja, respectivamente (134.32 vs. 5.968), lo que evidencia una gran variabilidad entre los datos de cada municipio. Conclusiones. Existe una estrecha relación entre la presión atmosférica y la densidad poblacional de mosquitos, ya que a medida que aumenta la presión atmosférica, aumentan las densidades larvales, tanto total como específicas.

A survey of tire-breeding mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Dominican Republic: Considerations about a pressing issue. / Estudio de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) que se desarrollan en neumáticos en República Dominicana: consideraciones sobre un problema acuciante

INTRODUCTION: Discarded vehicle tires represent a serious threat both to the environment and to public health as they have the potential to harbor important mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of used vehicle tires as larval habitats for mosquito fauna that colonize these artificial reservoirs in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Used tires were sampled with pipettes at specialized tire fitting shops and scattered stockpiles of tires between June and August, 2018. RESULTS: We sampled 396 tires; 57 (Container Index=14.4%) were positive for immature stages and contained 2,400 specimens, 11 species, and four genera (Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, and Toxorhynchites). The most abundant species was Aedes albopictus (42.3%) followed by Aedes aegypti (34.3%), and Culex quinquefasciatus (14.0%) while other species (9.4%) were less abundant. The container index varied significantly among the different tire sizes (χ2=13.4; p≤0.05). The highest infestation levels were found in the largest tires. A low positive correlation (r=0.38, n=396; p≤0.001) between the tire size and the prevalence of immature stages was recorded. The presence of organic matter had an overall positive effect on the infestation levels (U=11,430.0; p≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These rubber residues, usually located nearby human populations, represent suitable breeding sites for arboviruses vectors such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile.

Introducción. Los neumáticos usados representan una grave amenaza para el medio ambiente y la salud pública, ya que tienen el potencial de albergar mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) vectores de enfermedades. Objetivo. Evaluar la importancia de los neumáticos usados como hábitats larvarios de mosquitos que colonizan estos recipientes artificiales en Jarabacoa, República Dominicana. Materiales y métodos. Se muestrearon mediante pipetas neumáticos usados en tiendas de venta y reparación y en vertederos entre junio y agosto de 2018. Resultados. Se muestrearon 396 neumáticos; 57 (índice de contenedor=14,4 %) albergaban estados inmaduros que contenían 2.400 especímenes de 11 especies y cuatro géneros (Anopheles, Aedes, Culex y Toxorhynchites). La especie más abundante fue Aedes albopictus (42,3 %) seguida de Aedes aegypti (34,3 %) y Culex quinquefasciatus (14,0 %), entre otras (9,4 %) de menor abundancia. El índice de contenedor varió significativamente según el tamaño del neumático (χ2=13,4; p≤0,05) y los mayores niveles de infestación se registraron en los neumáticos de mayor tamaño. Se observó una baja correlación positiva (r=0,38; n=396; p≤0,001) entre el tamaño de neumático y la prevalencia de estadios inmaduros. La presencia de materia orgánica tuvo un efecto positivo sobre los niveles de infestación de mosquitos (U=11430,0; p≤0,001). Conclusiones. Estos residuos de caucho, generalmente almacenados cerca de las poblaciones humanas, son propicios para la reproducción de vectores de arbovirus como el dengue, el chikungunya, el Zika y el West Nile.

A survey of tire-breeding mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Dominican Republic: Considerations about a pressing issue / Estudio de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) que se desarrollan en neumáticos en República Dominicana: consideraciones sobre un problema acuciante

