Resumen Se amplía el conocimiento sobre la distribución geográfica de Aedes patersoni Shanon y Del Ponte, Ae. scapularis (Rondani), Culex dolosus (Lynch Arribálzaga), Mansonia indubitans Dyar y Shannon, Psorophora cingulata (Fabricius), Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis separatus (Lynch Arribálzaga), Tx. purpureus (Theobald), Tx. theobaldi s. l. Dyar & Knab y Uranotaenia lowii Theobald en el Noroeste de Argentina. Asimismo, brindan las primeras localidades conocidas para Ma. indubitans en la provincia de Salta y para Ae. serratus (Theobald), Ma. titillans (Walker) y Ps. ciliata (Fabricius) en la provincia de Jujuy. Se discute sobre la presencia de Ae. fulvithorax (Lutz) en la provincia de Salta, de Ps. pallescens Edwards en la provincia de Jujuy, de Ur. pulcherrima Lynch Arribálzaga en Santiago del Estero y de Anopheles pictipennis (Philippi) en Argentina. Esta contribución actualiza la lista de mosquitos para las provincias del noroeste argentino, incrementando su número en Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero y Tucumán a 68, 26, 102, 29 y 70 especies, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, se aporta información sobre el hábitat en el que se recolectaron y la importancia sanitaria de las especies mencionadas, así como una lista completa de las especies presentes en las provincias del noroeste argentino.

Abstract The knowledge about the geographical distribution of Aedes patersoni Shanon and Del Ponte, Ae. scapularis (Rondani), Culex dolosus (Lynch Arribálzaga), Mansonia indubitans Dyar and Shannon, Psorophora cingulata (Fabricius), Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis separatus (Lynch Arribálzaga), Tx. purpureus (Theobald), Tx. theobaldi s. l. Dyar & Knab and Uranotaenia lowii Theobald in the Northwest of Argentina is extended. Likewise, they provided the first known localities for Ma. indubitans in the province of Salta and for Ae. serratus (Theobald), Ma. titillans (Walker) and Ps. ciliata (Fabricius) in the province of Jujuy. The presence of Ae. fulvithorax (Lutz), Ps. pallescens Edwards in Jujuy, Ur. pulcherrima Lynch Arribálzaga in Santiago del Estero and Anopheles pictipennis (Philippi) in Argentina, is discussed. This contribution updates the list of mosquitoes for the northwestern provinces of Argentina, increasing their numbers of species in Jujuy, La Rioja, Salta, Santiago del Estero and Tucumán to 68, 26, 102, 29 and 70 species, respectively. Additionally, information on the habitat of immature stages and the sanitary importance of the species mentioned is provided, as well as a complete list of the species present in the northwestern provinces of Argentina.

Abstract Malaria is the most important parasitic disease worldwide. In 2019, more than 679,441 cases of malaria were reported in the American region. During this study, Argentina was in malaria pre-elimination autochthonous transmission phase with the aim of being declared as malaria-free country. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of remote sensing spectral indices (NDVI, NDWI) and climatic variables (temperature, relative humidity and precipitation) on the distribution and abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes, in four localities with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance and with previous malaria cases records located , in a historical malarious area in northeastern of Argentina. Between June 2012 and July 2014, mosquitoes were collected. We collected 535 Anopheles adult mosquitoes. Anopheles strodei s.l. was the most abundant species. The greatest richness, diversity and abundance of species were registered in wild and semi-urban environments. The abundance of Anopheles presented a negative association with relative humidity and mean temperature, but positive with mean maximum temperature. The most important variables determining Anopheles total abundance and distribution were NDWI Index and distance to vegetation. The abundance of An. strodei s.l., was positive associated with water areas whereas the NDVI Index was negatively associated.

