The Medical Biology of Brazilian Calliphoridae: Mechanism for Disease Transmission
Abstract
Personnel and facilities in eleven widely distributed medical entomology laboratories in Brazil were evaluated in a feasibility study for a full-scale scientific investigation of fly-borne disease. The United States military experience elsewhere, and a vast bode of scientific evidence have shown that high fly density and high enteric disease morbidity go hand-in-hand. In Brazil, synanthropic flies are abundant and active the year around as potential vectors of enteric pathogens and agents of myiasis. Breakdown of sanitation in military situations, e.g. inadequate disposal of human excrement and garbage, can produce explosive outbreaks of flies and enteric disease to hamper military operations. There are about 22 reported species of calliphorides in Brazil. The habits, distribution, and life cycles of the majority of these flies are largely unknown. These facts are necessary to (1) identify the potentially important vectors; (2) determine in which places and under what conditions each species is likely to become a problem; (3) learn how to avoid fly build-up; and (4) implement effective control measures in the event fly build-up does occur. A full-scale study of the medical biology of Brazilian calliphorids, the house fly, and other synanthropic flies is feasible and strongly recommended. Five factors underscore the importance of such an investigation to the medical mission of the military: (1) prevalence of enteric disease throughout the country; (2) abundance of synanthropic flies the year around; (3) absence of vital information on this medically important group of flies; (4) existence of suitable research facilities in Brazil; and (5) enthusiasm for the project by Brazilian medical entomologists. (SDW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA198403
Entities
People
- Bernard Greenberg
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign