Sandfly fauna in an area endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Aracaju, State of Sergipe, Northeast Brazil

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, visceral leishmaniasis, a major public health problem, has been spreading from the rural to urban areas in many areas of Brazil, including Aracaju, the capital of the State of Sergipe. However, there are no studies of the sandfly fauna in this municipality or its variation over the year. METHODS: Phlebotomine sandflies were collected from a rural area of Aracaju from September 2007 to July 2009. Modified CDC ultra-violet (UV) light traps were used to evaluate sandfly monthly distribution and their presence in the domestic and peridomestic environments. RESULTS: The most abundant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4%) followed by Evandromyia lenti (9.6%). A chicken shed trap site had the highest proportion of L. longipalpis (51.1%) and large numbers of L. longipalpis were also collected in the houses closest to the chicken shed. There was a positive correlation between monthly rainfall and L. longipalpis abundance. CONCLUSIONS: Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most abundant species and is probably the main vector of the visceral leishmaniasis agent in the rural area of Aracaju. An increase in L. longipalpis frequency was observed during the rainy season. The peridomicile-intradomicile observations corroborate the importance of chicken sheds for the presence of L. longipalpis in the peridomestic environment. The great numbers of L. longipalpis inside the houses confirm the endophilic behaviour of this species and the possibility of visceral transmission in the intradomicile.

Spatial and seasonal distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Dracena, a city in the western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, that is endemic with visceral leishmaniasis

Introduction Vector seasonality knowledge is important for monitoring and controlling of vector-borne diseases. Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lu. longipalpis) is the main vector of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Nicolle, 1908, which is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Methods Lu. longipalpis was monitored for 3 consecutive nights each month using light traps from the Centers for Disease Control in the peridomiciles and intradomiciles of 18 residences from January 2005 to December 2012 in the urban area of Dracena, a medium-sized city located in the western region of São Paulo, Brazil. Results A total of 54,820 Lu. longipalpis specimens were collected, and the proportion of positive samples was significantly higher in the peridomiciles than in the intradomiciles (p<0.05) in all 8 years of the study, except for 2005. The vector was present in all study years in the 9 sub-regions of the city, and the male/female ratio ranged from 3.19 to 4.26. The greatest vector abundance occurred in the first semester and peaked in March, confirming its seasonality. Conclusions The maintenance of this high abundance over an 8-year surveillance period demonstrates the vector adaptation to the urban conditions of the city. These characteristics present a major challenge for preventing human and canine contact with the vector and, consequently, controlling the spread of disease.

A complete molecular biology assay for hepatitis C virus detection, quantification and genotyping

Introduction Molecular biology procedures to detect, genotype and quantify hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in clinical samples have been extensively described. Routine commercial methods for each specific purpose (detection, quantification and genotyping) are also available, all of which are typically based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the HCV 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR). This study was performed to develop and validate a complete serial laboratory assay that combines real-time nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques for the complete molecular analysis of HCV (detection, genotyping and viral load) in clinical samples. Methods Published HCV sequences were compared to select specific primers, probe and restriction enzyme sites. An original real-time nested RT-PCR-RFLP assay was then developed and validated to detect, genotype and quantify HCV in plasma samples. Results The real-time nested RT-PCR data were linear and reproducible for HCV analysis in clinical samples. High correlations (> 0.97) were observed between samples with different viral loads and the corresponding read cycle (Ct - Cycle threshold), and this part of the assay had a wide dynamic range of analysis. Additionally, HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 were successfully distinguished using the RFLP method. Conclusions A complete serial molecular assay was developed and validated for HCV detection, quantification and genotyping.

Baratas (Insecta, Blattaria) sinantrópicas na cidade de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil

A coleta de baratas na cidade de Manaus resultou em seis espécies associadas às habitações, estabelecimentos comerciais e educacionais, sendo quatro predominantemente dentro das habitações, Blatella germanica (Linnaeus, 1758), Supella longipalpa (Fabricius, 1798), Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758), P. australasiae (Fabricius, 1775) e duas fora das habitações, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758) e Blaberus parabolicus Walker, 1868. P. americana foi comum tanto interna como externamente às instalações urbanas; P. australasiae foi predominante em barcos; P. surinamensis e B. parabolicus foram invasoras ocasionais de residências na estação chuvosa. São apresentadas fotos coloridas, em tamanho natural, para reconhecimento das espécies.

