Autor(es): Kaddumukasa M.A., Kayondo J.K., Akol A.M., Masiga D., Lutwama J.J., Masembe C.

Resumo: The steady increase in contact between humans and wildlife is brought about by human encroachment, destruction of natural forests and environmental changes. Mosquitoes get exposed to new hosts and pathogens; creating possibilities for new disease patterns. Therefore identification of blood meal sources is important to determine the interaction between hosts and vectors. In this work, engorged mosquitoes were collected in Zika forest (Uganda) for a period of 12 months, and abdominal contents sequenced for cytochrome oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b. The sequences were subsequently blast searched in Genbank and the analyses revealed the presence of mammalian (86%), avian (13%) and amphibian-derived (1%) hosts. The first record of human origin blood-meals from Uranotaenia species in Zika Forest was shown. Earlier studies showed these species to feed exclusively on reptiles, amphibians, birds or domestic mammals. Taking of mammalian origin blood-meals puts the human and entire animal community at risk because of the possibility of exposure to new pathogens. Significant differences between host species were observed (Kruskal Wallis test, ?(2) = 19.118, df = 5, p = 0.018) suggesting a wide range of host exposure. This could possibly create new disease patterns. Several mosquitoes may be considered potential bridge vectors for a number of arboviruses from the composition of their blood-meals. These results highlight the public health significance of taking measures to avoid encroachment of forests and reserves for diseases prevention and control.

Palavras-Chave: exposure, forest, human, hygiene, mosquito, pathogenesis, society, species, tropical medicine, Uganda

Imprenta: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, v. 89, n. 5, supl. 1, p. 337, nov. 2013

Descritores: Zika virus - Arbovirus ; Zika virus - Pathogenesis ; Zika virus - Public health

Data de publicação: 2013

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