Introducción. Los neumáticos usados representan una grave amenaza para el medio ambiente y la salud pública, ya que tienen el potencial de albergar mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) vectores de enfermedades. Objetivo. Evaluar la importancia de los neumáticos usados como hábitats larvarios de mosquitos que colonizan estos recipientes artificiales en Jarabacoa, República Dominicana. Materiales y métodos. Se muestrearon mediante pipetas neumáticos usados en tiendas de venta y reparación y en vertederos entre junio y agosto de 2018. Resultados. Se muestrearon 396 neumáticos; 57 (índice de contenedor=14,4 %) albergaban estados inmaduros que contenían 2.400 especímenes de 11 especies y cuatro géneros (Anopheles, Aedes, Culex y Toxorhynchites). La especie más abundante fue Aedes albopictus (42,3 %) seguida de Aedes aegypti (34,3 %) y Culex quinquefasciatus(14,0 %), entre otras (9,4 %) de menor abundancia. El índice de contenedor varió significativamente según el tamaño del neumático (χ2=13,4; p≤0,05) y los mayores niveles de infestación se registraron en los neumáticos de mayor tamaño. Se observó una baja correlación positiva (r=0,38; n=396; p≤0,001) entre el tamaño de neumático y la prevalencia de estadios inmaduros. La presencia de materia orgánica tuvo un efecto positivo sobre los niveles de infestación de mosquitos (U=11430,0; p≤0,001). Conclusiones. Estos residuos de caucho, generalmente almacenados cerca de las poblaciones humanas, son propicios para la reproducción de vectores de arbovirus como el dengue, el chikungunya, el Zika y el West Nile.

Introduction: Discarded vehicle tires represent a serious threat both to the environment and to public health as they have the potential to harbor important mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vectors. Objective: To assess the importance of used vehicle tires as larval habitats for mosquito fauna that colonize these artificial reservoirs in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. Materials and methods: Used tires were sampled with pipettes at specialized tire fitting shops and scattered stockpiles of tires between June and August, 2018. Results: We sampled 396 tires; 57 (Container Index=14.4%) were positive for immature stages and contained 2,400 specimens, 11 species, and four genera (Anopheles, Aedes,Culex, and Toxorhynchites). The most abundant species was Aedes albopictus (42.3%) followed by Aedes aegypti (34.3%), and Culex quinquefasciatus (14.0%) while other species (9.4%) were less abundant. The container index varied significantly among the different tire sizes (χ2=13.4; p≤0.05). The highest infestation levels were found in the largest tires. A low positive correlation (r=0.38, n=396; p≤0.001) between the tire size and the prevalence of immature stages was recorded. The presence of organic matter had an overall positive effect on the infestation levels (U=11,430.0; p≤0.001). Conclusions: These rubber residues, usually located nearby human populations, represent suitable breeding sites for arboviruses vectors such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile.

Molecular Correlation between Larval, Deutonymph and Adult Stages of the Water Mite Arrenurus (Micruracarus) Novus.

The systematics of many groups of organisms has been based on the adult stage. Morphological transformations that occur during development from the embryonic to the adult stage make it difficult (or impossible) to identify a juvenile (larval) stage in some species. Hydrachnidia (Acari, Actinotrichida, which inhabit mainly continental waters) are characterized by three main active stages-larval, deutonymph and adult-with intermediate dormant stages. Deutonymphs and adults may be identified through diagnostic morphological characters. Larvae that have not been tracked directly from a gravid female are difficult to identify to the species level. In this work, we compared the morphology of five water mite larvae and obtained the molecular sequences of that found on a pupa of the common mosquito Culex (Culex) pipiens with the sequences of 51 adults diagnosed as Arrenurus species and identified the undescribed larvae as Arrenurus (Micruracarus) novus. Further corroborating this finding, adult A. novus was found thriving in the same mosquito habitat. We established the identity of adult and deutonymph A. novus by morphology and by correlating COI and cytB sequences of the water mites at the larval, deutonymph and adult (both male and female) life stages in a particular case of 'reverse taxonomy'. In addition, we constructed the Arrenuridae phylogeny based on mitochondrial DNA, which supports the idea that three Arrenurus subgenera are 'natural': Arrenurus, Megaluracarus and Micruracarus, and the somewhat arbitrary distinction of the species assigned to the subgenus Truncaturus.

