Diana Sierra

Malaria vector anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) nuneztovari comprises one genetic species in colombia based on homogeneity of nuclear ITS2 rDNA.

Abstract Previous studies indicated that two distinct chromosomal forms of Anopheles nuneztovari Gabaldón, cytotypes B and C, occurred on the west and east of the Latin American Andes Mountains, respectively. To determine the taxonomic status of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) nuneztovari in Colombia, link-reared specimens were collected from four sites: in the departments of Chocó (La Pacurita) and Valle (Sitronella) in the west, and Norte de Santander (Guaramito and Tibú) in the east. Nuclear ITS2 sequences were generated for 46 individuals. Only two specimens (4.4%) showed divergent haplotypes, varying from the consensus by a single-base polymorphism (0.18%). These results suggest that populations of An. nuneztovari corresponding to cytotypes (B and C) are conspecific.

Presence of American cutaneous Leishmaniasis vectors surrounding the City of Medellín, Colombia

The presence of Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) hartmanni, as a vector of Leishmania colombiensis and L. columbiana (Verrucarum group), recently incriminated in the transmission of leishmaniasis, and L. pia (Verrucarum group) are reported for the first time in a periurban area of Medellín city. There is thus a risk of leishmaniasis transmission in this town.

Sand flies fauna involved in the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Afro-Colombian and Amerindian communities of Choco, Pacific Coast of Colombia

A prospective study was conducted on the diversity of phlebotomine in the pacific coast of Colombia and its relationship with the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis. A total of 5,365 phlebotomines were collected on light traps, in human baits also standing still on walls, trees and mammalian caves. In total, 42 phlebotomine species were identified belonging to the genera Lutzomyia, Brumptomyia and Warileya. Among these, the highly anthropophilic vector species Lutzomyia gomezi (Nitzulescu), Lu. hartmanni (Fairchild & Hertig) and Lu. trapidoi (Fairchild & Hertig). Leishmania panamensis was the main parasite species affecting the population, with a prevalence of 57% in Indians and 26% in black people. In the Indian community no difference was found in the skin test (Montenegro) between sexes, being positive in 57% of indian males and 58.5% in indian females. In contrast, 39% of black males and 10% black females were found to be positive in the skin test. These results confirm that the transmission of L. panamensis in the studied area is restricted to the rural areas and linked to people activities and the location of their homes.

Phlebotominae fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the department of Amazonas, Colombia

During the execution of an epidemiological study to assess the risk of Leishmania infection, an entomological evaluation and an inventory of phlebotomine fauna was made. The captures of phlebotomines were carried out with Shannon type traps and aspirators which collected the sand flies on human bait, in the Tikuna native community, on the banks of the Pupuna River an affluent of the Putumayo River among the department of Amazon. Five hundred and sixty phlebotomine specimens belonging to 20 species were captured in this place and the presence of Lutzomyia reducta Feliciangeli, Ramirez-Perez & Ramirez recorded in Colombia for the first time and Lutzomyia carrerai carrerai (Barreto) and Lutzomyia nocticola Young were identified as new records for the zone. An updated inventory of phlebotomine species in Amazon department of Colombia is included.

Porous bodies of hydroxyapatite produced by a combination of the gel-casting and polymer sponge methods.

A combination of gel-casting and polymeric foam infiltration methods is used in this study to prepare porous bodies of hydroxyapatite (HA), to provide a better control over the microstructures of samples. These scaffolds were prepared by impregnating a body of porous polyurethane foam with slurry containing HA powder, and using a percentage of solids between 40% and 50% w/v, and three different types of monomers to provide a better performance. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate both the powder hydroxyapatite and the scaffolds obtained. In addition, porosity and interconnectivity measurements were taken in accordance with the international norm. Bioactivity was checked using immersion tests in Simulated Body Fluids (SBF). After the sintering process of the porous bodies, the XRD results showed peaks characteristic of a pure and crystalline HA (JCPDS 9-432) as a single phase. SEM images indicate open and interconnected pores inside the material, with pore sizes between 50 and 600 μm. Also, SEM images demonstrate the relatively good bioactivity of the HA scaffolds after immersion in SBF. All results for the porous HA bodies suggest that these materials have great potential for use in tissue engineering.