Aedes aegypti Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

We report the successful introduction of heterologous DNA sequences into embryos of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) by microinjection. The injected DNA carrried P transposable element sequences, derived from and known to facilitate... more

We report the successful introduction of heterologous DNA sequences into embryos of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) by microinjection. The injected DNA carrried P transposable element sequences, derived from and known to facilitate transformation in Drosophilu rnelanogaster. Two plasmids, one of which carried a dominant selectable marker, were introduced into the posterior of embryos prior to pole cell formation and subsequently taken up into the germ line of transformed individuals. Stable transfer of the selectable marker (G418 resistance) was demonstrated over two generations. The precise nature of these putative P mediated integration events is currently being investigated. However, the results presented here establish the technique of DNA transformation for the genetic manipulation of Aedes uegypti.

Mosquito vectors are extending their range via international travel and trade. Climate change makes New Zealand an increasingly suitable environment for less tropically adapted exotic mosquito vectors to become established. This shift... more

Mosquito vectors are extending their range via international travel and trade. Climate change makes New Zealand an increasingly suitable environment for less tropically adapted exotic mosquito vectors to become established. This shift will add a multiplier effect to existing risks of both the establishment of new species and of resident exotic species extending into new areas. We describe trends in the border interceptions of exotic mosquitoes and evaluate the role of imported goods as a pathway for these introductions. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the two most commonly intercepted species, were only intercepted in Auckland. Used tyres and machinery were the main mode of entry for both species. The majority of Ae. albopictus were transported as larvae by sea, while most Ae. aegypti were transported as adults by air. Continuing introductions of these mosquitoes, mainly arriving via Japan or Australia, increase the risk of the local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases in New Zealand in general and in the Auckland region in particular. These findings reinforce the need for a high performing and adequately resourced national biosecurity system, particularly port surveillance and inspection. Recommended biosecurity improvements are described.

This work aimed at assessing the spatial distribution of the dengue fever mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti and its association with Strategic Sites (SS). In each of three localities of Rio de Janeiro city, 80 traps were installed (40 for... more

This work aimed at assessing the spatial distribution of the dengue fever mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti and its association with Strategic Sites (SS). In each of three localities of Rio de Janeiro city, 80 traps were installed (40 for adult mosquitos and 40 for immatures) in randomly chosen households. Moreover, two further traps we installed close to each SS. These traps were localized with GPS and visited every week for 11 weeks, in the summer of 2007. Based on these data, mosquito infestation maps were created by applying Gaussian Kernels (ArcGis 9.0) to the weekly data. We also used non-parametric methods to test the hypothesis that traps located closer to the SSs would catch more mosquitos than distant ones. Our results suggest that unusual sites, as those used for recycling and a boat factory, showed significant association with infestation hotspots. As a conclusion, our study point to the importance of not standard types of human activity as potential new categories to be included in the surveillance of SSs.

Bacillus thuringiensiswas isolated from natural samples collected from 80 countries. The majority, 45% of the 5303 isolates, originated from stored products, with 25% originating from soil. The materials richest in isolates active in... more

Bacillus thuringiensiswas isolated from natural samples collected from 80 countries. The majority, 45% of the 5303 isolates, originated from stored products, with 25% originating from soil. The materials richest in isolates active in insects were mushroom compost and stored products. The proportion with bipyramidal-shaped crystals was 46%, while among the range of other shapes 14% were spherical and 4% rectangular.

Larvicidal activity of ethyl acetate, butanol, and petroleum ether extracts of five species of Euphorbiaceae plants, Jatropha curcas, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Euphorbia tirucalli, were tested... more

Larvicidal activity of ethyl acetate, butanol, and petroleum ether extracts of five species of Euphorbiaceae plants, Jatropha curcas, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Euphorbia tirucalli, were tested against the early fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. All extracts showed low larvicidal effects; however, the highest larval mortality was found in petroleum ether extract. The LC50 value of petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas, P. tithymaloides, P. amarus, E. hirta, and E. tirucalli were 8.79, 55.26, 90.92, 272.36, and 4.25 ppm, respectively, against A. aegypti and 11.34, 76.61, 113.40, 424.94, and 5.52 ppm, respectively, against C quinquefasciatus. Of the various ratios tested, the petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas and E. tirucalli were observed to be more efficient than the other plant extracts. It is, therefore, suggested that E. tirucalli can be applied as an ideal potential larvicide against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus. This is an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of the dengue vector, A. aegypti, and the lymphatic filariasis vector, C. quinquefasciatus.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) implemented the Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) program with excellent results; however, due to current... more

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) implemented the Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) program with excellent results; however, due to current challenges, this active program
requires new and innovative solutions. Nowadays, Aedes aegyptis-borne diseases can be added among neglected diseases. Surveillance and control must be considered owing to a great risk of infection with dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses. Although investigations on several vaccines are in progress, new insights in term of development of drugs that evade from resistance are of paramount importance. Nanobiotechnology appears as one of the most innovative strategy in the search of new uses for old pharmaceuticals or in the development of innovative and intelligent nanomedicines for neglected diseases. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon dots and carbon nanotubes were the focus of the current advances. In this direction, we have focused this overview on new advances in diagnostic assays as nanobiosensors, antivirus and nanoinsecticides on Aedes aegyptis
control.

