Abstract

In Guatemala, there is no doubt about the participation of Simulium ochraceum as vector of Onchocerciasis. However, in Mexico practically there are not studies focussed to determine the role of this species in the transmission. The objective of the present investigation was to determine which of the 3 species of Simulium founded in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, is the main, and which were secondary in the transmission of Onchocerciasis in that area. The locality of Morelos, in the Huixtla "municipio" of Chiapas, localized a 1200 meters over the sea level (mosl) were selected to carried out the present study. According to own parasitological studies, this locality is considered as highly endemic (more than 66% prevalence). From March 1979 to March, 1981, we performed captures of Simulium sp caught on human bait. Quantitative studies and of transmission potentials were also performed. The following results were obtained: a) Absolute black flies densities (nulliparous and pariparous) and infected black flies (with L1 and L2 larvae): S. ochraceum, S. metallicum and S. callidum, in that order was the distribution of densities. Infected black flies were obtained in the 3 species. However, in despite of an irregular distribution in all the year, it was possible to identify 2 peaks of maximum infection of S. ochraceum in March, 1979 and March 1981. b) Monthly bite densities and infective bites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)