ABSTRACT Background: Vector distribution influences arbovirus persistence. This study examined the diversity of mosquito breeding sites in an Atlantic Forest fragment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: Mosquito specimens were collected at Fazenda dos Cordeiros, Silva Jardim, Brazil. Tire, plastic, bamboo, and sapucaia traps were evaluated for oviposition preferences using ecological indices. Results: Tire traps had the highest density. Bamboo traps showed the highest diversity. Plastic container was the most divergent site. The key recorded vector species included Aedes albopictus and Haemagogus leucocelaenus. Conclusions: Identifying the breeding sites that contribute the most to mosquito density is essential for optimizing control strategies. Background persistence Janeiro Brazil Methods Cordeiros Jardim plastic bamboo indices Results site leucocelaenus Conclusions strategies

ABSTRACT Background: Haiti is one of the Caribbean countries where malaria persists. More than 99% of malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the main vector being the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. In this paper, we describe the epidemiological profile of malaria in Haiti between 2009 and 2018. Methods We analyzed information on cases reported by the Ministry of Health of Haiti and the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Between 2009 and 2018, 232,479 malaria cases were reported by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP); an increase in the incidence of malaria in the country in 2010, followed by a decrease in 2011, was primarily observed. Due to recent efforts to reduce malaria by 2020, its incidence declined from 60,130 cases in 2010 to 8,978 cases in 2018. Controversially, in terms of the number of reported cases, the MSPP and WHO report conflicting data. However, the results from both datasets present the same trend in Haiti from 2009 to 2018. The results also illustrate the endemicity of the disease throughout Haiti, both in rural and urban areas, especially along the coast. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need to promote official data collection and analyses, as well as the application of epidemiological surveillance of malaria at the municipal level, for a better understanding of the real impact of malaria on the Haitian population and to create more appropriate interventions.

Abstract Aedes aegypti is currently the mosquito with major impact on public health in Brazil and a proven vector of several emerging arboviruses. By consequence, its name is frequently being spoken by lay people of the media and general public, as well as by researchers in this country both in general media and academic events. However, the generic name Aedes, contrary to its etymological origin and worldwide correct pronunciation (“A-e-des”), has been frequently mispronounced as “Edes” on many occasions by media spokespersons and by researchers and lay people in Brazil. However, based on historical and linguistic evidence, it is confirmed here that the correct historical pronunciation (A-e-des) must be maintained and observed in Brazil as it is enunciated all over the World.