Objectives: To determine dengue fever knowledge, attitude, and practice levels in the following districts in Lima, Peru: Downtown Lima, La Victoria, and San Luis. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive population-based and... more

Objectives: To determine dengue fever knowledge, attitude, and practice levels in the following districts in Lima, Peru: Downtown Lima, La Victoria, and San Luis. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive population-based and cross-sectional study; sample size calculated for a 1% Aedic index, and a two-staged sampling was used. A 17closed question structured interview was used, which was performed by trained environmental sanitation personnel or health promoters. The interview was applied to the first adult person present in the selected household. Data was entered in Epi Info v.6, and it was analyzed using SPSS v.11 software. Results: 5381 persons were interviewed, their average age was 42 ± 16 years, two-thirds were women, and 76% had gone to high school or to a superior educational institution. 69.2% of interviewed persons declared knowing about dengue fever, but only 65.4% of then had an acceptable knowledge level. 121 interviewed persons (2.1%) declared having early morning ...

An Asiatic mosquito species, Aedes albopictus, began to spread worldwide in the 1970s thanks to marine transport of tires and other goods, leading to colonization of many areas of the world. This species is a vector of major human... more

An Asiatic mosquito species, Aedes albopictus, began to spread worldwide in the 1970s thanks to marine transport of tires and other goods, leading to colonization of many areas of the world. This species is a vector of major human diseases such as Dengue, Yellow Fever and the West Nile virus. In Europe, it was established in Albania and Italy and has been detected in other countries such as France; no records exist for Spain as yet. Colonization by Aedes albopictus is a major public health concern considering that the West Nile virus and several other viruses are known to circulate sporadically in the Mediterranean. Additionally, the parent species Aedes aegypti was the vector causing severe outbreaks of Dengue and Yellow Fever two centuries ago. Although Ae. aegypti was also introduced, it was eradicated from Spain. Both mosquitoes shared habitat types, diseases transmitted and many bionomic data. This article contains a review of the present Ae. albopictus distribution range worldwide and discusses the likelihood of an establishment in Spain in view of climatological and geographical data. Biological Invasions (2005) 7: 87-97 Ó Springer 2005

Objetivos: Describir las características y relaciones de tres indicadores entomológicos (IE) de Aedes aegypti en cuanto a su distribución espacial, efecto estacional y tipo de recipiente más común en la ciudad de Yurimaguas, Perú, durante... more

Objetivos: Describir las características y relaciones de tres indicadores entomológicos (IE) de Aedes aegypti en cuanto a su distribución espacial, efecto estacional y tipo de recipiente más común en la ciudad de Yurimaguas, Perú, durante los años 2000 al 2004. Materiales y métodos: Se recogieron los datos de los censos larvales al 100% en el periodo de estudio a través de tres IE [índice aédico (IA), índice de recipientes (IR) e índice de Breteau (IB)]. Se dividió la ciudad en once zonas, los depósitos se clasificaron en diez categorías y las estaciones en periodo lluvioso (noviembre-abril) y seco (mayo-octubre). Para establecer diferencias entre los censos según meses, años, tipo de recipientes, zonas y estacionalidad se usó la prueba t de student y ANDEVA; y la correlación de Spearman para ver la relación entre los IE. Resultados: Se censaron 10 5421 viviendas y se inspeccionaron 538 802 depósitos. Los tres IE presentaron diferencias entre las once zonas, se notaron valores altos de recipientes positivos para las cinco categorías siguientes: inservibles, llantas, tanque bajo, florero-macetero y barril-cilindro-sansón. Los inservibles correspondieron a 37,37% de los recipientes positivos; 161 (4,2%) viviendas presentaron > 3 recurrencias en las inspecciones entre el 2000 al 2004. Los mayores valores de IE se presentaron durante el periodo lluvioso y los tres IE estuvieron relacionados entre sí. Conclusiones: La distribución espacial, el tipo de recipiente más común y el periodo lluvioso son factores que influyen en la dinámica poblacional de los IEs de Ae. aegypti en Yurimaguas, Perú.

Insecticide resistance is one of the major threats to the effectiveness of vector control programs. In order to establish a baseline susceptibility profile of Aedes aegypti in the southwest of Colombia, 10 localities in four Departments... more

Insecticide resistance is one of the major threats to the effectiveness of vector control programs. In order to establish a baseline susceptibility profile of Aedes aegypti in the southwest of Colombia, 10 localities in four Departments (States) were evaluated. Standardized WHO bioassay, CDC bottle bioassay and microplate biochemical assays of non-specific ␤-esterase (NSE), mixed function oxidases (MFO) and acetylcholinesterase were used. Cross resistance was evaluated with field collected mosquitoes that underwent selection pressure in the laboratory from DDT, propoxur and lambdacyhalothrin during three alternate generations. Mosquitoes with mortality rates below 80% in bioassays were considered resistant. Insecticide resistance varied geographically. Insecticide resistance was observed in 100% of localities in which mosquitoes were exposed to DDT, bendiocarb and temephos using both assays. WHO bioassays showed susceptibility to pyrethroids in all the localities evaluated, however CDC bottle bioassays showed decreases in susceptibility especially with lambdacyhalothrin. All localities showed susceptibility to the organophosphate malathion. Mosquitoes from eight regions with evidence of resistance to any of the insecticide evaluated were also evaluated biochemically. Mosquitoes from five of these regions had increased levels of NSE and two regions had increased levels of MFO. Increase levels of NSE explain partially the low susceptibility to temephos found in all the localities. However, the biochemical mechanisms evaluated do not explain all the resistance observed. Cross resistance was observed between the DDT-selected strain and lambdacyhalothrin, and between the lambdacyhalothrin-selected strain and propoxur and vice versa. The selected strains do not show changes in the biochemical assays evaluated, therefore the observed cross-resistance suggests different biochemical mechanisms. This study shows that Ae. aegypti from Colombia can develop resistance to most of the insecticide classes in the market. Periodic surveillance of insecticide resistance is necessary in order to maintain effective interventions. This study helped to establish the National Network for the surveillance of the insecticide resistance in Colombia.