Potencialidad de Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) (Molusca: Gastropoda: lymnaeidae) en la transmisión de la fascioliasis humana en República Dominicana / Potentiality of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817) (Molusca: Gastropoda: lymnaeidae) in the transmission of human fascioliasis in the Dominican Republic

Introducción: en el paisaje epidemiológico de la fascioliasis humana, dos aspectos son de fundamental importancia: a) presencia de hospederos definitivos (especialmente ganado bovino y humanos) parasitados con adultos del tremátodo y; b) presencia de hospederos intermediarios invertebrados, moluscos de la familia Lymnaeidae, en los que se desarrollan los estadios larvarios, además de plantas acuáticas de consumo humano. Material y métodos: con el objetivo de prevenir brotes de fascioliasis humana mediante la correcta identificación de aspectos de interés epidemiológico, un humedal fue seleccionado en el sector de Palo Blanco, municipio de Jarabacoa, provincia de La Vega, en el cual se realizó un estudio malacológico en octubre de 2016, en busca de especies de moluscos limneidos e hidrófitos asociados. En el laboratorio se obtuvieron los índices de infección natural y experimental a Fasciola hepatica. Resultados: se identificó el limneido Pseudosuccinea columella, en proporciones de 250 especímenes por persona/hora. El vegetal predominante fue el berro (Nasturtiun officinale), cultivado comercialmente en tres cuadrantes del humedal y en el otro cuadrante se observaron bovinos pastando. El índice de infección experimental de los moluscos fue de 94 % a la cepa simpátrica de F. hepatica de Dajabón; no se encontraron moluscos parasitados naturalmente. Conclusiones: Pseudosuccinea columella debe considerarse como un molusco de relevancia epidemiológica en la transmisión de la fascioliasis en República Dominicana, a tenor de su dispersión y elevado índice de infección experimental obtenido en el presente estudio

Introduction: in the epidemiological landscape of human fascioliasis, two aspects are of fundamental importance: a) presence of definite hosts (especially cattle and humans) parasitized with trematode adults and b) presence of invertebrate intermediate hosts, mollusks of the family Lymnaeidae, in which larval stages develop, in addition to aquatic plants for human consumption. Material and methods: in order to prevent outbreaks of human fascioliasis by correctly identifying aspects of epidemiological interest, a wetland was selected in the sector of Palo Blanco, municipality of Jarabacoa, province of La Vega, in which a malacological study was carried out in October 2016, in search of limneid mollusk species and associated hydrophytes. Natural and experimental infection rates to Fasciola hepaticawere obtained in the laboratory. Results: the lymnaeid Pseudosuccinea columella was identified, in proportions of 250 specimens collected per person/hour. The predominant vegetable was the watercress (Nasturtiun officinale), commercially cultivated in three quadrants of the wetland and in the other quadrant were observed cattle grazing. The rate of experimental infection of mollusks was 94 % to the sympatric strain of F. hepatica of Dajabón; no naturally parasitized mollusks were found. Conclusions: Pseudosuccinea columella should be considered as a mollusk of epidemiological relevance in the transmission of fascioliasis in the Dominican Republic, due to its dispersion and high rate of experimental infection obtained in the present study

Micro-environmental features associated to container-dwelling mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an urban cemetery of the Dominican Republic / Variables microambientales asociadas a mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) que habitan en recipientes en un cementerio urbano de República Dominicana

Abstract Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are important vectors of diverse pathogenic organisms, particularly arboviruses and protozoa. The immature stages of mosquitoes occur in a wide range of natural or human-made aquatic habitats. On this basis, some anthropogenic places such as cemeteries, usually serve as thrive and productive artificial-breeding habitats for mosquitoes. Despite being important foci for vector species, urban cemeteries are frequently overlooked in control and surveillance programs. This study evaluates the association of ecological variables and attributes (type of material, presence of flowers, water availability and height from the ground) of the breeding sites with the levels of infestation of mosquito immature stages. In 2017, an entire urban cemetery in Jarabacoa (Dominican Republic) was sampled at two different climatic periods (March: dry and August: rainy) for the characterization of the artificial breeding-sites, collection of immature stages of culicids and subsequent laboratory rearing for species identification. In total 968 containers were studied, containing 7 758 immature stages in 203 (21.0 %) water-filled containers which accounted for four species: Culex quinquefasciatus (50.5 %), Aedes aegypti (47.1 %), Aedes albopictus (1.9 %) and Culex nigripalpus (0.4 %). The mean of A. aegypti immatures in infested containers was roughly two times higher compared to C. quinquefasciatus and significantly lower compared to A. albopictus. The total Container Index (CI) was 20.9 %, and among the type of materials, those made from rock (cement, ceramic, and mud) and plastic had the highest CI = 25.9 % and 23.4 %, respectively. Almost 95 % of the total infested water-filled containers were made of plastic or rock. No association was found between the type of material of the containers and the density of mosquitoes. However, overall, greater densities of immature stages were found at ground than at higher levels. A weak positive correlation between water volume and density was found in some species of immature stages. Significantly higher number of C. quinquefasciatus were recorded in containers with flowers and large water volume. In contrast, A. aegypti immature stages were more frequent in containers without flowers. A weak negative association between water volume and infestations was found for A. albopictus immatures. As reflected of their opportunistic behaviour and broad ecological plasticity, Culex spp. and Aedes spp. mosquitoes were abundant pests in cemetery habitats where were able to breed in almost any kind of water-filled container regardless the type of material. However, our study showed that some ecological variables have critical impact for the development of the immature stages of some species. The health authorities and cemetery keepers can benefit from these results by focusing on the implementation of detailed plans and integrated strategies for the control and prevention of cemetery infestations by mosquitoes.(AU)

