Diversity of biting midges Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), potential vectors of disease, in different environments in an Amazonian rural settlement, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The Culicoides transmit a variety of pathogens. Our aim was to survey the Culicoides species occurring in an Amazonian rural settlement, comparing abundance, richness, and diversity in different environments. Methods: Culicoides were captured using CDC light traps. The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Rényi indices were used to compare species diversity and evenness between environments, the equitability (J') index was used to calculate the uniformity of distribution among species, and similarity was estimated using the Jaccard similarity index. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance was applied to assess the influence of environment on species composition. A non-metric dimensional scale was used to represent the diversity profiles of each environment in a multidimensional space. Results: 6.078 Culicoides were captured, representing 84 species (45 valid species/39 morphotypes). H' values showed the following gradient: forest > capoeira > peridomicile > forest edge. The equitability J' was greater in capoeira and forests compared to peridomiciles and the forest edge. The population compositions of each environment differed statistically, but rarefaction estimates indicate that environments of the same type possessed similar levels of richness. Species of medical and veterinary importance were found primarily in peridomiciles: C. paraensis, vector of Oropouche virus; C. insignis and C. pusillus, vectors of Bluetongue virus; C. filariferus, C. flavivenula, C. foxi, and C. ignacioi, found carrying Leishmania DNA. Conclusions: This study indicates that diversity was higher in natural environments than in anthropized environments, while abundance and richness were highest in the most anthropized environment. These findings suggest that strictly wild Culicoides can adapt to anthropized environments.

An Overview of Neglected Orthobunyaviruses in Brazil

“…The silent circulation of OROV in forested areas of different regions of Brazil associated with the wide geographic distribution of its main vector Culicoides paraensis and other potential vectors as Culex spp. in the country is of concern for the potential urbanization of oropouche fever in Brazil [ 66 , 122 , 123 , 124 ]. Despite the epidemic potential, there are very few studies on the prevalence of oropouche fever.…”

“…Culicoides paraensis is easily found infesting banana plantations in Brazil, where optimal environmental conditions for vector reproduction are found [ 114 , 122 ]. Populations of Culicoides paraensis are widespread throughout Latin America and can also be found in southeastern Brazil [ 122 , 123 ]. OROV has also being detected from culicids such as Aedes serratus , Ae.…”