A survey on container breeding sites of Aedes spp. and Culex spp. larvae was conducted in the campus of the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Sampling was carried out by dipping using pipette or dipper depending on container types. All... more

A survey on container breeding sites of Aedes spp. and Culex spp. larvae was conducted in the campus of the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Sampling was carried out by dipping using pipette or dipper depending on container types. All breeding sources of mosquito larvae were grouped into eight different container types: plastic container, plastic pail, bottle, earthen plate, natural container, vase, can and concrete tank. A total of 262 containers were identified as potential breeding sites. However, only 65 containers (86.15% outdoors and 13.85% indoors) were found containing larvae. Among all types of containers, 50.00% of the total surveyed natural containers were positive with mosquito larvae, followed by plastic containers (32.77%), plastic pails (23.81%), concrete tanks (20.00%), vases (18.75%), bottles (14.71%), cans (13.33%) and earthen plates (11.90%). The collected mosquito larvae were those of Aedes albopictus (86.96%), Aedes niveus group (5.80%) and Culex quinquefasciatus (7.24%). No Aedes aegypti was found in any container in the study site. This study indicated that Ae. albopictus was capable of breeding in a wide range of container types. To control these mosquitoes, the elimination of artificial and natural containers or alteration of breeding sites in and around the campus areas should be taken into consideration. Towards this goal, the university management should practise Integrated Vector Management (IVM) in the campus.

Essential oils have potential for use as insecticides and repellent against stored products insects. During the past few decades, application of synthetic pesticides to control agricultural pests has been a standard practice. However,... more

Essential oils have potential for use as insecticides and repellent against stored products insects. During the past few decades, application of synthetic pesticides to control agricultural pests has been a standard practice. However, with growing evidence that many conventional pesticides can be adversely affect to the environment as requirements for safer means of pest management have become crucial. Many people prefer to use a repellent from natural origin, natural product or herbal product. The demand, the natural repellent is gradually increasing. The natural repellents, especially repellents from herbal essential oils are safe to human and environment and herbal essential oils are reported to have repellency against mosquito adults. In this reaserch, we have been made to evaluate the repellent efficacy of bio-active agent from Artocarpus camansi against Ae. aegypti under laboratory conditions. Extraction of bio-active agent from Artocarpus camansi was conducted by stirring for 24 hours with solvent ethanol 70% and 96%. Than the extract is tested by FTIR and TLC scanner to prove the existence of bio-active agent compounds in Artocarpus camansi. Bio-active agent from Artocarpus camansi was evaluated for their repellent activities against Ae. aegypti using the humanbait technique.

This paper presents Project AEDES, a big data early warning, and surveillance system for dengue. The project utilizes Google Search Trends to detect public interest and panics related to dengue. Using Google Search Trends, precipitation,... more

This paper presents Project AEDES, a big data early warning, and surveillance system for dengue. The project utilizes Google Search Trends to detect public interest and panics related to dengue. Using Google Search Trends, precipitation, and temperature readings from climate data, the system nowcasts probable dengue cases and dengue-related deaths. The system utilizes FAPAR, NDVI, and NDWI readings from remote sensing to detect likely mosquito hotspots to prioritize interventions. We discuss the origin and development of the project and recent developments. We also discuss the current state of development and directions for further work.

The aim of this research was to obtain non polar (n-hexane) extract fraction from key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaf which has effectiveness as biolarvicide. This research was an experimental research... more

The aim of this research was to obtain non polar (n-hexane) extract fraction from key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaf which has effectiveness as biolarvicide. This research was an experimental research with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Non polar extract fraction of Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus hystrix tested with concentrations of 0 ppm, 500 ppm, 1375 ppm, 2250 ppm, 3125 ppm, and 4000 ppm against the 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Every concentration was replicated five times. The number of Aedes aegypti larvae mortality was calculated after 24 hours of treatment. Then, data of the dead larvae were analyzed by probit. The results showed that non polar extract fraction from Citrus aurantifolia has more toxic and effectiveness as biolarvicide with LC90 = 1,511 ppm compared with Citrus hystrix which has LC90 = 2,885 ppm.

To determine the larvicidal and repellent activities of methanol extract of Calotropis procera against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Twenty five 3 rd instar larvae of selected mosquitoes species were... more

To determine the larvicidal and repellent activities of methanol extract of Calotropis procera against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Twenty five 3 rd instar larvae of selected mosquitoes species were exposed to various concentrations (50-200ppm) and were assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of WHO 2005; the 24 h LC 50 values of the Calotropis procera leaf extract was determined following Probit analysis. The repellent efficacy was determined against selected mosquito species at three concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/cm 2 under the laboratory conditions. The LC 50 and LC 90 values of methanol extracts of Calotropis procera against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae in 24 h were 63.24, 81.99, 94.08 and 237.07, 249.43 and 251.58 ppm, respectively. The crude extract had strong repellent action against selected species of mosquitoes as it provided 100% protection against Aedes aegypti for 210 min followed by Anopheles stephensi (180 min) and Culex quinquefasciatus (150 min). From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of Calotropis procera was an excellent potential for controlling Aedes aegypti, Anopleles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.