Resumen Los mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) son importantes vectores de diversos organismos patógenos, tales como arbovirus y protozoos. Los estadios inmaduros de los mosquitos pueden encontrarse en un amplio abanico de hábitats, tanto de origen natural como humano. Algunos lugares antrópicos, como los cementerios, sirven como prósperos hábitats artificiales para el desarrollo del ciclo de vida de los mosquitos. A pesar de constituir importantes focos para especies de interés vectorial, los cementerios urbanos son frecuentemente olvidados en los programas de vigilancia y control. Este estudio evaluó la asociación de algunas variables ecológicas (tipo de material, presencia de flores, disponibilidad de agua, y altura respecto al suelo) de los lugares de cría (recipientes) con los niveles de infestación de las fases preimarginales de los culícidos. En 2017, un cementerio urbano en Jarabacoa (República Dominicana) fue inspeccionado durante dos periodos climáticos (es decir: marzo: estación seca y agosto: estación húmeda) para: caracterizar los lugares de cría artificiales, captura de los estadios inmaduros de culícidos e identificación de los adultos emergidos a partir de las fases inmaduras. En total, 968 recipientes fueron examinados, conteniendo 7 758 inmaduros en 203 (21.0 %) recipientes con agua pertenecientes a cuatro especies, Culex quinquefasciatus (50.5 %), Aedes aegypti (47.1 %), Aedes albopictus (1.9 %) y Culex nigripalpus (0.4 %). El índice de recipiente (IR) fue del 20.9 %, y los recipientes fabricados a partir de roca (cemento, cerámica y barro) y plástico tuvieron el mayor IR = 25.9 y 23.4 %, respectivamente. Casi un 95 % de los recipientes con agua infectados estaban constituidos de materiales tipo plástico o roca. No se encontró asociación entre el tipo de material del recipiente y la densidad. En general, mayor densidad de estadios inmaduros fue observada a nivel del suelo que a alturas mayores. Se observó un incremento significativo del número de C. quinquefasciatus en recipientes con flores y grandes volúmenes de agua. Por el contrario, los estadios de A. aegypti fueron más frecuentes en recipientes sin flores. Como reflejo de su comportamiento oportunista y amplia plasticidad ecológica, los mosquitos Culex y Aedes fueron abundantes en los cementerios, siendo capaces de desarrollar su ciclo de vida acuático en cualquier tipo de recipiente, con independencia del material que lo constituya. Nuestro estudio, por tanto, mostró que algunas variables ecológicas tienen un impacto crítico sobre el desarrollo de los estadios inmaduros de algunas especies de mosquitos. Tanto las autoridades de salud pública como los cuidadores del cementerio pueden beneficiare de estos resultados centrándose en la implementación de planes detallados y estrategias integradoras para el control y prevención de mosquitos que infectan cementerios.(AU)

Excess Mortality and Causes Associated with Chikungunya, Puerto Rico, 2014-2015.

During 2014-2015, a total of 31 deaths were associated with the first chikungunya epidemic in Puerto Rico. We analyzed excess mortality from various causes for the same months during the previous 4 years and detected 1,310 deaths possibly attributable to chikungunya. Our findings raise important questions about increased mortality rates associated with chikungunya.

