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Se presenta el registro de deutoninfas de dos taxa de ácaros (Acari), incluyendo Uroobovella Sensu lato Berlesse, 1903 (Mesostigmata, Urodinychidae) y Cosmoglyphus Oudemans, 1932 (Astigmata, Acaridae) sujetas a las patas y/o abdomen de adultos de Desmometopa Loew, 1866(Diptera: Milichiidae) y de Spalangia Latreille, 1805 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) respectivamente. Los ejemplares fueron capturados dentro de una vivienda en un envase plástico conteniendo compost para cultivo de hortalizas y en los ventanales. La vivienda estaba ubicada en el área urbana de la ciudad de Coro, zona semiárida del estado Falcón, región nor-occidental de Venezuela. Palabras clave: Agricultura urbana, Cosmoglyphus, Desmometopa, simbiosis, Spalangia, Uroobovella. Abstract The record is made of deutonymphs of two mite taxa (Acari), including Uroobovella Sensu lato Berlesse, 1903 (Mesostigmata, Urodinychidae) and Cosmoglyphus Oudemans, 1932 (Astigmata, Acaridae) attached to the legs and/or abdomen of adults of Desmometopa Loew, 1866(Diptera: Milichiidae) and Spalangia Latreille, 1805 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) respectively. The specimens were collected within a dwelling, in a plastic container with compost and in the windows. The house was located in the urban area of the city of Coro, semiarid region of Falcon State, north-western region of Venezuela. Key words: Urban agriculture, Cosmoglyphus, Desmometopa, symbiosis, Spalangia, Uroobovella.

Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 56 años de edad de Punto Fijo, Península Paraguaná, estado Falcón, Venezuela, sin antecedentes recientes de alguna patología previa, a quien se le diagnosticó duodenitis eosinofílica asociada a infección por Strongyloides stercoralis (Nematoda: Rhabditida) después de haber presentado súbitamente dolor abdominal y diarrea con intensa eosinofilia periférica (62-72%). El diagnóstico parasitológico se realizó por análisis coproscópico seriado (directo y Kato-Katz), técnicas de separación de larvas (Harada-Mori y método con arena) e inmunohistoquímica, y la duodenitis eosinofílica por biopsias (inmunohistoquímica). El paciente recibió ivermectina oral teniendo curación total. PALABRAS CLAVE: Strongyloides stercoralis, eosinofilia, Venezuela. ABSTRACT We report a previously healthy case of 56 years old male patient from Punto Fijo, Paraguana peninsula, Falcon state, Venezuela. He was diagnosed with eosinophilic duodenitis due to Strongyloides stercoralis (Nematoda: Rhabditida) infection after presenting a sudden abdominal pain and diarrhea with intense peripheral eosinophilia (62-72%). Parasitological diagnosis was carried out by a serial coproscopic analysis (direct and Kato-Katz), recovering larvae techniques (Harada-Mori and method with sand) and inmunohistochemistry analysis, and eosinophilic duodenitis by means of biopsies (inmunohistochemistry). The patient received oral ivermectin and made a complete recovery. KEY WORDS: Strongyloides stercoralis, eosinophilia, Venezuela.

Se muestra el caso de paciente femenina de 60 años de edad proveniente de Zaragoza, Sierra de San Luis, estado Falcón, Venezuela, que se presentó en la emergencia del Hospital de San Luis por tener edema bipalpebral del ojo derecho e inflamación local en el hombro derecho después de haber sido picada por triatominos (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), vectores de Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, agente causal de la enfermedad de Chagas. La paciente recibió Dexametasona por vía intravenosa, teniendo una curación total. Ella fue referida al Laboratorio de Entomología, Parasitología y Medicina Tropical (LEPAMET), Coro, estado Falcón, para despistaje parasitológico en sangre periférica de T. (Sch.) cruzi, resultando negativa. Se revisó la literatura científica acerca de los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de tratamiento de las reacciones alérgicas que ocasionan las picaduras de los triatominos, y se resalta la necesidad de investigación para el territorio nacional. Palabras clave: Triatominae, alérgenos, saliva, manifestaciones clínicas,anafilaxis. Abstract A report is made of a case of a 60 years old female patient from Zaragoza, Sierra de San Luis, Falcón state, Venezuela. The patient presented at emergency room of the Hospital of San Luis, Falcon State, with bipalpebral oedema in the right eye and local inflammation in the right shoulder after being bitten by triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), vectors of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. The patient received intravenously Dexamethasone and made a complete recovery. She was referred to the Laboratory of Entomology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (LEPAMET), Coro, Falcon state, for parasitological test for screening in peripheral blood of T. (Sch.) cruzi. The test was negative. Scientific literature review is made about epidemiological, clinical and treatment aspects on allergic reactions due to triatomine bug bites. Likewise, research needs on these topics for Venezuela, is highlighted. Key words: Triatominae, allergens, saliva, clinical manifestations, anaphylaxis.

