In the past few years, relative frequencies of malaria parasite species in communities living in the Colombian Amazon riverside have changed, being Plasmodium vivax (61.4%) and Plasmodium malariae (43.8%) the most frequent. Given this epidemiological scenario, it is important to determine the species of anophelines involved in these parasites’ transmission. This study was carried out in June 2016 in two indigenous communities living close to the tributaries of the Amazon River using protected human bait. The results of this study showed a total abundance of 1,085 mosquitos, of which 99.2% corresponded to Anopheles darlingi . Additionally, only two anopheline species were found, showing low diversity in the study areas. Molecular confirmation of some individuals was then followed by evolutionary analysis by using the COI gene. Nested PCR was used for identifying the three Plasmodium species circulating in the study areas. Of the two species collected in this study, 21.0% of the An . darlingi mosquitoes were infected with P . malariae , 21.9% with P . vivax and 10.3% with Plasmodium falciparum . It exhibited exophilic and exophagic behavior in both study areas, having marked differences regarding its abundance in each community (Tipisca first sampling 49.4%, Tipisca second sampling 39.6% and Doce de Octubre 10.9%). Interestingly, An . mattogrossensis infected by P . vivax was found for the first time in Colombia (in 50% of the four females collected). Analysis of An . darlingi COI gene diversity indicated a single population maintaining a high gene flow between the study areas. The An . darlingi behavior pattern found in both communities represents a risk factor for the region’s inhabitants living/working near these sites. This highlights the need for vector control efforts such as the use of personal repellents and insecticides for use on cattle, which must be made available in order to reduce this Anopheline’s abundance.
The lithobiomorph centipedes Lithobius (Lithobius) forficatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Lithobius (Lithobius) obscurus Meinert, 1872 are here reported for the first time in Colombia. We examined 193 individuals from collections kept in several universities and natural history museums from Bogotá city were examined. Lithobius forficatus (191 specimens) was recorded up to 2746 m above sea level in areas with some amount of anthropic disturbance. Lithobius obscurus (2 specimens) was recorded at 2700 m above sea level in a rural area near Sogamoso, Boyacá. We note morphological variation and habitats for both species. These are the first records of introduced centipedes belonging to the genus Lithobius Leach, 1814 in Colombia.
Taeniolinum neusicus sp. n. is described based on 148 specimens collected at the eastern Colombian Andes. Detailed data on environmental and biological preferences are included in the description. The validity of characters such as the number of labral teeth and the clypeal setae to separate Taeniolinum species is also evaluated.
Background: The epidemiological control of malaria has been hampered by the appearance of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs and by the resistance of mosquito vectors to control measures. This has also been associated with weak transmission control, mostly due to poor control of asymptomatic patients associated with host-vector transmission. This highlights the importance of studying the parasite's sexual forms (gametocytes) which are involved in this phase of the parasite's life-cycle. Some African and Asian strains of Plasmodium falciparum have been fully characterized regarding sexual forms' production; however, few Latin-American strains have been so characterized. This study was aimed at characterizing the Colombian FCB2 strain as a gametocyte producer able to infect mosquitoes. Methods:Gametocyte production was induced in in vitro cultured P. falciparum FCB2 and 3D7 strains. Pfap2g and Pfs25 gene expression was detected in FCB2 strain gametocyte culture by RT-PCR. Comparative analysis of gametocytes obtained from both strains was made (counts and morphological changes). In vitro zygote formation from FCB2 gametocytes was induced by incubating a gametocyte culture sample at 27 °C for 20 min. A controlled Anopheles albimanus infection was made using an artificial feed system with cultured FCB2 gametocytes (14-15 days old). Mosquito midgut dissection was then carried out for analyzing oocysts. Results:The FCB2 strain expressed Pfap2g, Pfs16, Pfg27/25 and Pfs25 sexual differentiation-related genes after in vitro sexual differentiation induction, producing gametocytes that conserved the expected morphological features. The amount of FCB2 gametocytes produced was similar to that from the 3D7 strain. FCB2 gametocytes were differentiated into zygotes and ookinetes after an in vitro low-temperature stimulus and infected An. albimanus mosquitoes, developing to oocyst stage. Conclusions:Even with the history of long-term FCB2 strain in vitro culture maintenance, it has retained its sexual differentiation ability. The gametocytes produced here preserved these parasite forms' usual characteristics and An. albimanus infection capability, thus enabling its use as a tool for studying sexual form biology, An. albimanus infection comparative analysis and anti-malarial drug and vaccine development.
A new monotypic subgenus Newportia (Andeocryptops) subgen. n is described based on 18 specimens of N. (A.) shelleyi sp. n. This form is endemic to the Colombian Andes showing the following unique combination of morphological features: very short and thin, a cylindrical and not segmented ultimate tarsus 2, a “spinning-spur” (see below) on the ultimate tarsus 1, short paramedian sutures close to the anterior and posterior margins of cephalic plate, a tibial lateral spur and a glandular pore fields in the ultimate femur. An identification key to the Newportia subgenera, as well as a key to the Ectonocryptops, Ectonocryptoides and Andeocryptops species are included.
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