Abstract Background Religiosity and spirituality have been associated with higher recovery rates, greater adherence to treatments, and better levels of quality of life in patients with heart disease. Objectives To evaluate the association between spirituality, functional gain, and improved quality of life in patients in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Methods This prospective cohort study evaluated the association between functional and quality of life gains during a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and a religiosity/spirituality index based on a validated scale. Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were screened for control purposes. P values < 0.05 were considered significant for all analyses. Results The study followed 57 patients (66 ± 12 years old; 71.7% male; 76% with coronary artery disease). The Spearman correlation coefficient did not show any associations between increases in functional capacity and organizational (rs = 0.110; p = 0.421), non-organizational (rs = −0.007; p = 0.421), or intrinsic (rs = −0.083; p = 0.543) religiosity. Furthermore, no associations were detected between the results of a quality of life score and organizational (rs = 0.22; p = 0.871), non-organizational (rs = 0.191; p = 0.159), or intrinsic (rs = 0.108; p = 0.429) religiosity. Conclusion No association was detected between functional and quality of life gains and organizational, non-organizational, or intrinsic religiosity in this sample of patients undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Resumo Fundamento Religiosidade e espiritualidade têm sido associadas a maiores taxas de recuperação, maior adesão a tratamentos e melhores níveis de qualidade de vida em pacientes cardiopatas. Objetivos Avaliar a associação entre espiritualidade, ganho funcional e melhoria de qualidade de vida em pacientes de um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectiva, no qual foi avaliada a associação entre os ganhos funcional e em qualidade de vida obtidos durante um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular e o índice de religiosidade/espiritualidade a partir de escala validada. Sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram rastreados, para fins de controle. Um p < 0,05 foi adotado como padrão significante para todas as análises. Resultados Foram acompanhados 57 pacientes (66 ± 12 anos; 71,7% masculinos, 76% com doença arterial coronariana). O cálculo do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman não evidenciou associações entre incrementos na capacidade funcional e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,110; p = 0,421), não organizacional (rs = −0,007; p = 0,421) ou intrínseca (rs = −0,083; p = 0,543). Também não foram detectadas associações entre os resultados de um escore de qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,22; p = 0,871), não organizacional (rs = 0,191; p = 0,159) ou intrínseca (rs = 0,108; p = 0,429). Conclusão Não foi detectada associação entre ganho funcional ou em qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional, não organizacional ou intrínseca, nesta amostra de pacientes em reabilitação cardiovascular.

Abstract Aedes aegypti is the main vector of the four arboviruses in America which have the greatest impact on human health. The introduction of Aedes albopictus in South America and Argentina acquires importance given the possibility that this species may be a new vector of arboviruses in this region. For this reason, the studies of the biology of their parasites, such as Ascogregarina spp., should be important for the knowledge of the invasive behavior of these vectors. We reported the finding of Ascogregarina culicis in Aedes aegypti and Ascogregarina sp. in Ae. albopictus populations in subtropical Argentina. The prevalence of parasitism by A. culicis in Ae. aegypti and Ascogregrarina sp. in Ae. albopictus was 34.81% (n = 464) and 37.23% (n = 70), respectively, differing between the seasons and habitats. The infection intensity caused by A. culicis and Ascogregarina sp. varied between 1 to 250 and 1 to 327 trophozoites respectively. Ascogregarina culicis was found throughout the all sampling period of Ae. aegypti (June 2016-April 2018). However the presence of Ascogregarina sp. in the midgut of Ae. albopictus was not recorded throughout the whole sampling period despite the presence of the host.

Abstract: Macroalgae are considered bioindicators for marine pollution, because they have the ability to quickly react to changes in their environment. In consequence, macroalgae populations fluctuate, according to species characteristics and adaptive strategies. Their cell wall polysaccharides contain sulfate groups that are capable of retaining and accumulating heavy metals. In addition to traditional contaminants, emerging pollutants are being recognized in aquatic environments. Herein, emerging pollutants have been identified after being desorbed from the macroalga Dichotomaria marginata, collected from Fortaleza Beach, Ubatuba, Brazil. Based on that algal polysaccharide networks have the potential of forming hydrogen bonds with polar compounds, it was hypothesized that these pollutants would be bound to sugar polymers. Compounds present in the D. marginata samples were identified using both gas and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS and HPLC/MS), assisted by computational methods. It was possible to unequivocally identify 22 emerging contaminants with GC/MS, and 16 substances with HPLC/MS.