Volatile oils extracted by steam distillation from four plant species turmeric (Curcuma longa), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus) and hairy basil (Ocimum americanum)), were evaluated in mosquito cages... more

Volatile oils extracted by steam distillation from four plant species turmeric (Curcuma longa), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus) and hairy basil (Ocimum americanum)), were evaluated in mosquito cages and in a large room for their repellency effects against three mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus. The oils from turmeric, citronella grass and hairy basil,

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are important vectors of human disease-causing pathogens. Mosquitoes are found both in rural and urban areas. Deteriorating infrastructure, poor access to health, water and sanitation services, increasing... more

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are important vectors of human disease-causing pathogens. Mosquitoes are found both in rural and urban areas. Deteriorating infrastructure, poor access to health, water and sanitation services, increasing population density, and widespread poverty contribute to conditions that modify the environment, which directly influences the risk of disease within the urban and peri-urban ecosystem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mosquito vector abundance and diversity in urban, peri-urban, and rural strata in Malindi along the Kenya coast. The study was conducted in the coastal district of Malindi between January and December 2005. Three strata were selected which were described as urban, peri-urban, and rural. Sampling was done during the wet and dry seasons. Sampling in the wet season was done in the months of April and June to cover the long rainy season and in November and December to cover the short rainy season, while the dry season was between January and March and September and October. Adult mosquito collection was done using Pyrethrum Spray Collection (PSC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps inside houses and specimens were identified morphologically. In the three strata (urban, peri-urban, and rural), 78.5% of the total mosquito (n = 7,775) were collected using PSC while 18.1% (n = 1,795) were collected using the CDC light traps. Using oviposition traps, mosquito eggs were collected and reared in the insectary which yielded 329 adults of which 83.8% (n = 276) were Aedes aegypti and 16.2% (n = 53) were Culex quinquefasciatus. The mosquito distribution in the three sites varied significantly in each collection site. Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles coustani were predominant in the rural stratum while C. quinquefasciatus was mostly found in urban and peri-urban strata. However, using PSC and CDC light trap collection techniques, A. aegypti was only found in urban strata. In the three strata, mosquitoes were mainly found in high numbers during the wet season. Further, A. gambiae, C. quinquefasciatus, and A. aegypti mosquitoes were found occurring together inside the houses. This in turn exposes the inhabitants to an array of mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, bancroftian filariasis, and arboviruses (dengue fever, Yellow fever, Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya fever, and West Nile Virus). In conclusion, our findings provide useful information for the design of integrated mosquito and disease control programs in East African environments.

The development of resistance to chemical insecticides among mosquito species has been considered as a setback in vector control. Therefore, researchers have diverted their attention towards natural products of plant origin with... more

The development of resistance to chemical insecticides among mosquito species has been considered as a setback in vector control. Therefore, researchers have diverted their attention towards natural products of plant origin with insecticidal properties for control of insect pests and vectors. The Aqueous, Chloroform, Ethanol, Petroleum ether and Methanol whole plant extracts of Tridax procumbens were studied against the fourth instars larvae of three medically important mosquitoes species namely Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegyptii and Culex quinquefasciatus. The result shows that among the mosquito species, Anopheles was found to be most susceptible with the LC 50 value of 53.459 ppm and LC 90 values of 156. 497 ppm when compared to Aedes with LC 50 53.416 ppm and LC 90 164.467 ppm respectively after 24 h of exposure. The crude methanol and ethanol extract of this plant showed potent larvicidal efficacy and can be considered as a potent candidate plant for further analysis.

Some 1,88 1 Aedes aegypti (L.) progeny were reared as sibling samples taken from 196 families representing populations from 18 localities in South Africa, including anthropophilic and non-anthropophilic populations. The number of white... more

Some 1,88 1 Aedes aegypti (L.) progeny were reared as sibling samples taken from 196 families representing populations from 18 localities in South Africa, including anthropophilic and non-anthropophilic populations. The number of white scales on tergite I (T1) and in the basal band on tergite II (T2) were counted. Study of family samples showed that 60.2% of families were heterogeneous,

In the past 15 years, there has been a dramatic resurgence of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever worldwide, with increased frequency of epidemics and geographic expansion of both the mosquito vectors and the viruses. The reasons for this... more

In the past 15 years, there has been a dramatic resurgence of dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever worldwide, with increased frequency of epidemics and geographic expansion of both the mosquito vectors and the viruses. The reasons for this resurgence are not well understood, but include uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization, increased movement of people and viruses by airplane and lack of

Flaviviruses are a highly diverse group of RNA viruses classified within the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Most flaviviruses are arthropod-borne, requiring a mosquito or tick vector. Several flaviviruses are highly pathogenic to... more

