Molecular phylogeny of heritable symbionts and microbiota diversity analysis in phlebotominae sand flies and Culex nigripalpus from Colombia.

Background: Secondary symbionts of insects include a range of bacteria and fungi that perform various functional roles on their hosts, such as fitness, tolerance to heat stress, susceptibility to insecticides and effects on reproduction. These endosymbionts could have the potential to shape microbial communites and high potential to develop strategies for mosquito-borne disease control.

Methodology/principal Findings: The relative frequency and molecular phylogeny of Wolbachia, Microsporidia and Cardinium were determined of phlebotomine sand flies and mosquitoes in two regions from Colombia.

Genetic variability of Aedes aegypti in the department of Sucre, Colombia, by analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial ND4 gene.

Introduction. Aedes aegypti is the most important mosquito species in America for the transmission of viruses of dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever. Ecological factors as well as chemical controls can affect the genetic composition of Ae.

Diversity patterns, Leishmania DNA detection, and bloodmeal identification of Phlebotominae sand flies in villages in northern Colombia.

Leishmaniases are neglected tropical diseases exhibiting complex transmission cycles due to the number of parasite species circulating, sand fly species acting as vectors and infected mammals, including humans, which are defined in the New World as accidental hosts. However, current transmission scenarios are changing, and the disease is no longer exclusively related to forested areas but urban transmission foci occur, involving some species of domestic animals as suspected reservoirs. The aim of this study was to determine the transmission cycles in urban environments by evaluating sand fly diversity, detection of Leishmania DNA, and bloodmeal sources through intra and peridomestic collections.

Entomological characterization of malaria in northern Colombia through vector and parasite species identification, and analyses of spatial distribution and infection rates.

Background: Malaria remains a worldwide public health concern and, in Colombia, despite the efforts to stop malaria transmission, the incidence of cases has increased over the last few years. In this context, it is necessary to evaluate vector diversity, infection rates, and spatial distribution, to better understand disease transmission dynamics. This information may contribute to the planning and development of vector control strategies.

[First report of the F1534C mutation associated with cross-resistance to DDT and pyrethroids in Aedes aegypti from Colombia].

The main strategy for the control of Aedes aegypti, vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, is based on the use of insecticides to reduce its populations. However, their use has led to insect resistance to these chemicals. Objective: To determine the presence of the F1534C mutation associated with cross-resistance to DDT and pyrethroids in A.