Resumen: Las macroalgas se consideran bioindicadores de la contaminación marina, ya que tienen la capacidad de reaccionar rápidamente a los cambios en su entorno. En consecuencia, las poblaciones de macroalgas fluctúan, según las características de las especies y las estrategias de adaptación. Sus polisacáridos de la pared celular contienen grupos sulfato que son capaces de retener y acumular metales pesados. Además de los contaminantes tradicionales, los contaminantes emergentes están siendo reconocidos en ambientes acuáticos. En este trabajo, los contaminantes emergentes se han identificado después de ser desorbidos de la macroalga, Dichotomaria marginata, recolectada en la playa de Fortaleza, Ubatuba, Brasil. Basado en el hecho de que las redes de polisacáridos de algas tienen el potencial de formar enlaces de hidrógeno con compuestos polares, se planteó la hipótesis de que estos contaminantes estarían unidos a polímeros de azúcar. Los compuestos presentes en las muestras de D. marginata se identificaron mediante cromatografía de gases y líquidos-espectrometría de masas (GC-MS y LC-MS), asistidos por métodos computacionales. Fue posible identificar inequívocamente 22 contaminantes emergentes con GC-MS y 16 sustancias con LC-MS.

University students are exposed to a series of factors that predispose them to adopt health-damaging behaviors and increase the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Therefore, within the framework of the Good Practices Project in early childhood education, the objective of the present work was to know the lifestyles of university students taking into account the following variables: number of meals consumed daily, type of food consumed, consumption of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, practice of physical activity, hours of sleep per day and economic support. For this, a survey was applied to a sample (n = 67) of students of the 1st year of Teacher’s Training Course and Bachelor of Initial Education, attending the Research, Integration and Practice I Workshop (compulsory subject). The results show physical inactivity (66%), the perception of an unhealthy diet (57.57%) and more than 40% of the respondents admitted consuming alcohol. A statistically significant association was found between students with perception of unhealthy habits and alcohol consumption. The lifestyles and eating habits of university students of the surveyed population could be considered as unhealthy, particularly physical inactivity and the type of food they consume, with a lack of daily incorporation of essential nutrients. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness and implement strategies that promote change towards healthy lifestyles, allowing mitigation effects and impacting on the quality of life of each individual.

Los estudiantes universitarios se encuentran expuestos a una serie de factores que los predisponen a adoptar conductas nocivas para la salud y aumentar el riesgo de padecer enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Por ello, en el marco del Proyecto de Buenas Prácticas en la educación infantil, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer los estilos de vida de los jóvenes universitarios teniendo en cuenta las siguientes variables: cantidad de comidas consumidas diariamente, tipo de alimento consumido, consumo de alcohol, drogas, tabaco, práctica de actividad física, horas de sueño por día y sostén económico. Para ello se aplicó una encuesta a una muestra (n=67) de estudiantes de 1° año del Profesorado y Licenciatura de Educación Inicial, cursantes del Taller de Investigación, Integración y Práctica I (asignatura obligatoria). Los resultados dan cuenta de la inactividad física (66%), la percepción de una alimentación poco saludable (57,57%) y más del 40% de las encuestadas adujeron consumir alcohol. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre los estudiantes con percepción de hábitos poco saludables y el consumo de alcohol. Los estilos de vida y hábitos de alimentación de estudiantes universitarios de la población encuestada podrían considerarse como poco saludables, en particular la inactividad física y el tipo de alimento que consumen, con faltante de incorporación diaria de nutrientes fundamentales. Por lo tanto, es necesario crear conciencia e implementar estrategias que promuevan el cambio hacia estilos de vida saludables, permitiendo efectos de mitigación e impactando en la calidad de vida de cada individuo.

Studies were conducted to determine the selection of humans, chickens and rabbits by Culicidae in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Mosquitoes were collected fortnightly using cylindrical metal traps containing animal bait (chickens and rabbits). The mosquitoes were collected between June 2001-May 2002. During the same period and with the same frequency, mosquitoes biting the human operators of the traps were collected during the first 15 min of exposure within different time intervals: from 09:00 am-11:00 am, 01:00 pm-03:00 pm, 05:00 pm-07:00 pm and 09:00 pm-10:00 pm. A total of 19,430 mosquitoes of 49 species belonging to 10 genera were collected. Culex species mainly selected chicken bait and Wyeomyia species selected rabbit bait. Ochlerotatus and Psorophora species were more abundant in rabbit-baited traps. Anopheles triannulatus, Coquillettidia nigricans, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Mansonia titillans and Psorophora albigenu showed a strong attraction for human bait. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia species were more active between 05:00 pm-09:00 pm, while Ochlerotatus, Psorophora, Haemagogus and Wyeomyia were most active from 09:00 am-07:00 pm. This study provides additional information about the biology and ecology of arbovirus vectors in Chaco.

