Little noticed, but very important: The role of breeding sites formed by bamboos in maintaining the diversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Atlantic Forest biome.

This study investigated the composition of mosquito species in different kinds of breeding sites in a tropical forest remnant of the Atlantic Forest and identified species of public health concern therein. Collections of immature forms of mosquitoes were carried out monthly at the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve in southeastern Brazil, between June 2014 and June 2015. Samples were collected from four types of breeding sites: bamboos, bromeliads, puddles, and a lake. A total of 1,182 specimens of mosquitoes belonging to 28 species and 13 genera were collected. Three species, Ad. squamipennis, An. neglectus, and Wy. arthrostigma represented 64.8% of the captured specimens. Only three species were found in more than one type of breeding site: Ps. ferox, An. triannulatus, and Tx. trichopygus. Two species of public health concern were found breeding in bamboo (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) and one in the lake (An. darlingi). Bamboo had the highest species richness, Shannon diversity, abundance of individuals and number of dominant species of all breeding sites. Similar Simpson diversity was obtained for bamboo and bromeliads, with higher values than those obtained for puddles and the lake. The significance of the four breeding sites, especially bamboos, is discussed in the context of controlling populations of sylvatic species of mosquitoes in Atlantic Forest areas.

Oviposition activity of Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Diptera: Culicidae) during the rainy and dry seasons, in areas with yellow fever virus circulation in the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The present study aims to analyze the effectiveness of ovitraps in the capture of Hg leucocelaenus eggs and evaluate the influence of the dry and rainy seasons on their abundance and hatching rates. The eggs were collected in the Atlantic Forest of State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an area in which the yellow fever virus is known to circulate. We distributed 15 ovitraps in three sampling points, with five ovitraps per point. We distributed 15 ovitraps in three sampling points on trees within a forested area, which were sequentially numbered, monitored, and replaced every two weeks from October 2016 to April 2018. There was a high dominance of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs (98.4%) and a variation in egg hatching rates between the wet and dry seasons. These rates were 1.5 times higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The rainy season also showed a greater abundance of eggs and higher values of ovitrap positivity and egg density indexes in the installed ovitraps. The abundances of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs were positively correlated with mean monthly temperature and air humidity but not significantly correlated with accumulated precipitation. These results, as well as their implications for the possible use of ovitraps to monitor vector mosquitoes of yellow fever in the study region, are discussed.

IL-10 Cytokine as Potential Biomarkers in Women with Fibromyalgia Who Underwent to a Short Balneotherapy Treatment

Abstract Fibromyalgia (FM) is a nonarticular rheumatic syndrome that leads to diffuse myalgia, sleep disturbances and morning stiffness. Balneotherapy has been shown an effective strategy to improve the health conditions of patients; however, the treatment follow-up is based on patient report due to the lack of biomarkers. Thus, this study evaluated the application of cytokines and phosphoglycerate mutase I (PGAM-I) to monitoring FM patient underwent to balneotherapy treatment. Eleven healthy and eleven women with FM were submitted to daily sessions of balneotherapy during 10 days. Clinical and quality of life parameters were assessed through a FIQ questionnaire. Blood levels of TNF-(, interleukins (IL-1, IL-2 and IL-10) and PGAM-I expression in patients' saliva were also evaluated. Patients with FM showed significant improvements in their clinical status after treatment. Also, FM patients has IL-10 levels lower than healthy women and the balneotherapy increased the expression of this cytokine in both groups, concomitantly to pain relief. Although inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2 and TNF-() were more expressed in FM patients than healthy patients their levels did not reduce after treatment. A slight increase of PGAM-I expression was observed. In conclusion, IL-10 levels could be a useful biomarker to balneotherapy follow-up of FM patients. However, these findings must be analyzed in a larger number of patients in order to validate IL-10 as an effective biomarker.