Se presenta el registro de hembras del ácaro blanco Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1909) (Acari: Prostigmata, Tarsonemidae) sujetadas a las patas y/o tórax de adultos de la “mosca blanca” Bemisia tabaci Sensu lato (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), capturados sobre plantas de ají (Capsicum spp.) y berenjena (Solanum melongena L.) cultivadas en compostaje dentro de una vivienda en la ciudad de Coro, estado Falcón, Venezuela. La asociación simbiótica entre P. latus y la mosca blanca pudiera considerarse como de tipo forética. PALABRAS CLAVE: Ácaro blanco, agricultura urbana, mosca blanca, simbiosis, Venezuela. ABSTRACT The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1909) (Acari: Prostigmata, Tarsonemidae) is herein recorded attached to legs and/or thorax of adults of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Sensu lato (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleroydidaea), collected on sweetpepper (Capsicum spp. L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) grown on compost into a dwelling of Coro city, Falcon State, Venezuela. The symbiotic association of P. latus with the whiteflie could be considered as phoretic. . KEY WORDS: Broad mite, urban agriculture, whitefly, symbiosis, Venezuela.

Las “mosca blanca” Bemisia tabaci sensu lato (s.l). (Hemiptera: Aleroydidae) es un insecto plaga muy importante del área agrícola con amplia distribución mundial y preferencias hacia sus plantas-hospedadoras. Se presenta el registro de poblaciones de B. tabaci s.l. capturadas infestando plantas (tomate: Solanum lycopersicum L., berenjena: Solanum melongena L., ají: Capsicum L., pimentón: Capsicum annuum L., auyama: Cucurbita maxima Duchesne in Lam., 1786) cultivadas en áreas intra y peridomiciliares de dos viviendas del área urbana (Coro, Punto Fijo) de la región semiárida del estado Falcón, al nor-occidente de Venezuela. Se actualiza la lista de plantas hospedadoras y la distribución geográfica de B. tabaci s.l. en el estado Falcón. Se comenta la potencial importancia económica de las poblaciones de B. tabaci s.l. en el contexto de la agricultura urbana, y las necesidades de investigación en la región falconiana. Palabras clave: Mosca blanca, agricultura urbana, entomología urbana, Venezuela. Abstract The whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato (s.l.) (Hemiptera: Aleroydidae) is an important agricultural pest with worldwide distribution and host plant preferences. A report is made of B. tabaci s.l populations collected infesting plants (tomato: Solanum lycopersicum L., egg plant: Solanum melongena L., sweet pepper: Capsicum L., pepper: Capsicum annuum L., squash: Cucurbita maxima Duchesne in Lam., 1786) grown in intra and peridomiciliary areas from two dwelling of the urban area (Coro and Punto Fijo cities) of the semiarid region of Falcon State, north-western Venezuela. A revised and updated list of the host plants and geographic distribution of whitefly in Falcon state is presented. Comments are made on the potential economic importance of B. tabaci s.l. populations in the context of urban agriculture and research needs in Falcon state region. Key words: Tobacco whitefly, urban agriculture, urban entomology, Venezuela.