Health workers are exposed to occupational hazards at the workplace, among which we highlight the biological risk. Information and orientation should be provided regarding the conduct that workers are expected to follow in the case becoming exposed. Thus, this guide is intended to provide the elements to orient workers' conduct in cases of biological exposure, improving adherence to the monitoring protocol.

Los trabajadores de la salud están expuestos a riesgos ocupacionales en su ambiente de trabajo, entre ellos se destaca el riesgo biológico. La conducta esperada del trabajador luego de esta exposición debe ser definida y orientada para que medidas preventivas pueden ser adoptadas. De este modo, se pretende con esta guía brindar ayuda a la conducta de los trabajadores en relación a la exposición biológica, contribuyendo a la adhesión al protocolo de monitoreo.

Os trabalhadores da saúde estão expostos a riscos ocupacionais no seu ambiente de trabalho, destacando-se, dentre eles, o risco biológico. A conduta esperada do trabalhador após esta exposição deve ser definida e orientada, para que medidas preventivas possam ser adotadas. Assim, pretende-se com este guia fornecer subsídios para a conduta dos trabalhadores em relação à exposição biológica, contribuindo para a adesão ao protocolo de monitoramento.

Os trabalhadores da saúde estão expostos a riscos ocupacionais no seu ambiente de trabalho, destacando-se, dentre eles, o risco biológico. A conduta esperada do trabalhador após esta exposição deve ser definida e orientada, para que medidas preventivas possam ser adotadas. Assim, pretende-se com este guia fornecer subsídios para a conduta dos trabalhadores em relação à exposição biológica, contribuindo para a adesão ao protocolo de monitoramento.

Health workers are exposed to occupational hazards at the workplace, among which we highlight the biological risk. Information and orientation should be provided regarding the conduct that workers are expected to follow in the case becoming exposed. Thus, this guide is intended to provide the elements to orient workers' conduct in cases of biological exposure, improving adherence to the monitoring protocol.

Los trabajadores de la salud están expuestos a riesgos ocupacionales en su ambiente de trabajo, entre ellos se destaca el riesgo biológico. La conducta esperada del trabajador luego de esta exposición debe ser definida y orientada para que medidas preventivas pueden ser adoptadas. De este modo, se pretende con esta guía brindar ayuda a la conducta de los trabajadores en relación a la exposición biológica, contribuyendo a la adhesión al protocolo de monitoreo.

To classify mosquito species based on common features of their habitats, samples were obtained fortnightly between June 2001-October 2003 in the subtropical province of Chaco, Argentina. Data on the type of larval habitat, nature of the habitat (artificial or natural), size, depth, location related to sunlight, distance to the neighbouring houses, type of substrate, organic material, vegetation and algae type and their presence were collected. Data on the permanence, temperature, pH, turbidity, colour, odour and movement of the larval habitat's water were also collected. From the cluster analysis, three groups of species associated by their degree of habitat similarity were obtained and are listed below. Group 1 consisted of Aedes aegypti. Group 2 consisted of Culex imitator, Culex davisi, Wyeomyia muehlensi and Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis separatus. Within group 3, two subgroups are distinguished: A (Psorophora ferox, Psorophora cyanescens, Psorophora varinervis, Psorophora confinnis, Psorophora cingulata, Ochlerotatus hastatus-oligopistus, Ochlerotatus serratus, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Culex intrincatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pilosus, Ochlerotatus albifasciatus, Culex bidens) and B (Culex maxi, Culex eduardoi, Culex chidesteri, Uranotaenia lowii, Uranotaenia pulcherrima, Anopheles neomaculipalpus, Anopheles triannulatus, Anopheles albitarsis, Uranotaenia apicalis, Mansonia humeralis and Aedeomyia squamipennis). Principal component analysis indicates that the size of the larval habitats and the presence of aquatic vegetation are the main characteristics that explain the variation among different species. In contrast, water permanence is second in importance. Water temperature, pH and the type of larval habitat are less important in explaining the clustering of species.

The phlebotomine sandflies of the province of Chaco, Argentina, are poorly known, with reports from more than 40 years or captures related with outbreaks of leishmaniasis. In here, Mycropygomyia peresi (Mangabeira) is reported for the first time in Argentina, extending the known dstribution of Migonemyia migonei (França), Evandromyia sallesi (Galvão & Coutinho), Mycropygomyia quinquefer (Dyar), Brumptomyia brumpti (Larousse) y Nemapalpus spp to the province of Chaco. Mg. migonei, together with Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto), Evandromyia cortelezzii (Brèthes), and Psathyromyia shannoni (Dyar) also captured in Chaco, were incriminated as vectors of Leishmania in Argentina.