Intestinal parasites present in canine fecal samples collected in rural areas of municipalities in the Midwest of Santa Catarina, Brazil

The study of intestinal parasites that occur in dogs in rural areas of Brazil is most important since there is little data available on this subject. Dog fecal samples were collected in rural properties of some municipalities in the Midwest of the State of Santa Catarina. Fecal samples were processed and analyzed by Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ) (spontaneous sedimentation) and by centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution. Positive results with the presence of at least one parasite corresponded to 56.0% of the samples, namely Ancylostoma sp., Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum, Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp. and Taenia sp. / Echinococcus sp. This data suggests that the environmental contamination of the countryside and, consequently, the infection levels of dogs in the area studied is high, thus the need for more effective public health measures. This work looks at the possible implications of these results

Enteroparasites and commensals in students aged 7 to 14 years in rural and urban areas of Campos Novos, west of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Intestinal diseases caused by parasites are a worldwide public health problem and contribute to social and economic problems, especially among low-income populations, which lack basic conditions and hygiene. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of intestinal parasites in students between 7 and 14 years of age from rural and urban areas of Campos Novos, Santa Catarina. A total of 109 fecal samples, stored in SAF solution, were analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation and centrifuge-fluctuation methods. Twenty-four (58.5%) and 21 (30.9%) samples were positive for the presence of parasites in the rural and urban areas, respectively, indicating a higher prevalence in rural areas. Among 8 distinct parasites identified in samples, Ancylostomatidae (hookworm) (35%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (28.3%) were the most abundant, followed by Entamoeba coli (25%), Giardia lamblia (5%), Balantidium coli (1.6%), Iodamoeda sp. (1.6%), Isospora belli (1.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.6%). Polyparasitism (hookworm and A. lumbricoides) was identified in one student from a rural area. Also, B. coli was identified in one sample and could indicate contamination of the human water supplies with pig manure. Moreover, the sanitary conditions in the rural and urban areas were very distinct, which may have contributed to the difference between the numbers of students infected with those parasites. In conclusion, these data suggest a higher prevalence of parasites in students from rural areas and that an improvement in sanitary conditions in rural areas is necessary in order to reduce parasitism in this population.

Blood sucking Diptera (Culicidae, Psychodidae, Simuliidae) in forest fragment under impact of dam in the borderland of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states, Brazil / Dípteros hematófagos (Culicidae, Psychodidae, Simuliidae) em fragmento defloresta sob impacto de barragem na fronteira dos estados do Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina, Brasil

The study of Diptera of medical importance in areas affected by dam constructions is very important due to the possibility of the occurrence of diseases transmitted by these species. Collections were performed during 2010 and 2011 in an area under impact of a dam on the Uruguai River in the borderland of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. Insects were collected using suction tubes and Shannon trap, also immature live forms were obtained by manual collect. Eight-hundred sixty-one Diptera insects were captured, including Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Culicidae), Aedes albopictus (Culicidae), three species of Anopheles spp. (Culicidae), two of Plebotominae and three distinct Simuliidae species. The Diptera fauna in the area is diversified and species with medical importance were identified before and after reservoir filling.

O estudo de dípteros de importância médica em áreas afetadas pelas construções de barragens é muito importante, devido à possibilidade de ocorrência de doenças transmitidas por essas espécies. As coletas foram realizadas entre 2010 e 2011 em uma área sob o impacto de uma barragem no Rio Uruguai, na fronteira entre os estados do Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina. Os insetos foram coletados através de tubos de sucção e armadilha Shannon, também foram coletadas manualmente formas aquáticas de imaturos. Oitocentos e sessenta e um dípteros foram capturados, incluindo Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Culicidae), Aedes albopictus (Culicidae), três espécies de Anopheles spp. (Culicidae), duas espécies de Plebotominae e três espécies de Simuliidae. A fauna de dípteros na área é diversificada e foram identificadas espécies com importância médica antes e após o enchimento do reservatório.

Scanning electron microscopy of eggs of Sabethes cyaneus.

Mosquitoes of the Neotropical genus Sabethes, some species of which are yellow fever vectors, most often develop through the immature stages in tree holes. Sabethes eggs have not been previously characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Eggs of Sabethes cyaneus (length: 349.6 +/- 2.7 microm; width: 172.6 +/- 1.14 microm; n = 10) are almost biconical when examined from the top. From a lateral perspective 2 surfaces can be seen. One surface is smooth and more convex, whereas the other is less convex and partially covered by a network from which many fungiform tubercles arise. The micropyle is situated on the smooth surface of the pointed anterior tip and is surrounded by an irregular row of tubercles, some of which are leaf shaped. No structures possibly involved in adhesion to surfaces are visible. When hatching, the egg splits dorsoventrally approximately two-thirds of the length from the anterior end. The tubercles appear to be water repellent, and the more convex/smoother surface is downturned, and this position on water was confirmed by direct observation. The eggs float free on the water surface.