El triatomino Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae) es un vector importante de Trypanosoma cruzi, agente etiológico de la enfermedad de Chagas en Venezuela. En el presente trabajo, se evaluó el efecto del aislamiento nativo LF14 del hongo entomopatógeno Beauveria bassiana sensu lato (s.l.) (Ascomycota) en ninfas de estadio IV de T. maculata. Adicionalmente, se estudiaron aspectos histopatológicos y ultraestructurales por medio de Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión (MET), de la interacción entre el hongo y las ninfas. Se utilizaron suspensiones acuosas a una concentración de 1x107 conidios/mL bajo condiciones de laboratorio (26°C, HR > 90%), que se aplicaron por inmersión. La mortalidad y la conidiación se evaluaron diariamente durante 24 días. Los resultados revelaron que el aislamiento LF14 ocasionó una tasa de mortalidad acumulada elevada (97,5%), con 100% de esporulación en los cadáveres de las ninfas, y TL50 de 6 días y eficacia de 97,5%. Los cortes histopatotológicos permitieron observar los conidios adheridos y penetrando con su tubo germinal a la cutícula, así como también las hifas invadiendo masivamente el hemocele y todos los tejidos y órganos, con el subsiguiente fallecimiento y esporulación sobre los cadáveres de las ninfas. La MET reveló una invasión masiva de hifas y micelios fúngicos en todo el hemocele, con respuesta defensiva de hemocitos contra el hongo. Se observaron frecuentemente áreas electrotransparentes, lo que sugiere la secreción de enzimas por las hifas que debilitan la cutícula y los tejidos al penetrarlos. El aislamiento LF14 de B. bassiana s.l. se propone como un potencial patotipo para ser probado a nivel de campo en futuros programas de manejo biorracional de poblaciones de T. maculata. PALABRAS CLAVE: Control biológico, hongo entomopatógeno, histopatología, microscopía electrónica, triatominos. ABSTRACT The triatomine insect Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease in Venezuela. The present article aimed to evaluate the effect of native isolate LF14 of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana sensu lato (s.l.) (Ascomycota) on fourth instar nymphs of T. maculata. In addition, histopathological and ultrastructural aspects were evaluated by means of Electronic Transmission Microscopy (ETM), of the interaction between fungus and nymphs. Aqueous suspensions were used at concentration of 1x107 conidia/ml under laboratory conditions (26°C, RH > 90%), which were applied on the triatomine insects by immersion. Mortality and conidiation were evaluated daily for 24 days. The results revealed that LF14 isolate caused a highly accumulated mortality rate (97.5%) with 100% of sporulation on fungus-killed cadavers of nymphs, and LT50 of 6 days and 97.5% of efficacy. Histopathological sections allowed us to observe attached conidia, penetrating the cuticle surface by its germinal tube, as well as the massive invation of the haemocele and all tissues and organs, leading to triatomine death and sporulation on fungus-killed cadavers of nymphs. ETM studies revealed abundant growth of fungal hyphae and micelar into haemocele, with defense response of haemocytes against fungal structures. Areas of low electron-density were frequently observed, suggesting the secretion of enzymes by penetrating hyphae to weaken cuticle and tissues. The isolate LF14 of B. bassiana s.l. is proposed as a potential biocontrol agent to be tested under field conditions in biorational control programs against T. maculata populations. KEY WORDS: Biological control, entomopathogenic fungus, histopathology, electron microscopy, triatomine bugs.

Se presentan comentarios y se complementan las ideas de un artículo de reciente publicación en la revista Saber [Saber. 29(3):340-347, 2017], acerca de la taxonomía y sistemática de los organismos eucariotas pertenecientes al reino Chromista, así como también de su importancia médico-sanitaria, económica y bio-ecológica. Palabras clave: Eucariotas, taxonomía, sistemática. Abstract Comments are presented and the ideas of a recently published article in the journal Saber are complemented [Saber. 29(3):340-347, 2017], about the taxonomy and systematics of eukaryotic organisms belonging to the Chromista kingdom, as well as their medical-sanitary, economical and bio-ecological importance. Key words: Eukaryota, taxonomy, systematic.

Se presenta el primer registro de Desmometopa leptometopoides Sabrosky, 1983 (Diptera: Milichiidae) para la Región Neotropical, y de Desmometopa varipalpis Malloch, 1927 para Venezuela, a partir de ejemplares adultos capturados en compost y ventanales dentro de una vivienda del área urbana de la zona semiárida del estado Falcón, región nor-occidental de Venezuela. Se realiza la descripción y se ilustra la morfología de los imagos de ambas especies de dípteros-acalípteros y la de los huevos de D. leptometopoides. El comercio internacional de frutas tropicales aparece como el probable mecanismo de expansión de estos insectos, que parecieran haberse adaptado con éxito en el semiárido urbano falconiano. Palabras clave: Acaliptrados, agricultura urbana, entomología urbana. Abstract Desmometopa leptometopoides Sabrosky, 1983 (Diptera: Milichiidae) is herein recorded for the first time in the Neotropical region and Desmometopa varipalpis Malloch, 1927 for Venezuela, collected on compost and windows into a dwelling of the urban area of the semiarid region of Falcon State, north-western region of Venezuela. Description and illustrations of morphological characters of imagos of both acalyptrate dipterous species and that of the eggs of D. leptometopoides are provided. International trade of tropical fruits and vegetables appears to be considered as an important factor for global distribution of D. leptometopoides and D. varipalpis. The breeding biology of these Diptera-milichiid flies appears to be successfully adapted to the urban semiarid condition of Falcon state. KEY WORDS: Acalyptrate, urban agriculture, urban entomology.