Brazil nuts: determination of natural elements and aflatoxin

A study was carried out to evaluate the association of levels of radioactivity, selenium and aflatoxin in shelled Brazil nuts, which were classified in different sizes, for export. The selenium determinations were performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (LOQ = 3.0 µg g-1), and aflatoxins were detected by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LOQ = 0.85 µg kg-1), recovery rates were between 92 and 100%. Radioactivity was measured by high-resolution gamma spectrometry. The selenium mean concentration was (22.7 ± 7.4) µg g-1. (n = 30). Mean activities determined for the following radium isotopes were: 15.77 Bq kg-1 for 224Ra, 104.8 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra and 99.48 Bq kg-1 for 228Ra. For 226Ra, the levels did not vary significantly with nut sizes, although such differences were observed for 224Ra and 228Ra. There was no statistically significant association between the level of selenium and the activity of radionuclides, however, there was correlation between the radionuclides. Aflatoxins above the quantification limit were not found.

Revisão do gênero Runibia (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Pentatomini)

Runibia Stål, 1861 is redescribed, as well as the species R. dallasi Rider, 1998, R. decorata (Dallas, 1851), R. discoidea (Fabricius, 1787), R. euopta (Walker, 1867) and R. perspicua (Fabricius, 1798). A new species, R. caribeana, is described from Virgin Islands. Strachia alligata Walker, 1867, R. decorata var. alligata, and R. picturata Breddin, 1904 were considered junior synonyms of R. decorata. Lectotypes of R. dallasi, R. euopta and R. alligata were designated. Male and female genitalia for all species are described, except the phallus and ectodermal genital duct for R. dallasi. A key and a geographical distribution map are also provided.

Notas e descrições em Parandrini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Parandrinae)

The genus Parandra is reviewed and four genera are recognized: Parandra Latreille, 1804, Neandra Lameere, 1912, stat. nov., Archandra Lameere, 1912, stat. nov. and Acutandra gen. nov. The genus Parandra is subdivided in two subgenera: Parandra (Parandra) s. str. and Parandra (Birandra) subgen. nov. The geographical distribution of P. (P.) laevis Latreille, 1804 is commented and the probable synonymy between P. cubaecola Chevrolat, 1862 and P. (P.) cribrata Thomson, 1861 is discussed. New species described: P. (P.) tavakiliani from Puerto Rico and P. (Birandra) mariahelenae from Jamaica. New combinations: Neandra brunnea (Fabricius, 1798), Neandra marginicollis (Schaeffer, 1929), Archandra caspia (Ménétriès, 1832), Acutandra punctatissima (Thomson, 1861), A. degeeri (Thomson, 1867), A. murrayi (Lameere, 1912), A. araucana (Bosq, 1951), A. ubitiara (Santos-Silva & Martins, 2000), all from Parandra. Keys to genera of Parandrini, subgenera of Parandra and American species of Parandra and Acutandra are added.

Mamíferos carnívoros e sua relação com a diversidade de hábitats no Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra, sul do Brasil

A survey of carnivore mammals was accomplished in Aparados da Serra National Park from February 1998 to March 2000. The park has 10,250 ha and is considered a biodiversity core area of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The landscape is characterized by relatively well preserved relicts of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze forest, grasslands and Atlantic Forest, which have contributed for the survival of endangered carnivore mammals. The National Park was divided in a grid of 16 km² cells using a 1:50,000 scale map. The animals were recorded using indirect methods, by identifying signs (scats, tracks) and direct observation in 2.5 km long and 5 m wide transects, with 10 replicates in each grid cell. Interviews with local people were also used to confirm the animal presence. A total of 13 species was recorded: Procyon cancrivorus (Cuvier, 1798), Pseudalopex gymnocercus (G. Fischer, 1814), Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) were the most frequent species registered. Nasua nasua (Linnaeus 1766), Herpailurus yaguarondi (Lacépède, 1809), Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), Eira barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), Leopardus sp., Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), Galictis cuja (Molina, 1782), Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1892) and Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) showed lower frequencies. The Park presented areas with significant differences (Mantel Test, P< 0.05) in species richness and composition related to habitat classes. Areas with high habitat richness presented high species richness. The Araucaria forest was the habitat that presented the higher carnivore richness. The border areas of the Park are influenced by several environmental degradation factors that could be affecting the distribution of carnivores.

