Vigilancia entomológica de insectos de importancia en salud pública durante la construcción de los proyectos hidroeléctricos Porce II y Porce III, Antioquia, Colombia, 1990-2009

Abstract

Introduction. Entomological studies conducted in large hydroelectric infrastructure projects are a toolfor the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. These diseases emerge as a consequence ofchanges made to the terrain that often increase the natural and artificial mosquito larval habitats. Many of these insects are of public health importance and population increases result in an increased risk ofdisease transmission. Objective. The culicine (mosquito) and phlebotomine (sand fly) populations were characterized in thearea of the Porce II and Porce III hydroelectric projects of Antioquia between 1990 to 2009. Materials and methods. Periodical entomological samplings were made in the area of impact, in theworkers camps, and construction sites. Adult specimens were captured with nets, Shannon light traps,CDC light traps, and protected human bait. Results. Mosquito larvae of the following species were identified: Culex coronator, Culex nigripalpus,Culex corniger, Culex quinquefasciatus and Limatus durhami. The most frequently identifiers of larvalhabitats were low tanks, waste cans, tires, and aquatic plants. Aedes aegypti specimens were capturedin only two rural locations from two municipalities within the area of influence. Specimens from thefollowing mosquito genera were captured in forest areas: Aedes, Mansonia, Culex, Psorophora,Wyeomyia, Phonyomyia, Uranotaenia, Haemagogus and Sabethes. The most important mosquitofound was Haemogogus janthinomis, an efficient yellow fever vector in Colombia. The area has beenendemic for leishmaniasis and in the current study, 20 species of Lutzomyia sand flies, potential vectors,were identified. Among malaria vectors, the most important species found in the area were Anophelesnuneztovari and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis. Conclusion. A wide variety of vectors were discovered in the area of the Porce II and Porce IIIhydroelectric projects, and many of these were relevant for public health. Further monitoring willbe necessary to minimize disease transmission risks among the workers and the inhabitants of thesurrounding areas. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v32i3.668