Aplicação de marcadores microssatélites para o estudo de Culicidae (Diptera): revisão com especial referência a Haemagogus / Aplicación de marcadores microsatélites para el estudio de Culicidae (Diptera): una revisión con especial referencia a Haemagogus / Application of microsatellite markers for the study of Culicidae (Diptera): a review with special reference to Haemagogus

Marcadores moleculares microssatélites se caracterizam pela neutralidade, alto polimorfismo e elevada abundância com ampla distribuição pelo genoma de eucariotos. O seu emprego em estudos relacionados a espécies de mosquitos vetoras é ideal para o mapeamento genético e físico, para a identificação e discriminação de genótipos e estudos de genética de populações. Esta revisão sumariza e fornece informações sobre estudos envolvendo culicídeos através da utilização de marcadores microssatélites e propõe sugestões de pesquisas para uma melhor compreensão da biologia e dinâmica de transmissão do vírus da febre amarela por espécies do gênero Haemagogus.

Los marcadores moleculares microsatelitales se caracterizan por su neutralidad, alto polimorfismo y elevada abundancia con amplia distribución en el genoma de eucariotas. Su empleo en estudios relacionados a especies de mosquitos vectores es ideal para el mapeo genético y físico, para la identificación y discriminación de genotipos y estudios de genética de poblaciones. Esta revisión sintetiza y provee información sobre estudios de mosquitos que utilizan marcadores microsatelitales y propone nuevas líneas de investigación para una mejor comprensión de la biología y dinámica de transmisión del virus de la Fiebre Amarilla por especies del género Haemagogus.

Microsatellite molecular markers are characterized by neutrality, high polymorphism and wide distribution with high abundance in the genome of eukaryotes. Its use in studies related to species of mosquito vectors is ideal for genetic and physical mapping, for the identification and discrimination of genotypes and genetic studies of populations. This review summarizes and provides information on studies involving mosquitoes by using microsatellite markers and suggests avenues of research to better understand the biology and dynamics of transmission of Yellow Fever virus by Haemagogus mosquitoes.

Inventário de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) da Unidade de Conservação Ambiental Desterro, Ilha de Santa Catarina, Sul do Brasil / Mosquito survey (Diptera: Culicidae) from Environmental Conservation Unit Desterro, Santa Catarina Island, Southern Brazil

Dois mil e sessenta e um espécimes distribuídos em 36 espécies de mosquitos foram coletadas entre agosto de 2007 e maio de 2008 na Unidade de Conservação Ambiental Desterro (localizada no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil). As cinco espécies mais abundantes foram: Runchomyia reversa (29,74 por cento), Ochlerotatus scapularis (14,80 por cento), Wyeomyia pallidoventer (9,51 por cento), Anopheles cruzii (8,30 por cento) e Sabethes purpureus (7,03 por cento). São registradas dez novas espécies de Culicidae para o Estado de Santa Catarina, sendo que dessas, seis pertencentes ao gênero Wyeomyia.

Two thousand and sixty one specimens distributed in 36 species of mosquitoes were collected between August 2007 and May 2008 at the Environmental Conservation Unit Desterro (located in Santa Catarina State, Brazil). The five most abundant species were: Runchomyia reversa (29.74 percent), Ochlerotatus scapularis (14.80 percent), Wyeomyia pallidoventer (9.51 percent), Anopheles cruzii (8.30 percent) and Sabethes purpureus (7.03 percent). Ten species of Culicidae are firstly reported to the Santa Catarina State, and of these, six belong to the genus Wyeomyia.

A list of mosquito species of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco, including the first report of Haemagogus janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae), yellow fever vector and 14 other species (Diptera: Culicidae).

INTRODUCTION: Besides mosquito species adapted to urban environments (Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), only 15 species of Anopheles had been recorded in the State of Pernambuco. METHODS: Human-landing mosquitoes were collected in Dois Irmãos Park, in Recife. RESULTS: The first report for the state of Haemagogus janthinomys, an important vector of yellow fever virus, and 14 other species, including Trichoprosopon lampropus, a first reported for Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The mosquito fauna in the area is diversified and has potential medical and veterinary importance.

