Publications by authors named "Maria Cristina Carrasquilla"
Introduction: Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) longiflocosa is an endemic species from Colombia, found between the central and eastern Andes, and reported as one of the primary vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in coffee-growing zones of the country. This species is classified in the Townsendi series and can only be identified by the morphology of the male adults.
Objective: To determine the potential use of the fourth larval stage of the vector Pi.
Article Synopsis
- The study focuses on the complex ecology of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in La Mesa, Cundinamarca, Colombia, analyzing the roles of vectors, reservoirs, and pathogens involved in disease transmission.
- Researchers collected and studied various vectors and mammals in both urban and rural areas to understand their potential roles in VBD transmission cycles, particularly for diseases like leishmaniasis and Chagas.
- While dengue is reported in the area, no arbovirus presence was detected in this study, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and control of vectors to prevent outbreaks in La Mesa and similar regions.
Background: Chagas disease is considered to be endemic in up to 40% of the territory of Colombia, and to date 27 triatomine species have been reported the country. The purpose of this study was to update the geographical distribution of triatomine species in Colombia and assess the species richness patterns and their altitudinal distribution.
Methods: Occurrence data were compiled between 2007 and 2020, including from reports of entomological surveillance from the Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), the Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT) at Universidad de Los Andes and a review of the literature.
Studies on the feeding behavior of hematophagous insects, particularly those of medical importance, are relevant for tracking possible pathogen transmission routes and identifying biases in the choice of vertebrates. We evaluated host selection of blood-feeding mosquitoes in a disturbed forest in the Magdalena Medio valley in Colombia from March 2017 to April 2018, after the introduction of Zika virus to the Americas from the 2015-2016 outbreak. We estimated vertebrate diversity and collected blood-engorged female mosquitoes.
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- * A follow-up study in 2013-2014 found Aedes aegypti in three central Florida cities where it had previously disappeared, indicating a moderate resurgence of the species, although its northern limit remained unchanged.
- * Experiments indicated that Aedes aegypti females from areas where both species coexist evolved resistance to mating with Aedes albopictus males, while those from isolated locations were more susceptible, suggesting
Recently, the highly invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, rapidly displaced resident populations of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti in the southeastern United States and in Bermuda. Although multiple mechanisms of competitive displacement have been hypothesized, recent evidence of cross-insemination between these species in nature and the sterilizing effects of male accessory gland products asymmetrically favoring A. albopictus in interspecific matings support a role for satyrization (a form of reproductive interference) to explain the rapid displacements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA new species of Culicoides of the subgenus Diphaomyia Vargas from high altitudes of the Andes in Colombia is described and photographied. The species is compared with its similar congener Culicoides marinkellei Wirth & Lee. Data on the collecting site and notes on the species daily activity are also provided.
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- This study identifies the breeding sites of Culicoides pachymerus in western Boyacá Province, Colombia, highlighting its significance as a public health concern.
- The species is problematic not only due to its high population density and biting rates but also because it causes skin issues in people.
- Researchers used techniques like sugar flotation and emergence traps to collect larvae and adult specimens from muddy areas near water sources, which can help inform strategies for controlling the pest.