Modeling of Equivalent Effective Temperature and its possible incidence on larval density of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Villa Clara province, Cuba / Modelación de la Temperatura Efectiva Equivalente y posible incidencia en la densidad larval de mosquitos Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) en la provincia Villa Clara, Cuba

AbstractThe wind chill or Equivalent Effective Temperature (EET) is the thermic sensation that a person feels when being exposed to a certain combination of temperature from the air, relative humidity and wind velocity. The objective of this investigation was directed to determine the possible incidence of the EET upon the larval density of Anopheles mosquitoes in Villa Clara province, Cuba. The Climatological data were compiled from the Yabú station in Santa Clara, and a total of 5 370 measurements were included in a database every three hours, using the aggregate function of the Statistical Package of Social Science software version 13 (SPSS), from January 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2013. A long term forecast (1 year of advance) was made to obtain EET and the Anopheles larval density in the locality of Santo Domingo was modelled. These entomological data were taken at the same time but monthly, so the EET data were converted to monthly scale to be correlated with the monthly data of the larval density. The result was a 97.1 % of variance with a standard error (SE) of 3.57 °C for the model of the EET with a year of anticipation; therefore, the tendency in time was significant. The modeling also included the Anopheles larval density of mosquitoes in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara province, observing an increase of the EET, while the Anopheles mosquito larvae also increased. The most important variables in the model were the EET that were back in 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 16, 24, 40 for the previous year; that is to say 2 920, 2 921, and so on, which explained a strong contagion among the data. EET correlation compared with itself in previous year was high; therefore, it may be used as a predictable variable. The anophelinic density in Santo Domingo explained the 66 % of the variance, with a SE of 0.66 larvae.m-2. The tendency of the Anopheles larval density was to diminish. In conclusion, EET has an important impact in larval density of Anopheles with EET increase associated with larval density decrease.

ResumenLa Temperatura Efectiva Equivalente (TEE) es la sensación térmica que siente una persona frente a una determinada combinación de temperatura del aire, humedad relativa y velocidad del viento. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la posible incidencia de la TEE sobre la densidad larval de mosquitos del género Anopheles en la provincia Villa Clara, Cuba. Una base de datos recogió medidas climatológicos cada tres horas durante el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero 2011 hasta el 30 de septiembre 2013, proveyendo un total de 5 370 medidas de la estación Yabú de Santa Clara. Se realizó un pronóstico a largo plazo (1 año) para obtener la TEE y se modeló la densidad larvaria total de mosquitos en la localidad de Santo Domingo. Los datos entomológicos fueron recogidos en el mismo lapso temporal pero con una periodicidad mensual, por lo que los datos de TEE fueron convertidos a escala mensual para poder ser empleados con los datos de densidad larvaria. Para la modelación se utilizó la Metodología de Regresión Objetiva Regresiva que explicó el 97.1 % de varianza con un error estándar (SE) de 3.57 ºC para el modelo de TEE con un año de antelación; la tendencia en el tiempo fue significativa al aumento. Además, al modelar la densidad larvaria anofelínica en el municipio Santo Domingo, se observó que a medida que aumenta la TEE, disminuye la densidad larval anofelínica. La variable más importante en el modelo fue la TEE regresada en 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 16, 24, 40, pero del año anterior, es decir 2 920, 2 921, y así sucesivamente, explicando un contagio muy fuerte entre los datos. Ello fue debido a que la correlación de TEE con ella misma en años anteriores fue alta, por lo que puede ser utilizada como variable predictora. El modelo de densidad larval anofelínica en Santo Domingo explicó el 66 % de la varianza, con un SE de 0.06 larvas/m2. La tendencia de la DLA fue a la disminución. En conclusión, la TEE tuvo una incidencia directamente proporcional en la densidad larval anofelínica, ya que a medida que aumentaba este indicador, disminuyó la densidad larval anofelínica.

Comparison of different light sources for trapping Culicoides biting midges, mosquitoes and other dipterans.