A list of mosquito species of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco, including the first report of Haemagogus janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae), yellow fever vector and 14 other species (Diptera: Culicidae) / Lista de espécies de mosquitos do Estado de Pernambuco e primeiro relato de Haemagogus janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae) vetor de febre amarela silvestre e outras 14 espécies (Diptera: Culicidae)

INTRODUCTION: Besides mosquito species adapted to urban environments (Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), only 15 species of Anopheles had been recorded in the State of Pernambuco. METHODS: Human-landing mosquitoes were collected in Dois Irmãos Park, in Recife. RESULTS: The first report for the state of Haemagogus janthinomys, an important vector of yellow fever virus, and 14 other species, including Trichoprosopon lampropus, a first reported for Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The mosquito fauna in the area is diversified and has potential medical and veterinary importance.

INTRODUÇÃO: Além de mosquitos adaptados ao ambiente urbano (Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti e Ae. albopictus), apenas 15 espécies de Anopheles haviam sido relatadas no Estado de Pernambuco. MÉTODOS: Mosquitos que pousavam em humanos no Parque Dois Irmãos, em Recife foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Haemagogus janthinomys, importante vetor de vírus de febre amarela, e outras 14 espécies são relatadas pela primeira vez no estado, incluindo Trichoprosopon lampropus, relatado pela primeira vez no Brasil. CONCLUSÕES: A fauna de mosquitos na área é muito diversificada e tem potencial importância médica e veterinária.

Scanning electron microscopy of the eggs of Aedes scapularis from southern South America.

The eggs of Aedes scapularis analyzed by scanning electron microscopy are black and elliptical in outline, measuring approximately 620.4 +/- 16.74 microm long and 163.7 +/- 16.90 microm (n = 10) wide, with an egg index (length/width ratio) of 3.79. The anterior extremity tapered abruptly from a width of 51.6 microm, while such tapering was more gradual at the posterior extremity, from a width of 61.4 microm. The ventral surface of the chorionic coating presented cells with a tubular aspect containing tubercles in rows at a density of 5 to 9 per cell with 2 different sizes, the largest measuring 7.23 +/- 0.98 microm in a longitudinal diameter and the smallest 4.15 +/- 0.53 microm (n = 30). In the dorsal region, the external chorionic reticulum had a porous appearance, and its thickness ranged from 2.5 to 4.1 microm. Isolated tubercles presented wide variation per cell. In the central region of some chorionic cells were tubercles of greater diameter, characterized as central tubercles of 8.45 +/- 0.67 microm, and around them 3 to 5 smaller tubercles measuring 2.57 +/- 0.26 microm. The micropylar apparatus presented a collar with a very evident molding and edges with defined margins for the transition area and a thickness of around 11.1 microm. The micropyle disc margins were raised, measuring around 17.8 microm in diameter and 229 microm in circumference. The micropyle orifice was very evident, with a diameter of 1.41 microm.

Developmental time of immature forms of Sabethes aurescens Lutz (Diptera, Culicidae) from artificially perforated bamboo in the rain forest of southern Brazil / Tempo de desenvolvimento de formas imaturas de Sabethes aurescens Lutz (Diptera, Culicidae) provenientes de bambus artificialmente perfurados em floresta atlântica do sul do Brasil

The development time of the immature forms of Sabethes aurescens Lutz, 1905, from perforated bamboo in the southern Brazil rain forest was studied under laboratory conditions. Mean development periods were 5±2.23, 10±5.20, 14±8.26, 36±13.90 and 9±2.43 days, respectively, for the four larval instars and pupae. The 4th instar of females was longer than that of males. Implications of the long development time of the immature forms of Sa. aurescens are discussed.

O tempo de desenvolvimento de formas imaturas de Sabethes aurescens Lutz, 1905 de bambus perfurados da floresta atlântica do sul do Brasil foi estudado em condições de laboratório. O período médio de desenvolvimento foi de 5±2,23; 10±5,20; 14±8,26; 36±13,90 e 9±2,43 dias respectivamente, para os quatro instares larvais e pupa. O 4º instar das fêmeas foi mais longo do que o dos machos. Implicações do longo tempo de desenvolvimento das formas imaturas de Sa. aurescens são discutidas.