The classification systems of the subfamily Phlebotominae has been mainly based on morphological characters of adult stages, and mostly studied under light microscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provides additional information for the identification of pre-imaginal and imaginal stages in phlebotomine sand flies classification systems. In the present study, outer ultramorphological characteristics of laboratory reared eggs, fourth instar larvae and puparium of Micropygomyia ( Sauromyia ) trinidadensis of Trujillo, Venezuelan Andes region, were identified and described. The ultramorphological study revealed a poligonal exo-chorionic sculpturing pattern of the eggs of M. trinidadensis , whereas the fourth instar larvae can be placed in Group 4 of the Neotropical phlebotomine which are characterized by antennae with a short basal segment and an ovoid distal segment; most of analysed puparium setae are short, smooth and spinniform, and the pre-alar ones long, thin and sharp. The importance of these ultrastructural findings to phlebotomine sandfly taxonomy and chaetotaxy system, is discussed.

Comments are presented and complement the ideas of a recent study published in the journal Saber [26(4):420- 440, 2014], about the finding in natura of metacyclic trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma (Shizotrypanum) cruzi (Euglenozoa: Kinetoplastea, Trypanosomatidae), etiologic agent of Chagas disease. This protozoan was found in the faeces of adults of the triatomine insect Psammolestes arthuri (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), caught sympatrically with triatomines Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma maculata within the nests of passerine birds from several rural communities of Anzoátegui state, in the Venezuelan northeastern region..

An updated taxonomic annotated checklist has been made of phlebotomine sandfly species actually recorded from Venezuela (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae). The revision revealed that up till now there has been recorded 112 species, grouped into one tribu (Phlebotomini), four subtribus (Brumptomyiina, Sergentomyiina, Lutzomyiina, Psychodopygina) and 15 genus ( Brumptomyia spp., Micropygomyia spp., Sciopemyia spp., Lutzomyia sp p., Migonemyia spp., Pintomyia spp., Pressatia spp., Trichopygomyia spp., Evandromyia spp., Psathyromyia spp., Viannamyia spp., Bichromomyia spp., Psychodopygus spp., Nyssomyia spp., Trichophoromyia spp.). Highlighted notes on their taxonomic, historic, bioecological, geographical distribution and epidemiological aspects and research needs, is given in the catalogue.

Comments are presented and ideas are complement from a recent review article published in the journal Saber [27(1):17-24, 2015], about the studies that have been made in Venezuela between 2003 and the present, of two amoebozoid protozoa species (Amoebozoa) of the Entamoeba spp. complex (Archamoebae: Entamoebidae), including E. histolytica , the main causative agent of amoebiasis, and E. dispar..

Paper currency is one of the objects most handled and exchanged by people, which could be a potential vehicle to transmit pathogenic microorganism. Between June and July 2013, a total of 154 currency notes (bolívares fuertes: Bs.F) from all denominations were randomly selected from trade centers and banks located in Coro, Falcon state, Venezuela. Sabouraud-agar was used as a solid medium for isolation of fungi using the conventional swab technique. One or more fungal taxa were recovered in 80.52% (124/154) of the examined currency notes, and Aspergillus niger (51.61%), A. nidulans (15.58%) and A. flavus (13.64%) were the most common isolated ones. The apparently clean and dirty/mutilated (100%) notes showed significantly higher contamination percentages than mint (0%) ( X 2 = 27.08; p < 0.001). There was not a statistically significant association between currency denomination and its emission dates with fungal contamination frequencies ( p > 0.05). In the light of obtained results, it can be concluded that currency notes circulating in Coro, Falcon state, Venezuela, could serve as a potential means for dissemination of fungal spores. Sanitary education campaigns for the proper use and management of currency paper, is recommended