Flaviviruses are a highly diverse group of RNA viruses classified within the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Most flaviviruses are arthropod-borne, requiring a mosquito or tick vector. Several flaviviruses are highly pathogenic to humans; however, their high genetic diversity and immunological relatedness makes them extremely challenging to diagnose. In this study, we developed and evaluated a broad-range Flavivirus assay designed to detect both tick- and mosquito-borne flaviviruses by using RT-PCR/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RT-PCR/ESI-MS) on the Ibis T5000 platform. The assay was evaluated with a panel of 13 different flaviviruses. All samples were correctly identified to the species level. To determine the limit of detection for the mosquito-borne primer sets, serial dilutions of RNA from West Nile virus (WNV) were assayed and could be detected down to an equivalent viral titer of 0.2 plaque-forming units/mL. Analysis of flaviviruses in their natural biological background included testing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that were laboratory-infected with dengue-1 virus. The assay accurately identified the virus within infected mosquitoes, and we determined the average viral genome per mosquito to be 2.0 x 10(6). Using human blood, serum, and urine spiked with WNV and mouse blood and brain tissues from Karshi virus-infected mice, we showed that these clinical matrices did not inhibit the detection of these viruses. Finally, we used the assay to test field-collected Ixodes scapularis ticks collected from sites in New York and Connecticut. We found 16/322 (5% infection rate) ticks positive for deer tick virus, a subtype of Powassan virus. In summary, we developed a single high-throughput Flavivirus assay that could detect multiple tick- and mosquito-borne flaviviruses and thus provides a new analytical tool for their medical diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.

The relative abundance of the aquatic stages of mosquito species in an urban environment was studied using four different microhabitats (polystyrene, tin, plastic bottle and bamboo). The urban environment was divided into Area of High... more

The relative abundance of the aquatic stages of mosquito species in an urban environment was studied using four different microhabitats (polystyrene, tin, plastic bottle and bamboo). The urban environment was divided into Area of High Human Activity (AHHA) and area or Derived/ Secondary vegetation (ADSV). Our results revealed that Aedes albopictus was the dominant mosquito breeding species, its abundance and distribution of these species related to the size of vegetation cover and settlement condition. Aedes albopictus were mostly distributed in AHHA (56%) and abundant in ADSV (52%). Polystyrene cups (32.54%) were the most preferred microhabitat for mosquito breeding followed by tin (31.76%), plastic bottle (20.98%) and bamboo (14.17%). This study highlight crucial information on habitat preferences that can be further applied in several anti-larval measures that could help to reduce the proliferation of dengue vectors.

Aedes mosquitoes are important vectors for emerging diseases caused by arboviruses, such as chikungunya (CHIKV). These viruses’ main transmitting species are Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, which are present in tropical and temperate... more

Aedes mosquitoes are important vectors for emerging diseases caused by arboviruses, such as chikungunya (CHIKV). These viruses’ main transmitting species are Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, which are present in tropical and temperate climatic areas all over the globe. Knowledge of vector characteristics is fundamentally important to the
understanding of virus transmission. Only female mosquitoes are able to transmit CHIKV to the vertebrate host since they are hematophagous. In addition, mosquito microbiota is fundamentally important to virus infection in the mosquito. Microorganisms are able to modulate viral transmission in the mosquito, such as bacteria of the Wolbachia genus,
which are capable of preventing viral infection, or protozoans of the Ascogregarina species, which are capable of facilitating virus transmission between mosquitoes and larvae. The competence of the mosquito is also important in the transmission of the
virus to the vertebrate host, since their saliva has several substances with biological effects, such as immunomodulators and anticoagulants, which are able to modulate the host’s response to the virus, interfering in its pathogenicity and virulence. Understanding the Aedes vector-chikungunya interaction is fundamentally important since it can enable
the search for new methods of combating the virus’ transmission.

A growing body of health officials in Brazil are doubting that the Zika " virus " is responsible for the rise in birth defects in parts of that country. Zika, along with yellow fever, has been tossed into the family Flaviviruses; the... more

A growing body of health officials in Brazil are doubting that the Zika " virus " is responsible for the rise in birth defects in parts of that country. Zika, along with yellow fever, has been tossed into the family Flaviviruses; the Latin " flavus " meaning yellow. But unlike yellow fever, the vast majority of Zika's symptoms for the last 70 years have been mild to non-existent. Despite disseminations by the lay and scientific press, there are serious questions whether Zika causes microcephaly at all. If by March, 2016 the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported 2,197 suspected cases of microcephaly, only 11.48% of these were Zika-positive. Zika is widespread throughout Brazil and South and Central America, yet the bulk of microcephaly cases are confined to the costal tip of Northeastern Brazil. Furthermore, despite extensive testing, no known mosquito-borne arbovirus or any other virus has to this point been proven to cause Brazilian microcephaly. While Zika was being portrayed as " the most alarming health crisis to hit Brazil in decades " , tuberculosis and its related mycobacteria were quietly gaining a stranglehold and building an ecologic niche in the very Northeastern region being hit by epidemic microcephaly. Why was this important? With NE Brazilian microcephaly/Zika we are probably dealing with a mosquito-fuelled environmental zoonosis ― a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans ― such as primates, and to a lesser extent birds (Mycobacterium avium), and rodents (Mycobacterium microti) , all mentioned in the Zika literature. Add to this the penchant of Brazilian's to illegally capture and keep mycobacterial-laden wild monkeys and exotic birds as pets or for revenue, and you have a potential zoonotic time-bomb ready to explode once the proper vectors presents themselves. Three mosquito vectors have been steadily populating Northeastern Brazil: namely Culex quinquefasciatus, the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus ― all of which have the capacity to transmit viral-like forms of the mycobacteria associated with HIV and through direct laboratory investigation with microcephaly. Perhaps it is time to rethink what's really behind Brazilian Microcephaly and other symptomatology from the " Zika " agent.

