Elaboração de um manual para manejo de culicídeos em insetário

Abstract

The infectious diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, such as dengue, chikungunya and zika are a major impediment to urban development, accounting for more than a million deaths worldwide. Just for dengue, there are estimates that almost 50% of the world population is at risk zone for virus infection. One of the most effective combat for these diseases is the control of the vectors by means of synthetic chemical insecticides. However, continuous and overuse of the insecticides for decades has led to the emergence of populations which are resistant to these compounds, as well as other problems for humans. Therefore, studies to obtain insecticidal actives, such as those present in plants, are important. In order for the research to be successful, safe and with reliable results, the in vivo test is important. Thus, insect facilities are needed to house such mosquitoes in a standardized manner and generate reliable and reproducible results. Therefore, the objective of the present work was the elaboration of a manual on procedures in the handling of Culicidae, in particular Ae. Aegypti. For this, a bibliographical survey and training on various aspects of mosquito biology and maintenance of its colony was carried out. The training was carried out at two Culicidae facilities, one at the Regional Resources Bioprospecting Laboratory, at the Biology Department of the Federal University of Ceará (Bioprospec) and the other at the Nucleus of Vector Control (NUVET) of the Health Secretariat of the State of Ceará. After compiling the necessary information and training in the insect houses, the manual was prepared, covering: the life cycle of the mosquito, the needs related to its micro- and macroenvironment, methods for collecting and storing eggs, good laboratory practices and the disposal of biological material. The establishment of a manual in several areas is beneficial in the standardization of techniques as well as a source of information for local professionals. Along the preparation of the Manual, we observed improvements in the insect facilities and important modifications in mosquito development in the laboratory. Finally, the manual was concluded and we hope it come to be an important information source for students and technicians involved in research activities that make use of Culicidae.