Blastocystis spp . is the etiologic agent of blastocistosis. It is one of the major intestinal parasites affecting humans with a widespread geographic distribution, including Venezuela. It was originally named Blastocystis hominis and associated to fungi or protozoa. Nevertheless, recent phylogenetic studies with molecular tools revealed a closer relationship of this species with Stramenopiles or Chromists. Furthermore, it has a high genetic diversity being considered a complex of several genotypes or subtypes (ST), which strongly suggest limiting the name to Blastocystis spp . Thus, Blastocystis hominis is an invalid taxon. The need for homogenizing taxonomic and systematic nomenclatures of Blastocystis spp ., is highlighted

Enterobiosis is a human intestinal parasitic disease caused by the nematode worm Enterobius vermicularis . At night, gravid female pinworms migrate from large intestine to perianal/perineal areas where they lay eggs. Pinworm infection has a cosmopolitan distribution and is more prevalent among children, potentially causing adverse effects on their behavior, school success and nutritional condition. We consider that enterobiosis is one of the most underestimated entero-parasitic infection in humans. The present study makes a critical review of several important aspects about enterobiosis, including biology and taxonmy of E. vermicularis , diagnostic tools, pathologic effects, epidemiology and tretament.

The Ceratopogonid midges are small sized insects commonly known in Venezuela as “jejenes”, and some species are vectors of pathogens such as viruses, protozoa and helminths of humans and animals. In this paper, a revised and updated checklist of the Ceratopogonidae family (Diptera, Nematocera) registered from Venezuela is shown. Until now, 142 midge species have been recorded, grouped into 16 genus ( Alluaudomyia spp., Amerohelea spp., Atrichopogon spp., Bezzia spp., Clinohelea spp., Culicoides spp., Monohelea spp., Dasyhelea spp., Forcipomyia spp., Leptoconops spp., Mallochohelea spp., Pachyhelea spp., Parabezzia spp., Paryphoconus spp., Phaenobezzia spp., Stilobezzia spp.) forming 4 subfamilies (Ceratopogoninae, Dasyheleinae, Forcipomyiinae, Leptocopinae). Bio-ecological, medical, veterinary and agronomic relevance and research needs on the Venezuelan ceratopogonid midges, are discussed

The presence of the centipede Rhysida celeris (Humbert y Saussure, 1870) (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae: Otostigminae) is recorded for the first time captured into a bathroom in a dwelling of periurban area of the city of Coro, semiarid north-western region, Falcon state, Venezuela. Details of its morphology, taxonomy and geographical distribution, are described and discussed.

Due to limitations in the resolution of optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) appears to be considered as a useful complementary tool for the study on morphology of the Psychodid-Diptera subfamily Phlebotominae. Thus, in the present article some outer ultramorphological characteristics of laboratory reared eggs of Lutzomyia (Tricholateralis) gomezi; fourth instar larvae and puparium of Pintomyia (Pifanomyia) evansi; males of Micropygomyia (Sauromyia) trinidadensis and females of Pi. (Pif.) youngi of Trujillo, Venezuelan andes region, were identified and described. The ultramorphological study revealed that the exo-chorionic sculpturing pattern of the eggs of Lu. (Trl.) gomezi are polygonal. Likewise, it is confirmed that the fourth instar larvae of Pi. (Pif.) evansi can be placed in Group 4 of the Neotropical phlebotomine which posses’ antennae with a short basal segment and an ovoid distal segment; whereas most of its analyzed puparium setae are short, smooth and spinniforms, and the pre-alar ones long, curved, thin and sharp. Various types of sensilla, including squamiform, trichoid, chaetic and microtrichia ones were detected on several anatomic parts of adults of Mi. (Sau.) trinidadensis and Pi. (Pif.) youngi. The importance of these ultrastructural findings to phlebotomine sandfly taxonomy and chaetotaxy system and possible function of sensilla, is discussed.

Myiasis is the parasitism of organs and tissues due to fly larvae of the order Diptera. A report is made of a case in a 70 years old man from La Vela, Falcon State, Venezuela, with severe orbital myiasis associated to a spinocellular carcinoma. The patient attended the emergency room of the Universitary Hospital of Coro, Falcon State, with a cavitary tumor with perforations in the right eyeball with suppurative and foul-smelly discharge. 160 larvae instars II and III were collected, and identified as Cochliomyia hominivorax (“screwworm”) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The patient was treated with debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy (Ampicillin/Sulbactam; Clindamycin). Myiasis should be considered potentially when the patient has open extensive lesions such as malignant wounds.