BACKGROUND Southeast Brazil has recently experienced a Yellow Fever virus (YFV) outbreak where the mosquito Haemagogus leucocelaenus was a primary vector. Climatic factors influence the abundance of mosquito vectors and arbovirus transmission. OBJECTIVES We aimed at describing the population dynamics of Hg. leucocelaenus in a county touched by the recent YFV outbreak. METHODS Fortnightly egg collections with ovitraps were performed from November 2012 to February 2017 in a forest in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The effects of mean temperature and rainfall on the Hg. leucocelaenus population dynamics were explored. FINDINGS Hg. leucocelaenus eggs were continuously collected throughout the study, with a peak in the warmer months (December-March). The climatic variables had a time-lagged effect and four weeks before sampling was the best predictor for the positivity of ovitraps and total number of eggs collected. The probability of finding > 50% positive ovitraps increased when the mean temperature was above 24ºC. The number of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs expressively increase when the mean temperature and accumulated precipitation surpassed 27ºC and 100 mm, respectively, although the effect of rainfall was less pronounced. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Monitoring population dynamics of Hg. leucocelaenus and climatic factors in YFV risk areas, especially mean temperature, may assist in developing climate-based surveillance procedures to timely strengthening prophylaxis and control.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females are considered morphologically indistinguishable. We analyzed morphometric variability between Brazilian populations of these species using wing geometric morphometry. METHODS: Size and shape at intra- and interspecific levels were analyzed in 108 Hg. capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females. RESULTS: Geometric morphometry indicated size and shape variables can differentiate these species at interspecific level. However, at intraspecific level, results show relative differentiation. Two populations of Hg. capricornii had a smaller centroid size with no significant differences between them, whereas all Hg. janthinomys populations showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Both species were correctly identified by geometric morphometry.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a inclusão de torta de girassol (TG) e a adição de enzimas nas rações de frangas de reposição leves, em fase de crescimento, bem como seus efeitos sobre as variáveis consumo e conversão alimentar, desempenho produtivo, maturidade sexual, qualidade dos ovos no início da fase de postura e viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizadas 540 frangas da linhagem leve Hy-Line W-36. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2×2+1, com dois níveis de inclusão de TG (10 e 20%), com ou sem adição de enzimas, mais um controle. Ao final da fase de crescimento (7 a 17 semanas de idade), 360 aves foram transferidas para o galpão de postura até a trigésima quinta semana de idade. Não houve interação entre os níveis de TG e as enzimas, mas observou-se efeito isolado das rações e das enzimas sobre o consumo e a conversão alimentar. Houve diminuição da densidade específica dos ovos e interação entre os fatores para essa variável, mas sem afetar o desempenho produtivo. A inclusão de até 20% de TG nas rações não afeta o desempenho em ambas as fases avaliadas; no entanto, o uso de 20% de TG com enzimas é mais economicamente viável.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower cake (SC) and the addition of enzymes in the ration of lightweight replacement pullets in the growth phase, as well as their effects on the variables feed consumption and conversion, productive performance, sexual maturity, egg quality at the beginning of the laying phase, and economic viability. Five hundred and forty pullets of the Hy-Line W-36 light line were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, with two inclusion levels of SC (10 and 20%), with or without the addition of enzymes, and a control treatment. At the end of the growth phase (7 to 17 weeks age), 360 birds were transferred to the laying shed until their thirty-fifth week of age. There was no interaction between SC levels and enzymes, but an isolated effect of rations and enzymes was observed on feed consumption and conversion. There was a decrease in specific egg density and an interaction between the factors for this variable, but without affecting productive performance. The inclusion of up to 20% SC in the rations does not affect bird performance in both evaluated phases; however the use of 20% SC with enzymes is more economically viable.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a geoquímica e a qualidade da água subterrânea no município de Serra do Ramalho, no oeste da Bahia, com ênfase nas concentrações de nitrato (N-NO3 -). Foi coletada água do Aquífero Bambuí, cárstico, em 26 poços tubulares nas campanhas de 2010 e 2011 (período chuvoso) e 2012 (período seco). Foram realizadas medidas in situ de variáveis físico-químicas e tomadas alíquotas para análises laboratoriais dos ânions (titrimetria e espectrofotometria) e cátions principais (ICP OES) e do fluoreto (SPANDS). O pH variou entre 6,6 e 8,7, cujos teores dos elementos principais foram, em ordem decrescente: rCa2+ > rNa+ > rMg2+ > rK+ e rCO3 2- - rHCO3 - > rCl- > rSO4 2- > rNO3- > rF-. As fácies hidrogeoquímicas bicarbonatadas cálcicas (49%), cloretadas cálcicas (21%) e mistas cálcicas (15%) foram as mais representativas. As concentrações de nitrato e fluoreto excederam o limite de potabilidade preconizado pela Portaria nº 2.914/2011 em 25 e 12% dos poços, respectivamente. A poluição da água subterrânea representa um desafio para a gestão dos recursos hídricos, o saneamento, o uso do solo e a saúde pública, devendo ser mais bem compreendida, monitorada e remediada.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize groundwater geochemistry and quality in the municipality of Serra do Ramalho, west Bahia, with emphasis on nitrate (N-NO3 -) concentrations. Water was sampled from 26 tubular wells during 2010 and 2011 (rainy season) and 2012 (dry season). Physicochemical parameters were measured and groundwater was sampled in each sampling station for laboratory analyses of the main anions (titrimetry and spectrophotometry) and cations (ICP OES) and fluoride (SPANDS). The pH ranged from 6.60 to 8.70, with the following decreasing order of major elements: rCa2+ > rNa+ > rMg2+ > rK+ and rCO3 2- - rHCO3 - > rCl- > rSO4 2- > rNO3- > rF-. Calcic bicarbonated hydrochemical facies (49%), calcic chlorinated facies (21%) and calcic mixed facies (15%) were the most representative in the study area. Fluoride and nitrate concentrations were above potability limit in 25 and 12% of the wells, respectively. Groundwater pollution is a challenge to the management of water resources, sanitation, land use and public health, and should be better understood, monitored and remedied.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os fatores associados à mortalidade infantil, em Fortaleza, Ceará. Métodos Estudo do tipo caso-controle, com amostra de 147 casos e 441 controles. O desfecho estudado foi a ocorrência de óbito em menores de um ano e as variáveis explicativas foram dispostas em blocos hierárquicos. Adotou-se como critério de entrada das variáveis no modelo p < 0,20 e para permanecerem p < 0,05. Foram realizados testes de associação, por meio do qui-quadrado e razão de máxima verossimilhança, ao nível de significância de 5%. Na regressão logística não condicional, utilizou-se a medida da força de associação entre as variáveis pela Odds Ratio (OR) bruta e ajustada. O controle dos fatores de confusão nas associações da análise univariada foi conseguido pela OR ajustada. Finalmente, realizou-se a regressão logística múltipla, apenas com as variáveis significativas, de cada nível hierarquizado. Resultados Os fatores que estiveram associados com o óbito infantil foram: gestação gemelar (OR: 78,1; IC 95%: 22,1; 275,6) e idade gestacional ≤ 36 semanas (OR: 18,8; IC 95%: 6,2; 57,0). O parto cesáreo apresentou-se como fator associado de proteção. Conclusão A prevenção dos fatores associados identificados nesta pesquisa, como gestação gemelar e idade gestacional ≤ 36 semanas, poderá significar maior redução na taxa de mortalidade infantil.

