Vectors and parasites introductions into the New World: Their potential sanitary impacts in Argentina. Three case studies

SCHNACK J; SPINELLI GR

Antalya

Encuentro; 13th European SOVE Meeting; 2000

Society for Vector Ecology

Anthropic introductions into the Americas of Old World parasites and vectors are referred concerning their impacts expected in Argentina. 1. Schistosoma mansoni.  Introduced into northern Brazil (ca1520) by African slaves rapidly adapted to Neotropical intermediate hosts (Biomphalaria spp.), recently reached southeastern Brazil, close to Iguazú Falls, Argentina-Brazil border. Two Biomphalaria proved vector species (B. straminea and B. tenagophila) occur in Argentina although schistosomiases has not been yet recorded there. It is also expected that B. glabrata, present in Parana state, Brazil, could colonize Argentina through La Plata basin. 2. Aedes albopictus. After its populations establishment in Texas, USA in 1985, infections have been verified within discarded tires in several states eastward Mississippi River. It is speculated that Ae. albopictus reached North America from northern Asia; Sao Paulo, Brazil, the same way, and from tropical Asia, where it tramsmits dengue. Its ability to carry viruses from wild to urban and rural areas suggests that this species would become a yellow fever vector in Central and South America. The potential impact of this species in Argentina is here regarded due to its recent (1998) finding in San Antonio and Eldorado, Province of Misiones. 3. Chrysomya spp. Introduced by 1975 in Sao Paulo, Brazil by angolans refugees, three species are currently reported in South America: C. albiceps, C. chloropyga and C. megacephala. From 1982 to 1997 they were recorded in Argentina between 21º- 41º S and 54º- 65º W and have displaced native dipterans in anthropic systems. They have become dominant in urban and rural areas, significantly influencing muscoid community structure. Their potential sanitary importance in Argentina is here regarded.