In Argentina, the incidence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) has shown a steady increase over the last few decades. In the Chaco biogeographical region, specifically, several outbreaks of ACL were recently reported in addition to the usual time-space scattering of ACL cases. However, little is known about the sandfly composition in the eastern, humid Chaco (HC) region or the western, dry Chaco (DC) region. Therefore, phlebotomine captures were performed throughout this region and an analysis of the distribution of reported ACL cases was conducted in order to assess the vector diversity in ACL endemic and epidemic scenarios in the Chaco region. The results support the hypothesis of two distinct patterns: (1) the DC, where Lutzomyia migonei was the most prevalent species, had isolated ACL cases and a zoonotic cycle; (2) the HC, where Lutzomyia neivai was the most prevalent species, had an increase in ACL incidence and outbreaks and an anthropozoonotic cycle. The epidemic risk in the Chaco region may be associated with the current climate trends, landscape modification, connection with other ACL foci, and Lu. neivai predominance and abundance. Therefore, changes in sandfly population diversity and density in the Chaco region are an indicator of emergent epidemic risk in sentinel capture sites.

AIM: To investigate whether the cerebellum could participate in social cognition (SC). METHOD: General neuropsychological tests, executive tests (EF), social cognition tests, which assess the ability to infer other peoples’ mental states, and the Beck Depression Inventory were given to 10 non-demented patients with isolated cerebellar degenerative disease, and to 10 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and years of education. ANOVA and correlation coefficients were employed for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Patients within the cerebellar group were significantly impaired (p?0.05) in EF test [Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WSCT)] and belief questions (BQ) from Theory of Mind (ToM) tests. Performance in control questions (CQ) from ToM tests was similar for both groups. Lower scores in BQ correlated with a lower conceptual ability, the severity of apathy (NPI) and static ataxia. CQ correlated with measures of attention and free recall. CONCLUSION: The cerebellum may contribute in the control of social behavior through the processing of multimodal data, motor, cognitive and emotional.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la hipótesis según la cual, el cerebelo podría participar en las alteraciones de la cognición social (CS). MÉTODO: Se administraron tests neuropsicológicos generales, de función ejecutiva (FE), de CS que evaluaban la capacidad de inferir el estado mental de otras personas y la escala de Depresión de Beck a 10 pacientes adultos con enfermedad cerebelosa adquirida aislada (GEC) y a 10 controles (GCO) apareados por edad, sexo y educación. Se analizaron los datos mediante ANOVA y correlación. RESULTADOS: El GEC obtuvo puntajes significativamente menores (p?0,05) que el grupo GCO en tareas de FE (Test de Wisconsin) y preguntas de creencia (PCr) de Teoría de la Mente (ToM). El rendimiento en las preguntas de control (PCo) de ToM fue similar en ambos grupos. El menor rendimiento en las PCr correlacionó significativamente con una menor habilidad conceptual, la severidad de la apatía (NPI) y de la ataxia estática. Las PCo correlacionaron con medidas de atención y de recuerdo diferido libre. CONCLUSÍON: El cerebelo contribuiría en el monitoreo de la conducta mediante el control de datos multimodales motores, cognitivos y emocionales.