Abstract Objective To analyze the factors associated with infant mortality in Fortaleza, Ceará. Methods A case-control study with a sample of 147 cases and 441 controls. The outcome studied was the occurrence of death among children under one year of age and the explanatory variables were arranged in hierarchical blocks. The value of p <0.20 was adopted as criteria for including variables in the model and p <0.05 for keeping them. Association tests were carried out with chi-square and Maximum Likelihood ratio and the level of significance adopted was 5%. Gross and adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) were used to measure the strength of association between variables in the non-conditional logistic regression.. confounding factors in the associations of the univariate analysis were controlled through adjusted OR. Finally, a multiple logistic regression was carried out including only the significant variables of each hierarchical level. Results The factors associated with infant mortality were: twin pregnancy (OR: 78.1; 95% CI: 22.1, 275.6) and ≤36 weeks gestational age (OR: 18.8; 95% CI: 6.2; 57.0). Cesarean section is presented as a factor associated with protection. Conclusion The prevention of associated factors identified in this study, such as twin pregnancy and gestational age ≤ 36 weeks, may result in greater reduction in infant mortality rate.

ABSTRACT Haemagogus leucocelaenus, which is considered a major vector of wild yellow fever, exhibits acrodendrophilic habits and mainly deposits its eggs in treeholes and bamboo internodes. The selection of nursery sites is essential in the life history and reproductive success of mosquitoes. The present work investigated the preferred oviposition height and period of Hg. leucocelaenus in an Atlantic forest area in Rio de Janeiro. Sampling was performed using oviposition traps that were placed on plant material at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 m above the ground, from August 2015 to July 2016. Eggs were more abundant during October and May, and the height of traps placement had no significant effect on the eggs number indicating that Hg. leucocelaenus explores different levels of forest habitats, a behavior that may favor the transmission of pathogens among arboreal animals including primates and humans. The findings of the present study are discussed from an ecological and epidemiological point of view.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Environmental modifications caused by human activities have led to changes in mosquito vector populations, and sylvatic species have adapted to breeding in urban areas. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected using ovitraps in three sampling sites in the Atlantic Forest in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. RESULTS: We collected 2,162 Culicidae specimens. Haemagogus janthinomys and Haemagogus leucocelaenus, both sylvatic yellow fever virus vectors, were the most common species found. CONCLUSION: There is a potential for the transmission of arboviruses in and around these natural reserves. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain entomological surveillance programs in the region.