The infraorden Tipulomorpha contains insects of the order Diptera, suborder Nematocera commonly called as crane flies. Based on information from the Catalogue of the Crane flies of World, in the presente article a revised and updated checklist of the Tipulomorpha (superfamily Tipuloidea) registered from Venezuela is shown. Until now, 226 valid species of crane flies has been recorded, grouped into two families, 5 subfamilies and 40 genera, including family Tipulidae s.s., subfamily Tipulinae (genera Brachypremna: 6 species; Leptotarsus: 8 species; Nephrotoma: 3 species; Ozodicera: 3 species; Tipula: 28 species; Zelandotipula: 6 species) and the subfamily Ctenophorinae (genus Pselliophora: 1 species); family Limoniidae, subfamily Chioneinae (genera Atarba: 6 species; Cheilotrichia: 1 species; Cryptolabis: 1 species; Ellipteroides: 2 species; Erioptera: 3 species; Eriopterodes: 1 species; Eugnophomyia: 1 species; Gnophomyia: 4 species; Gonomyia: 9 species; Molophilus: 5 species; Neognophomyia: 1 species; Rhabdomastix: 1 species; Sigmatomera: 1 species; Styringomyia: 1 species; Teucholabis: 15 species); subfamily Limnophilinae (genera Austrolimnophila: 1 species; Epiphragma: 10 species; Hexatoma: 11 species; Lecteria: 1 species; Limnophila: 5 species; Paradelphomyia: 1 species; Polymera: 3 species; Shannonomyia: 5 species;); and subfamily Limoniinae (Dicranomyia: 26 species; Elephantomyia: 1 species; Geranomyia: 25 species; Helius: 5 species; Neolimonia: 2 species; Orimarga: 4 species; Protohelius: 1 species; Rhipidia: 10 species; Toxorhina: 4 species; Trentepohlia: 4 species). In addition, the first records of Brachypremna spp., Gonomyia spp. and Dicranomyia spp. are described for the urban semiarid area from Falcon state, north-western region. Data on the geographical distribution of the species is provided, and bio-ecological, agronomic, medical relevance and research needs on the Venezuelan crane flies, are discussed.

A first report is made of the presence of the triatomine insect Triatoma nigromaculata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), collected intradomiciliary biting on human in Zaragoza, Sierra de San Luis, Falcon state, north-western region of Venezuela. The potential implications of this finding for transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi etiological agent of Chagas disease are discussed.

Los psicódidos son insectos pequeños de distribución cosmopolita que incluyen taxa de importancia sanitaria. En el presente trabajo, se muestra un catálogo revisado y actualizado de las especies de la familia Psychodidae (Diptera, Nematocera, Psychodomorpha) no Phlebotominae registradas para Venezuela. Hasta el presente se han reportado 31 especies, agrupadas en tres subfamilias, tres tribus y 12 géneros, incluyendo la subfamilia Bruchomyiinae, géneros Notofairchildia spp. (1 especie) y Boreofairchildia spp. (1 especie); subfamilia Trichomyiinae, género Trichomyia spp. (2 especies); y la subfamilia Psychodinae, Tribu Setomimini, géneros Alepia spp. (5 especies), Arisemus spp. (5 especies), Australopericoma spp. (3 especies), Balbagathis spp. (3 especies), Didimioza spp. (1 especie), Micrommatos spp. (1 especie), Tonnoira spp. (1 especie), Tribu Psychodini, género Psychoda spp. (6 especies). Se describe por vez primera la presencia de P. alternata, P. alternicula, P. cinerea, P. savaiiensis y P. matogrossensis para el estado Falcón, región nor-occidental, así como también de Clogmia albipunctata de la Tribu Paramormiini. Se comenta sobre la importancia bio-ecológica, sanitaria y forense de los psicódidos no Phlebotominae, y las necesidades de investigación en el país.