Flutuação populacional circanual de coleópteros em granja avícola, em Pelotas, RS, Brasil

Com o objetivo de conhecer a flutuação populacional de coleópteros na granja de aves do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça, em Pelotas, RS, foram utilizados seis métodos de coleta: 1 (fezes de galinhas com 0 a 7 dias); 2 (7 a 14 dias); 3 (14 a 21 dias); 4 (0 a 21 dias); 5 (fezes acumuladas) e 6 (armadilhas de tubo). Análises de regressão polinomial foram realizadas independentemente dos métodos de coleta. O estudo foi realizado de agosto de 1998 a julho de 1999. Foram capturados 12.449 coleópteros representados pelas seguintes espécies Carcinops troglodytes (Paykull, 1811) (Histeridae) (6.444); Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Tenebrionidae) (2.896); Somotrichus unifasciatus (Dejean, 1792) (Carabidae) (1.190); Gnathocerus cornutus (Fabricius, 1798) (Tenebrionidae) (947); Euxestus sp. (Cerylonidae) (394); Euspilotus rubriculus (Marseul, 1855) (Histeridae) (213); Ontholestes sp. (Staphylinidae) (190); Dactylosternum sp. (Hydrophilidae) (93); Mezium americanum (Laporte, 1840) (Ptinidae) (43); Palorus subdepressus (Wollaston, 1864) (Tenebrionidae) (27); Tenebroides mauritanicus (L., 1758) (Trogossitidae) (8); Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius, 1801) (Scolytidae) (1); e espécimens não identificados de Dermestidae (3). O maior número de espécies ocorreu nos meses de março e julho e o menor, no mês de setembro. Em março foi registrada a maior abundância de coleópteros (2.159), enquanto que o menor índice de captura foi assinalado em outubro (633). A flutuação populacional foi estimada para C. troglodytes, A. diaperinus, S. unifasciatus, G. cornutus, Euxestus sp., E. rubriculus, Ontholestes sp. e Dactylosternum sp.

Morfologia e biologia dos imaturos de Euschistus hansi (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae)

São descritos e ilustrados os estágios imaturos de Euschistus hansi Grazia, 1987, com ênfase nos caracteres morfológicos externos do ovo e dos cinco instares. Adultos e ninfas foram alimentados com ramos frescos e frutos maduros de "ligustro", Ligustrum lucidum Ait. (Oleaceae). As ninfas de E. hansi são comparadas com os imaturos já descritos de outras espécies neotropicais de Euschistus Dallas, 1851: E. heros (Fabricius, 1798), E. sulcacitus Rolston, 1971 e E. bifibulus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1805). Dados biológicos também são fornecidos.

Variação espaço-temporal de Rotifera em um reservatório eutrofizado no sul do Brasil

A variação espacial e temporal de rotíferos foi analisada em um reservatório pequeno, raso e eutrófico, com intensas florações de algas Cyanobacteria, em sete pontos de amostragem durante 17 meses (março/2002 a julho/2003). Foram identificados 52 táxons em 16 famílias, sendo Brachionidade, Conochilidae, Synchaetidae, Lecanidae, Collothecidae, Trichocercidae e Gastropodidae as mais frequentes. Collotheca sp. foi abundante no inverno (período seco), enquanto Conochilus coenobasis Skorikov, 1914 e Keratella cochlearis Gosse, 1851 apresentaram baixas abundâncias. Brachionus mirus var. reductus (Koste, 1972), Filinia longiseta (Ehrenberg, 1834) e Keratella lenzi (Hauer, 1953) apresentaram picos de abundância no verão (período chuvoso), e Kellicottia bostonensis (Rousselet, 1908), Ploesoma truncatum (Levander, 1894), Polyarthra remata (Skorikov, 1896), Polyarthra vulgaris Carlin, 1943 e Ptygura sp. no inverno, entretanto, relacionados a chuvas atípicas. Diferenças significativas do número de táxons e da abundância total dos rotíferos ocorreram entre os meses amostrados. A análise de correspondência canônica explicou 46% da relação da abundância dos rotíferos e variáveis ambientais, correlacionados com a pluviosidade, nitrito, temperatura da água, nitrogênio orgânico, nitrato e temperatura do ar. Houve flutuações na abundância dos rotíferos um mês após oscilações na abundância do fitoplâncton. A maior parte das correlações entre as abundâncias de espécies de rotíferos e do fitoplâncton foi positiva. Alguns táxons como Filinia longiseta, Keratella lenzi e K. cochlearis apresentaram variação temporal definida e semelhante a outros reservatórios eutróficos. A ausência de padrões claros de distribuição em algumas espécies foi atribuída a hidrodinâmica do reservatório, o qual foi construído recentemente, e as condições climáticas adversas durante o período de estudo, como as chuvas intensas no inverno.