Integumentary structures of the larvae of Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844), A. parvum Aragão, 1908, A. rotundatum Koch, 1844 and from three populations of A. cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) were studied using light microscopy. A new nomenclature for the localisation of the integumentary structures is proposed. Three types of integumentary structures were identified in the larval idiosoma of the four Amblyomma species: lyrifissures, small glands and large wax glands. These structures were observed isolated or associated over the entire idiosoma, except in the scutum, which lacked lyrifisures and large wax glands. Large wax glands were the most stable within and between the tick species, followed by lyrifissures and small glands. Small glands, although relatively stable, showed the highest number of numerical variations within and between the tick species. Even though there were intra-population variations in the topographical and numerical pattern of some integumentary structures of A. cajennense larvae, there was a definitive pattern for most of the specimens, as showed by the similar modal and mean numbers of integumentary structures per tick side. The patterns of lyrifissures, small glands and large wax glands showed little differences when compared between the four Amblyomma species; however, a few differences were well evident. These differences were sufficient to differentiate larvae of the four species. Thus, we expect that the study of integumentary structures on the larvae of other Amblyomma species will be useful in future taxonomic keys for the identification of Amblyomma larvae from the Neotropical region.

Influência da temperatura de manutenção da fase não-parasitária sobre a fase parasitária de Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) (Acari: lxodidae) lnfluence of the maintenance temperatura, of the non parasitic phase, on the parasitic phase, of Amblyomma cajennense

The host relationships for most species of the genus Amblyomma are poorly known in Brazil. The ability of A. pseudoconcolor and A. cooperi to successfully feed on horses was investigated during ongoing research on the life cycle of these two species, which are primarily associated with wildlife. Results of these experiments suggest that horses are potential hosts for the adult stages of both species.

Communication [Comunicação] Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as experimental hosts forAmblyomma dubitatum Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae)[Coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) como hospedeiros experimentais de Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae)]

Zoonoses are, in a broad sense, diseases transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with animals (vertebrates or invertebrates), their environment or by-products. There are different concepts, definitions and classifications of zoonoses according to different criteria. There are different concepts, definitions, and classifications of zoonoses following several criteria. Vectors are transmission vehicles that carry etiological agents between different animal species, including man, or between the environment and these species. The Republic of Panama is an interoceanic isthmus that meets all the basic conditions for the development of vector-borne diseases. This review provides a chronological analysis of the vectorial zoonoses related to companion animals or those that have a close relationship with humans. The history of studies on Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis, Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Bartonellosis, Borreliosis, Equine Encephalitis, Dirofilariasis and Dipylidiasis in Panama shows that environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, evolutive, investigative and educational factors have a direct influence on the success or failure in the control and prevention of these vectorial zoonoses. For this reason, major efforts are needed in relation to research and work that provide real data to support control programs for these diseases.

Background. The living beings have suffered with the climate changes that are affecting the planet in the latest decades. This has allowed the development of many vectors with the correspondent increase in their vector-borne diseases (VBD). Panama is a country that historically has suffered with the effects of the VBD even before the Panama Canal construction. D.immitis is a worldwide distribution parasite found in most American countries, but heretofore it was not recorded on the Panamanian isthmus. Methods. Here we report a male, 5.5 years old dog in the Boca Chica region, San Lorenzo district, Chiriqui province, Rep of Panama. The canine arrived with serious cardiopulmonary symptoms, convulsions and strong arrhythmia. We examined the dog´s blood cells and found hemoglobin levels in 2.7 g/dL, and a quick snap quattro test showing a positive result for D. immitis. Because of the gravity of the symptoms and the evident suffering of the patient, the owners requested that the dog be euthanized. We proceeded with the euthanasia and removed the heart. It was fixed in formaldehyde and sent for an anatomic histopathology study. Results. Thirty whole adult nematodes were found, 14 females and 16 males, measuring between 20.2 cm and 12.4cm long on average, respectively, located on the pericardium, pulmonary artery and right ventricle and atrium. The anatomy histophatology results shows chronic myocarditis, chronic pericarditis, and enlargement of the right ventricle. However, the pulmonary artery-vein endothelium, and inner space seems to be normal. Inflammatory infiltrate was found on myocardium compound of lymphocytes and macrophages, characterizing the myocarditis. Monocytes/macrophages infiltrate was found on the pericardium at the place where the specimen was collected characterizing the pericarditis. Conclusions. We can conclude, starting with the observed case, that D. immitis epidemiological research is necessary in Panama to ascertain the real prevalence and pathogenesis of the nematode in this country, to identify the vectors involved, the damage to dogs, the prevalence in wild animals, and the incidence of lesions on humans. Studies are indicated to identify Wolbachia sp bacteria on the nematode, clarifying this bacteria´s participation in the pathogenesis of heartworm disease.