Resumo O artigo tem por finalidade refletir sobre as formas pelas quais o Aedes aegypti vem sendo abordado pela historiografia e por demais áreas das ciências sociais e humanas. Historicamente associado à febre amarela e à dengue e, mais... more

Resumo
O artigo tem por finalidade refletir sobre as formas pelas quais
o Aedes aegypti vem sendo abordado pela historiografia e por
demais áreas das ciências sociais e humanas. Historicamente
associado à febre amarela e à dengue e, mais recentemente
correlacionado à transmissão das arboviroses emergentes zika e
chikungunya, o Aedes aegypti desdobra múltiplas temporalidades,
processos e ecologias que concernem ao seu longo histórico de
coevolução e proximidade com a espécie humana. Desse ponto de
vista, evidencia as materialidades e padrões de relação das
sociedades com o ambiente, principalmente com o espaço urbano,
ao qual se tornou bastante adaptado. O objetivo é analisar como
este inseto foi tratado pela historiografia das doenças, da medicina
e da saúde pública e contrapor tal abordagem com a perspectiva da
história ambiental, no âmbito da qual ele é encarado como elo de
uma cadeia de interações ecológicas que envolvem dinâmicas
naturais, como também sociais, econômicas e políticas. Discute-se
os desafios teóricos e controvérsias trazidos por tal perspectiva,
sobretudo no quadro dos estudos que propõem a extensão da
noção de agência aos atores não-humanos. Por fim, observa-se o
início da trajetória mais recente deste vetor desde que passou a
figurar como transmissor da dengue a partir de epidemia sem
precedentes na cidade do Rio de Janeiro em 1986.

Essential oils extracted from 10 medicinal plants were evaluated for larvicidal, adulticidal, ovicidal, oviposition-deterrent and repellent activities towards three mosquito species; Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex... more

Essential oils extracted from 10 medicinal plants were evaluated for larvicidal, adulticidal, ovicidal, oviposition-deterrent and repellent activities towards three mosquito species; Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The essential oils of Juniperus macropoda and Pimpinella anisum were highly effective as both larvicidal and ovicidal. The essential oil of P. anisum showed toxicity against 4th instar larvae of A. stephensi and A. aegypti with equivalent LD 95 values of 115.7 lg/ml, whereas it was 149.7 lg/ml against C. quinquefasciatus larvae. Essential oils of Zingiber officinale and Rosmarinus officinalis were found to be ovicidal and repellent, respectively towards the three mosquito species. The essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum resulted into highest repellent (RD 95 ) values of 49.6, 53.9 and 44.2 mg/mat against A. stephensi, A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively apart from oviposition-deterrent potential.

Some birds and mammals roll on or wipe themselves with the fruits or leaves of Citrus spp. or other Rutaceae. These anointing behaviors, as with anointing in general, are thought to function in the topical acquisition of chemicals that... more

Some birds and mammals roll on or wipe themselves with the fruits or leaves of Citrus spp. or other Rutaceae. These anointing behaviors, as with anointing in general, are thought to function in the topical acquisition of chemicals that deter consumers, including hematophagous arthropods. We measured avoidance and other responses by nymphal lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) and adult female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) to lemon peel exudate and to 24 volatile monoterpenes (racemates and isomers), including hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, acetates, ketones, and oxides, present in citrus fruits and leaves in order to examine their potential as arthropod deterrents. Ticks allowed to crawl up vertically suspended paper strips onto a chemically treated zone avoided the peel exudate and geraniol, citronellol, citral, carveol, geranyl acetate, α-terpineol, citronellyl acetate, and carvone. Ticks confined in chemically treated paper packets subsequently were impaired in climbing and other behaviors following exposure to the peel exudate and, of the compounds tested, most impaired to carveol. Mosquitoes confined in chambers with chemically treated feeding membranes landed and fed less, and flew more, when exposed to the peel exudate than to controls, and when exposed to aldehydes, oxides, or alcohols versus most hydrocarbons or controls. However, attraction by mosquitoes in an olfactometer was not inhibited by either lemon peel exudate or most of the compounds we tested. Our results support the notion that anointing by vertebrates with citrus-derived chemicals deters ticks. We suggest that some topically applied compounds are converted into more potent arthropod deterrents when oxidized on the integument of anointed animals.

A survey of the mosquito fauna occurring in Salikneta Farm, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines was conducted with the primary aim of providing baseline data that may help in coming up with strategies for short-term and long-term... more

A survey of the mosquito fauna occurring in Salikneta Farm, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines was conducted with the primary aim of providing baseline data that may help in coming up with strategies for short-term and long-term vector control. Six species were identified by examination of larval morphology and chaetotaxy, and are reported herein. 340 (62.27%) Culex quinquefasciatus, 50 (9.16%) Cx. mimeticus, 28 (5.13%) Cx. vishnui, 8 (1.47%) Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, 111 (20.33%) Aedes aegypti, and 9 (1.65%) Anopheles tessellatus comprised the 546 third and fourth instar mosquito larvae collected from improvised ovitraps placed in five selected sites in the farm. With the exception of Cx. mimeticus, the species identified in the farm are recognized as medically important taxa with the potential to transmit agents of arboviral and/or parasitic diseases. These findings imply the importance of proper and sustainable vector control measures in Salikneta Farm where human activities and habitation have been gradually increasing as a consequence of ongoing development.