Beauveria bassiana sensu lato (Bálsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota-Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae) es un hongo entomopatógeno ampliamente utilizado como agente de control biológico. Se estudió in vitro en medio sólido (Sabouraud) el efecto y compatibilidad de dos surfactantes no iónicos (Tween® 20 y Tween® 80) a nueve concentraciones (v/v) ([%]: 0,1; 0,5; 1; 2,5; 5; 10;15; 20 y 25) sobre la germinación de conidios de 13 aislamientos nativos de B. bassiana s.l. (LF01, LF02, LF03, LF04, LF06, LF07, LF08, LF09, LF10, LF11, LF12, LF13, LF14), que han mostrado ser patógenos hacia Rhodnius prolixus, principal vector de la enfermedad de Chagas en Venezuela. Los aislamientos fúngicos se ensayaron a 1x107 conidias/mL. La evaluación de la compatibilidad se hizo mediante prueba de germinación conidial a las 24h (26°C y HR > 90%). Se observó un efecto altamente significativo (P < 0,001) de los surfactantes (F = 207,86), su concentración (F = 35,12) y de los diferentes aislamientos (F = 77,1) sobre los porcentajes promedios de germinación. El efecto inhibitorio se observó más pronunciadamente con Tween® 20 a partir de 10%, en los aislamientos LF02 y LF03 obteniéndose porcentajes promedios de germinación de 15,1 - 46,5% y 12,6 - 19,9%, respectivamente, siendo mayor la acción inhibitoria a 25%. A las concentraciones que usualmente se usan ambos surfactantes (≤ 1%), las tasas promedio de germinación de los conidios de todos los aislamientos fueron de 100%. Por ello, probablemente tanto el Tween® 20 como el Tween® 80 posean una compatibilidad similar con los 13 aislamientos de B. bassiana s.l. a nivel de campo en programas integrales de control biorracional de triatominos.

The enteric helminth Enterobius vermicularis is the causal agent of enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, which is most prevalent in children. A study was designed to determine the prevalence and clinical and epidemiological profiles of enterobiasis in preschool and elementary school children of El Paso Acurigua, Falcon state, Venezuela. The descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional survey was performed from November 2006 to April 2007, in a total of 82 children. Probable risk factors for enterobiasis were identified by using epidemiological questionnaires. Symptoms associated to enterobiasis were determined by means of clinical examination. The diagnosis of pinworm infection was made by adhesive cellulose tape. The overall prevalence of enterobiasis was 40.24% (33/82), with significantly higher percentages of infection in boys (p = 0.001). Anal pruritus (p = 0.001), restlessness (p = 0.002), bruxism (p < 0.000) and abdominal pain (p = 0.02) were the symptoms significantly associated with enterobiasis. Multiple logistic regression analysis allowed the determination of independent potential risk factors for transmission of this enterohelminthiasis: anal pruritus [Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.6], onycophagy (OR = 2.8), dirty fingernails (OR = 6.3), pet playing (OR = 2.0), defecation on septic tank (OR = 2.3) and overcrowding (≥ 6 persons/household: OR = 19.8; ≥ 3 persons/room: OR = 1.8). Enterobiasis remains highly prevalent among school children from “El Paso Acurigua”. Thus, improving standards of living and personal-community hygiene as well as education campaigns, are advised.

Enterobiosis is an infection caused by the intestinal nematode Enterobius vermicularis . It has a cosmopolitan distribution and is usually seen in preschool (2-5 years) and primary school (6-12 years) aged children. We report an unusual oxiuriosis case of a 54-year-old female from Coro, Falcon state, Venezuela, who attended our institution with indisposition of a painful swelling in the neck and mouth areas. Nevertheless, anamnesis and physical examination revealed signs and symptoms (anal or vaginal itching, perianal lesions) related with enterobiosis. The Graham test revealed E. vermicularis eggs. She was treated with oral albendazole and is well at follow-up. The need for including adults on enterobiosis epidemiological field surveys, is highlighted

A revised and updated list of the 23 known species of triatomine bugs (Hemiptera-Heteroptera, Reduviidae) vectors of the Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) in Venezuela is presented. They are arranged in five tribes (Alberproseniini, Bolboderini, Cavernicolini, Rhodnini, Triatomini) and 9 genera (Alberprosenia spp., Belminus spp., Microtriatoma spp., Cavernicola spp., Psammolestes spp., Rhodnius spp., Eratyrus spp., Panstrongylus spp., Triatoma spp.). Distributional, historic, taxonomic and sistematic, bio-ecological, sanitary data as well as bibliographical references of each taxon are also included. Likewise, research needs on Venezuelan triatomine bugs is highlighted.

In the specialized scientific literature of Latin America, the terms venom and poison, envenomation and poisoning, venomous animals and poisonous animals are frequently implemented improperly as synonyms. Thus, in the present communication the differences of these terms are discussed in the context of the Clinical Toxinology lexic and the need for homogenizing such a nomenclature is highlighted.