The response of Culicoides biting midges, mosquitoes and other dipterans to different wavelengths was evaluated in a farm meadow in northern Spain. A total of 9449 specimens of 23 species of Culicoides, 5495 other ceratopogonids (non-biting midges), 602 culicids and 12428 other mixed dipterans were captured. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suction light traps fitted with five light emitting diodes (LEDs) (white, green, red, blue, ultraviolet) were run for 15 consecutive nights. Significantly more Culicoides were collected in those traps fitted with green, blue or ultraviolet (UV) lights than in red and white-baited LED traps for the most abundant species captured: C. punctatus (37.5%), C. cataneii (26.5%) and C. obsoletus/C. scoticus (20.4%). Similar results were obtained for non-Culicoides ceratopogonids, mosquitoes and other mixed dipterans. Wavelengths in green (570nm) resulted effective for targeting some Culicoides species, culicids and other midges. In a second trial, the effectiveness of 4-W white and UV tubes was compared to traps fitted with UV LED and a standard incandescent light bulb. More specimens of all taxa were collected with fluorescent black light (UV) traps than with the other light sources, except culicids, which were recovered in high numbers from fluorescent white light traps.

Review of ten-years presence of Aedes albopictus in Spain 2004-2014: known distribution and public health concerns.

Ten years have gone by since the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was recorded for the first time in Spain. In this paper, all relevant published information about this vector in Spain for the period 2004-2014 is reviewed. The known distribution for 2014 is provided, including all historical records (published and unpublished data) and the results from samplings of the last year. The consequences on public health about the presence of the Asian tiger mosquito in Spain are also highlighted. Further, legal aspects and control plans related to the management and diseases transmitted by this invasive vector species are also discussed.

Updated distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Spain: new findings in the mainland Spanish Levante, 2013.

In 2004, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was observed for the first time in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. A decade later, it has spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean region of the country and the Balearic Islands. Framed within a national surveillance project, we present the results of monitoring in 2013 in the autonomous communities of the mainland Levante. The current study reveals a remarkable increase in the spread of the invasive mosquito in relation to results from 2012; the species was present and well-established in 48 municipalities, most of which were along the Mediterranean coastline from the Valencian Community to the Region of Murcia.

Updated distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Spain: new findings in the mainland Spanish Levante, 2013

In 2004, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was observed for the first time in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. A decade later, it has spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean region of the country and the Balearic Islands. Framed within a national surveillance project, we present the results of monitoring in 2013 in the autonomous communities of the mainland Levante. The current study reveals a remarkable increase in the spread of the invasive mosquito in relation to results from 2012; the species was present and well-established in 48 municipalities, most of which were along the Mediterranean coastline from the Valencian Community to the Region of Murcia.

Resolution of canine ocular thelaziosis in avermectin-sensitive Border Collies from Spain.

Ocular thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda is an emerging disease that affects primarily dogs, but also cats, foxes and other wild carnivores, as well as humans. Three clinical cases of unilateral conjunctivitis caused by Thelazia nematodes were detected in Border Collie, a dog breed intolerant to the macrocyclic lactones. Animals came from southwestern Spain, on the border with Portugal. Eight worms were collected and identified molecularly as T. callipaeda by amplification and sequencing of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Oral treatment with mebendazole 20mg/kg (Telmin(®)) was effective in curing the infection.

How to increase the population of a Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) colony: a new method.

The sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus is the most widespread vector of Leishmania infantum in Spain. Laboratory colonisation represents the most feasible source of information on the biology of these insects, but in conducting any study, the density of individuals in the colony may drop to such an extent that it is sometimes difficult to recover the initial population levels. A new technique was tested for the recovery of sandfly eggs in three different colonies; the recovery rate was studied by comparing the standard method of mass rearing with this new method of colony management. The results demonstrate a mean increase of 18.4% in adult production, a growth in colony productivity that justifies the inclusion of this process in the routine maintenance of any colony of sandflies.

How to increase the population of a Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) colony: a new method

The sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus is the most widespread vector of Leishmania infantum in Spain. Laboratory colonisation represents the most feasible source of information on the biology of these insects, but in conducting any study, the density of individuals in the colony may drop to such an extent that it is sometimes difficult to recover the initial population levels. A new technique was tested for the recovery of sandfly eggs in three different colonies; the recovery rate was studied by comparing the standard method of mass rearing with this new method of colony management. The results demonstrate a mean increase of 18.4 percent in adult production, a growth in colony productivity that justifies the inclusion of this process in the routine maintenance of any colony of sandflies.