In the absence of vaccine and chemoprophylaxis, vector control is the only effective way to fight against dengue. In this context, knowledge of vector populations is essential, and sampling the populations of Aedes aegypti give additional... more

In the absence of vaccine and chemoprophylaxis, vector control is the only effective way to fight against dengue. In this context, knowledge of vector populations is essential, and sampling the populations of Aedes aegypti give additional information of the vector and are useful to evaluate vector control activities and transmission risk.
Our investigations about sampling the populations of Aedes aegypti was performed in four villages of Martinique. We used the classical methods of larval indexes (House index, Container index, Breteau index), the Productivity index (Yébakima), ovitraps to collect the eggs and BG-Sentinel mosquito traps to catch adults. Although it is not shown a direct correlation between the density estimation, the vector population and the incidence of dengue, our results show that the methods used are effective and functional. Allowing calculating the different indexes in all villages of study, the recollection of 5146 eggs in total and the capture of 1948 Aedes aegypti adults. That permits conclude no systematic correlation between different kinds of indicators.

Larvicidal activity of ethyl acetate, butanol, and petroleum ether extracts of five species of Euphorbiaceae plants, Jatropha curcas, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Euphorbia tirucalli, were tested... more

Larvicidal activity of ethyl acetate, butanol, and petroleum ether extracts of five species of Euphorbiaceae plants, Jatropha curcas, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Phyllanthus amarus, Euphorbia hirta, and Euphorbia tirucalli, were tested against the early fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. All extracts showed low larvicidal effects; however, the highest larval mortality was found in petroleum ether extract. The LC 50 value of petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas, P. tithymaloides, P. amarus, E. hirta, and E. tirucalli were 8. 79, 55.26, 90.92, 272.36, and 4.25 ppm, respectively, against A. aegypti and 11.34, 76.61, 113.40, 424.94, and 5.52 ppm, respectively, against C quinquefasciatus. Of the various ratios tested, the petroleum ether extracts of J. curcas and E. tirucalli were observed to be more efficient than the other plant extracts. It is, therefore, suggested that E. tirucalli can be applied as an ideal potential larvicide against A.

O presente livro se originou da minha tese de doutorado em história das ciências e da saúde, desenvolvida sob a orientação de Marcos Chor Maio, no Programa de Pós-Graduação em História das Ciências e da Saúde da Casa de Oswaldo Cruz... more

O presente livro se originou da minha tese de doutorado em história
das ciências e da saúde, desenvolvida sob a orientação de Marcos Chor Maio, no Programa de Pós-Graduação em História das Ciências e da Saúde da Casa de Oswaldo Cruz (PPGHCS/COC/Fiocruz), entre 2009 e 2013. Trata da Campanha Continental para a Erradicação do Aedes aegypti, o primeiro e mais duradouro programa internacional de erradicação já implementado. As origens desse programa remontam ao ano de 1914, quando Wycliffe Rose, o primeiro diretor da Comissão de Saúde Internacional (CSI) da Fundação Rockefeller, idealizou a Campanha Mundial de Erradicação da Febre Amarela. Iniciada oficialmente em 1918, após o término da Primeira Guerra Mundial (1914-1918), a Campanha se desenvolveu entre as décadas de 1910 e 1930, nas Américas e na África, tendo sido marcada por uma série de inflexões até ser reformulada nos anos da Segunda Guerra Mundial (1939-1945) e relançada, em 1947, sob os auspícios da Organização
Sanitária Pan-Americana (OSP), com o nome Campanha Continental para a Erradicação do Aedes aegypti. Desse momento até o fim dos anos 1960, a meta de erradicar o vetor da febre amarela das Américas foi perseguida, com maior ou menor intensidade, por praticamente todas as repúblicas americanas.

An extensive outbreak of dengue fever and dengue hemorhagic fever occurred in the city of Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia from late 1997 through March/April 1998. All surveyed administrative areas (kelurahan) in Palembang were found... more

An extensive outbreak of dengue fever and dengue hemorhagic fever occurred in the city of Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia from late 1997 through March/April 1998. All surveyed administrative areas (kelurahan) in Palembang were found to be 'permissive' for dengue virus transmission; and all areas that had Aedes (subgenus Stegomyia) larval mosquitoes in abundance experienced increased cases of DHF during the epidemic. The Aedes House Index (HI) for combined Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus was recorded every 3 months before, during, and after the epidemic. Ten surveyed sentinel sites (October-December 1997) immediately preceding the epidemic peak had a combined HI of 25% (range 10-50.8%). Entomological surveys during the peak epidemic period (January-April) showed a combined HI of 23.7% (range: 7.6-43.8%). Kelurahans with the highest numbers of reported dengue cases had an HI exceeding 25%; however, there was no discernable relationship between elevated HI and increased ...

Introducción: La trampa BG-Sentinel™ (BGS) está diseñada para recolectas de mosquitos, especialmente Aedes aegypti y Ae. albopictus, pero sus atrayentes pueden ser potenciados para incremento de su eficiencia y muestreo de otras especies... more

Introducción: La trampa BG-Sentinel™ (BGS) está diseñada para recolectas de mosquitos, especialmente Aedes aegypti y Ae. albopictus, pero sus atrayentes pueden ser potenciados para incremento de su eficiencia y muestreo de otras especies de actividad nocturna.