INTRODUCTION: Bioecological aspects of anophelines (Diptera: Culicidae) near areas under the direct influence of the hydroelectric plant reservoir of Serra da Mesa in Goiás, Brazil, were analyzed. METHODS: Samples were collected at the surrounding dam area during the phases before and after reservoir impoundment. The influence of climatic and environmental factors on the occurrence of Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albitarsis, Anopheles triannulatus, Anopheles oswaldoi and Anopheles evansae was assessed using Pearson's correlations with indicators for richness and diversity as well as the index of species abundance (ISA) and the standardized index of species abundance (SISA). RESULTS: The highest anopheline density occurred during the phase after filling the tank; however, no direct correlation with the climatic factors was observed during this stage. The reservoir formation determined the incidence of the anopheline species. An. darlingi was the predominant species (SISA = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference (p < 0.05) observed between the species incidence during the different reservoir phases demonstrates the environmental effect of the reservoir on anophelines.

The effect of multiple immersions on Haemagogus janthinomys , Haemagogus leucocelaenus , Aedes albopictus and Ochlerotatus terrens eggs was studied. Eggs were collected in April, June, October and December of 2011 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Most of the Aedes and Ochlerotatus eggs hatched upon the first immersion, while Haemagogus eggs showed a varied instalment hatching response. The number of immersions required for hatching increased for eggs collected closer to the dry winter season.

Introduction To determine the faunal composition of immature culicids inhabiting a percolation tank in the landfill of Sapucaia, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, immature mosquitoes were collected over a two-day period during the third weeks of April, August and October 2011. Results The species found were Culex usquatus, Lutzia bigoti, Anopheles argyritarsis and Limatus durhamii. This study is the first to report the colonization of eutrophic breeding sites by these species. Conclusions The oviposition behavior observed in this study suggests a secondary adaptation or change in habit to select eutrophic environments during the developmental stages of the observed species.

In an effort to detect West Nile virus (WNV) in Brazil, we sampled serum from horses and chickens from the Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso and tested for flavivirus-reactive antibodies by blocking ELISA. The positive samples were further confirmed for serological evidence of WNV infection in three (8%) of the 38 horses and one (3.2%) of the 31 chickens using an 80% plaque-reduction neutralisation test (PRNT80). These results provide evidence of the circulation of WNV in chickens and horses in Pantanal.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la variabilidad morfológica en cuatro poblaciones de Chagasia fajardi utilizando morfometría clásica. Se midieron siete variables del cuerpo de los especímenes de cuatro regiones biogeográficas brasileñas, incluyendo tres poblaciones provenientes de los biomas “Mata” Atlántica y una población del Cerrado. Usando el análisis de varianza (ANOVA), el carácter diagnóstico banda negra del tarsómero posterior tres (TA-III3) mostró un gran potencial para determinar las diferencias entre poblaciones, las cuales fueron todas distintas unas de las otras. Esto se siguió por la banda blanca del tarso cinco posterior (Ta-III5) y la longitud del ala (WI), que mostraron la presencia de dos poblaciones similares entre sí pero diferentes de las otras poblaciones, siendo estas últimas también diferentes entre sí. Sin embargo, el análisis multivariado y dendrograma UPGMA mostraron la gran proximidad entre las poblaciones 2 y 4, y entre las poblaciones 1 y 3. Se discuten las variables morfológicas de poblaciones pertenecientes a Ch. fajardi de diferentes regiones brasileñas.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphological variability in four populations of Chagasia fajardi using classic morphometry. Seven variables of the body were measured in specimens of Ch. fajardi from four biogeographical regions of Brazil, including three populations from the Atlantic Forest biome and one population from the Cerrado biome, were measured. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the diagnostic characteristic of the black band on the hindtarsus (Ta-III3) presented strong potential for demonstrating dissimilarity between populations, which were all different from each other. This was followed by the white band on the hindtarsus (Ta-III5) and the wing length (Wl), which showed the presence of two populations similar between themselves, but different from the others. However, multivariate analysis and UPGMA dendograms showed close proximity between populations 2 and 4 and between populations 1 and 3. Morphological variables of Ch. fajardi populations from different regions of Brazil are discussed.