Scanning electron microscopy of the egg of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Macquart) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a mosquito species of medical and veterinary importance, usually associated with temporary groundwater habitats. Eggs obtained from females collected in Córdoba city, in the center of Argentina, were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The eggs are elliptical in outline, measuring approximately 615.7 +/- 37.24 microm in length (1) and 180.7 +/- 22.87 microm in width (w), with an egg index (l/w ratio) of 2.9-3.7. The outer chorionic sculpture has racquet-shaped and wristwatch-shaped cells consisting of a small central tubercle surrounded by larger tubercles and followed by a row of smaller tubercles on one or both sides, respectively, although variations between regions of the egg were observed. The micropylar apparatus has a collar with evident molding and edges of determined length, albeit irregular, with defined margins for the transition area and a thickness of approximately 10.7 microm. The margins of the micropylar disc are raised and the disc measures approximately 21.1 microm in diameter. The micropyle is distinct.

New records of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) for Santa Catarina and Paraná (Brazil) / Novos registros de espécies de mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) em Santa Catarina e Paraná (Brasil)

We provide eight new mosquito species records for Santa Catarina (Limatus flavisetosus Oliveira Castro 1935, Mansonia flaveola (Coquillett 1906), Ma. titillans (Walker 1848), Psorophora forceps Cerqueira 1939, Sabethes xyphydes Harbach 1994, Toxorhynchites bambusicolus (Lutz & Neiva 1913), Tx. theobaldi (Dyar & Knab 1906) and Wyeomyia lassalli Bonne-Wepster & Bonne 1921) and three for Paraná (Ochlerotatus argyrothorax Bonne-Wepster & Bonne 1920, Uranotaenia pallidoventer Theobald 1903 and Wyeomyia pilicauda Root 1928). Additionally, we list all species in these eight genera recorded previously in the two states. The known distribution and possible epidemiological implications of the new species records are discussed.

Relatamos o primeiro encontro de oito espécies de mosquitos para Santa Catarina (Limatus flavisetosus Oliveira Castro 1935, Mansonia flaveola (Coquillett 1906), Ma. titillans (Walker 1848), Psorophora fórceps Cerqueira 1939, Sabethes xyphydes Harbach 1994, Toxorhynchites bambusicolus (Lutz & Neiva 1913), Tx. theobaldi (Dyar & Knab 1906) e Wyeomyia lassalli Bonne-Wepster & Bonne 1921) e três para o Paraná (Ochlerotatus argyrothorax Bonne-Wepster & Bonne 1920, Uranotaenia pallidoventer Theobald 1903 e Wyeomyia pilicauda Root 1928). Adicionalmente, apresentamos lista de todas as espécies destes oito gêneros com registro nos dois estados. A distribuição conhecida das espécies e sua possível importância epidemiológica são discutidas.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) near a reservoir in the Western part of the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina / Mosquitos (Diptera:Culicidae) nos arredores de uma represa no oeste do estado brasileiro sulino de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Anopheline and other mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the southern Brazilian State of Santa Catarina have been studied mostly near the Atlantic sea coast and are not well known in other regions of the state. Collections were made near a reservoir in the western portion of the state. At least 26 species were represented in the collections; 10 are recorded for the first time for the state: Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Cq. juxtamansonia, Mansonia wilsoni, Ochlerotatus fluviatilis, Psorophora ciliata, Ps. discrucians, Ps. lanei, Culex bigoti, Sabethes belisarioi and Sa. identicus, and 12 for the first time in the western portion of the state: Anopheles albitarsis, An. intermedius, An. lutzi, An. parvus, An. strodei, Chagasia fajardi, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Limatus durhamii, Sa. aurescens, Sa. melanonymphe, Trichoprosopon pallidiventer and Wyeomyia limai. The possible medical and veterinary significance of the findings is discussed.

Anofelíneos e alguns outros mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) no Estado de Santa Catarina, no sul do Brasil, foram estudados principalmente ao leste, próximo à costa, e não são bem conhecidos em outras regiões do estado. Foram realizadas coletas nas proximidades de uma represa no oeste do estado. Pelo menos 26 espécies estavam representadas nas amostras; dez delas são relatadas pela primeira vez no estado: Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Cq. juxtamansonia, Mansonia wilsoni, Ochlerotatus fluviatilis, Psorophora ciliata, Ps. discrucians, Ps. lanei, Culex bigoti, Sabethes belisarioi e Sa. identicus, e 12 pela primeira vez no oeste do estado: Anopheles albitarsis, An. intermedius, An. lutzi, An. parvus, An. strodei, Chagasia fajardi, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Limatus durhamii, Sa. aurescens, Sa. melanonymphe, Trichoprosopon pallidiventer e Wyeomyia limai. A possível importância médica e veterinária dos relatos é discutida.