Os problemas endêmicos surgem devido à falta de controle do perímetro urbano, que cresce com o passar dos anos, constituindo obstáculos à administração pública, gerando consequentes mazelas para a população. Hoje no Brasil a dengue é... more

Os problemas endêmicos surgem devido à falta de controle do perímetro urbano, que cresce com o passar dos anos, constituindo obstáculos à administração pública, gerando consequentes mazelas para a população. Hoje no Brasil a dengue é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública, dado os números alarmantes de pessoas acometidas pela doença causada pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti. Os dados de ocorrências de dengue também têm sido frequentes na cidade de Anápolis, onde em 2016 foram 15.767 o número de pessoas contaminadas pela dengue. Tal cenário sugere a necessidade de se pensar a geografia desta doença, desde seus fatores causais até a proposição de instrumentos para seu controle. Este estudo se apoia na abordagem teórica da Geografia da Saúde, através da qual é possível pensar a cidade, enquanto um ambiente formado por elementos do meio físico, social e econômico, os quais podem estar associados à
questão da distribuição regional das doenças. O objetivo geral deste estudo é analisar a geografia da dengue na cidade de Anápolis – GO entre os anos de 2010 e 2018, além de contribuir com a questão da comunicação entre a população e os agentes de saúde, apresentando
um aplicativo que possibilite a multiplicação de informações acerca de áreas frágeis à proliferação do vetor. Foram coletados dados relativos ao número de registro de casos de dengue por bairros, junto a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Anápolis e a Vigilância Epidemiológica, os quais foram espacializados, possibilitando identificar a correlação entre o crescimento urbano, infraestrutura, saúde pública e os casos de dengue na cidade entre os anos de 2010 a 2018. Para construção do aplicativo denominado Mosquito Control será utilizada a tecnologia do Mapbox compatível com aparelhos celulares. A construção desse aplicativo está
em fase de desenvolvimento, tendo finalizada a Análise de Requisitos e consequente criação dos diagramas que apoiam a fase em que se encontra atualmente.

Oils of Carapa guianensis and Copaifera spp. are well-known in the Amazonian region as natural insect repellents, and studies have reported their efficiency as larvicide against some mosquito species. However, toxicity persistence and... more

Oils of Carapa guianensis and Copaifera spp. are well-known in the Amazonian region as natural insect repellents, and studies have reported their efficiency as larvicide against some mosquito species. However, toxicity persistence and effect on mosquito development have not yet been evaluated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the initial time of larvicidal activity, residual effect, and the effect of very low concentrations of these oils on Aedes aegypti. Different concentrations of the oils were used to evaluate the initial time of larval mortality and residual effect, as well as, the development of larvae, pupae, and adults. Results demonstrated that the lethal effect started mainly between the first 2 and 3 h of larvae exposure to oils, when using concentrations which ranged from 500 mg/L of C. guianensis and 90 mg/L of Copaifera sp. The toxic effect remained with total efficiency (100% mortality) until the sixth day for Copaifera sp. and 12th day for C. guianensis. When using sublethal dosages (ranging from 140 mg/L of C. guianensis to 26 mg/L of Copaifera sp.) mortality was observed after the larval molt. Also, imperfection of pupae and adult development and unsuccessful emergence of adults were observed. A product of botanical origin that could break the development of immature stage of mosquitoes and inhibit the emergence of adults should be essential in vector control. Thus, our results provide new information for a better understanding in using C. guianensis and Copaifera sp. oils with a potential to be used as a natural insecticide.

Background: Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. Use of synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance and adverse environmental effects in addition to... more

Background: Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. Use of synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance and adverse environmental effects in addition to high operational cost. Insecticides of botanical origin have been reported as useful for control of mosquitoes. Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) and its derived products have shown a variety of insecticidal properties. The present paper discusses the larvicidal activity of neem-based biopesticide for the control of mosquitoes.

Aedes aegypti larvae have developed tolerance to many insecticides used for mosquito control. Moringa oleifera seeds contain a water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) and this paper reports the effect of M. oleifera seed extracts (MoE(1-15)) and... more

Aedes aegypti larvae have developed tolerance to many insecticides used for mosquito control. Moringa oleifera seeds contain a water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) and this paper reports the effect of M. oleifera seed extracts (MoE(1-15)) and WSMoL on development and survival of A. aegypti larvae. WSMoL peptide from in-gel trypsin digestion is also described. MoE(1-15) showed hemagglutinating activity and WSMoL had similarity with flocculating proteins from M. oleifera seeds. MoE(1) and MoE(3) delayed larval development which stopped in the third instar (L3) in MoE(6) and MoE(15). Significant (p<0.0001) larval mortality was only detected in MoE(15). Native WSMoL showed larvicidal activity (LC(50) 0.197 mg mL(-1)) and heated lectin, without hemagglutinating activity, did not kill fourth instar (L4) larvae. Optical microscopy showed that live L4 from MoE(1) presented underlying epithelium, increased gut lumen and hypertrophic segments; dead L4 from WSMoL were absent of underlying epithelium, had increased gut lumen and hypertrophic segments. The presence of hemagglutinating activity in the extracts suggests that soluble lectin promotes the delay of larval development and mortality; furthermore, the absence of larvicidal activity in heat-denatured WSMoL strengthens the involvement of lectin in this activity mechanism.

The Aedes Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito species populations in the western region of Saudi Arabia, especially in and around Jeddah, are increasing, therefore increasing susceptibility of humans to the dengue virus. An extensive... more

The Aedes Meigen (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito species populations in the western region of Saudi Arabia, especially in and around Jeddah, are increasing, therefore increasing susceptibility of humans to the dengue virus. An extensive survey was carried out for one year, and four species were identified with the help of different pictorial keys available. The identification was based on morphological characteristics of adult female Aedes mosquitoes.