OBJECTIVE: To study the seasonal fluctuation of Aedes aegypti and to correlate its abundance with climate conditions. METHODS: Samples were weekly collected in ovitraps in the city of Resistencia, Chaco Province, Argentina, between October 2002 and November 2003. The number of eggs collected was correlated with temperature, relative humidity, evaporation and rainfalls recorded. Pearson's correlation test with the respective weekly climate data was used in single and multiple correlation analyses. RESULTS: The first record of eggs took place in the last week of October 2002 and continued irregularly up to the last week of June 2003, when no more eggs were seen until November 2003. The highest peak of abundance (70%) was observed in November-December 2002, which coincided with the season of high temperatures and rainfalls. A second less important peak was seen in April coinciding with autumn rainfalls. Significant correlations were found only for monthly accumulated rainfall (r=0.57; p<0.05). No ovipositions were recorded during the winter when temperature dropped below 16.5ºC. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a correlation between oviposition and rainfall, as the periods of high activity of Aedes aegypti were in the end of spring-beginning of summer, and beginning of fall. These are periods of major epidemiological risk if an infected person gets to Resistencia.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la fluctuación estacional de Aedes aegypti y correlacionar su abundancia con factores ambientales. MÉTODOS: Las colectas fueron realizadas entre octubre de 2002 y noviembre de 2003, en la ciudad de Resistencia, província del Chaco, Argentina. Fueron hechos muestreos semanales empleando ovitrampas. El número de huevos colectados fue correlacionado con la temperatura, humedad relativa ambiente, evaporación y precipitaciones registradas en dicha localidad. Se utilizó el test de correlación de Pearson con los respectivos datos climáticos semanales, realizándose correlaciones simples y múltiples. RESULTADOS: La ocurrencia de huevos fue registrada de manera discontinua, desde la última semana de octubre de 2002, hasta la última de junio de 2003, a partir de la cual no fueron encontrados hasta noviembre de 2003. Se observó un pico de abundancia (70%) en noviembre y diciembre, que coincidió con el período de temperaturas altas y mayores precipitaciones. Otro pico, aunque de menor importancia, fue observado en abril y coincidió con las lluvias de otoño. Las correlaciones fueron significativas solamente para las precipitaciones acumuladas mensuales (r=0,57; P<0,05). No se registraron oviposturas en invierno cuando la temperatura media semanal fue inferior a 16,5ºC. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados muestran correlación entre la oviposición y las precipitaciones, pues los períodos de mayor actividad de Aedes aegypti ocurrieron en el final de la primavera, comienzos del verano y en el inicio del otoño. Estos serían los períodos de mayor riesgo epidemiológico especialmente ante la aparición de personas infectadas.

OBJECTIVE: To study the seasonal fluctuation of Aedes aegypti and to correlate its abundance with climate conditions. METHODS: Samples were weekly collected in ovitraps in the city of Resistencia, Chaco Province, Argentina, between October 2002 and November 2003. The number of eggs collected was correlated with temperature, relative humidity, evaporation and rainfalls recorded. Pearson's correlation test with the respective weekly climate data was used in single and multiple correlation analyses. RESULTS: The first record of eggs took place in the last week of October 2002 and continued irregularly up to the last week of June 2003, when no more eggs were seen until November 2003. The highest peak of abundance (70%) was observed in November-December 2002, which coincided with the season of high temperatures and rainfalls. A second less important peak was seen in April coinciding with autumn rainfalls. Significant correlations were found only for monthly accumulated rainfall (r=0.57; p<0.05). No ovipositions were recorded during the winter when temperature dropped below 16.5ºC. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a correlation between oviposition and rainfall, as the periods of high activity of Aedes aegypti were in the end of spring-beginning of summer, and beginning of fall. These are periods of major epidemiological risk if an infected person gets to Resistencia.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la fluctuación estacional de Aedes aegypti y correlacionar su abundancia con factores ambientales. MÉTODOS: Las colectas fueron realizadas entre octubre de 2002 y noviembre de 2003, en la ciudad de Resistencia, província del Chaco, Argentina. Fueron hechos muestreos semanales empleando ovitrampas. El número de huevos colectados fue correlacionado con la temperatura, humedad relativa ambiente, evaporación y precipitaciones registradas en dicha localidad. Se utilizó el test de correlación de Pearson con los respectivos datos climáticos semanales, realizándose correlaciones simples y múltiples. RESULTADOS: La ocurrencia de huevos fue registrada de manera discontinua, desde la última semana de octubre de 2002, hasta la última de junio de 2003, a partir de la cual no fueron encontrados hasta noviembre de 2003. Se observó un pico de abundancia (70%) en noviembre y diciembre, que coincidió con el período de temperaturas altas y mayores precipitaciones. Otro pico, aunque de menor importancia, fue observado en abril y coincidió con las lluvias de otoño. Las correlaciones fueron significativas solamente para las precipitaciones acumuladas mensuales (r=0,57; P<0,05). No se registraron oviposturas en invierno cuando la temperatura media semanal fue inferior a 16,5ºC. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados muestran correlación entre la oviposición y las precipitaciones, pues los períodos de mayor actividad de Aedes aegypti ocurrieron en el final de la primavera, comienzos del verano y en el inicio del otoño. Estos serían los períodos de mayor riesgo epidemiológico especialmente ante la aparición de personas infectadas.