Experimental infection of the bat tick Carios fonsecai (Acari: Ixodidae) with the rabies virus

Introduction This study assessed the viability of the rabies virus in the argasid tick Carios fonsecai following experimental infection. Methods The mouse inoculation test (MIT), fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used. The rabies virus was administered to ticks via the intra-coelomic route, and the ticks were sacrificed at different time points. Results The inoculated ticks were negative for rabies according to the MIT. Ticks macerated with rabies virus were positive according to the MIT and FAT. All of the tick lots tested by PCR were positive. Conclusions The rabies virus became unviable shortly after its inoculation into tick bodies. Ticks are not likely to play an important role in the epidemiology of rabies.

Sobre o gênero Diaspidistis (Hemiptera, Diaspididae), com a descrição de duas espécies novas

O gênero Diaspidistis Hempel, 1900 foi estudado. Foram redescritas Diaspidistis multilobis Hempel, 1900 e D. squamosa Hempel, 1937. Novas combinações são propostas: D. gomescostai (Lepage & Giannotti, 1946), D. memorabilis (Ferris, 1941), D. multipunctata (Lepage & Giannotti, 1946) e D. petasata (Ferris, 1942). São descritas e ilustradas duas espécies novas: Diaspidistis fonsecai sp. nov. e Diaspidistis tucumanensis sp. nov. Uma chave para identificação das espécies é apresentada baseada em fêmeas adultas.

Sobre algumas espécies do gênero Gliricola (Mallophaga)

Two new species and three new sub-especies of the genus Gliricola are described in this paper. The former were found on a specimen of Cavia aperea from Santo Amaro, near the city São Paulo, and the latter on wild rats from several localities in Brazil. The parasites of Cavia aperea - G. spinosus and G. lindolphoi - are characterised by the male genitalia. That of G. spinosus is similar to that of G. porcelli, the type species of the genus, but is distinguished by two large hook-like spines on the copulatory sac; that of G. lindolphoi by possessing an appearence entirely its own, principally concerning the chitinous structure of the vesicula and the articulation parameres-basal plate. Several females were also found on the same host, the author inclining to consider them as G. spinosus but that might actually be G. porcelli or G. lindolphoi. The author considers the new rat parasites, and also G. fonsecai, sub-especies of G. decartatus, thus joining in a natural group closely allied forms wich may be recognised though small particularities of chaetotaxy found in the abdomen and the genital region of the females. The males are difficult to identify, although having small differences in the genitalia of some of them.