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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
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Patterns, Drivers, and Challenges of Vector-Borne Disease Emergence
Andrea Swei1, Lisa I Couper2, Lark L Coffey3
1Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California.
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Emerging vector-borne zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) are increasingly reported, primarily transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. Land use change is a key driver, with Africa showing the highest burden after accounting for sampling bias.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vector-borne diseases represent a significant and growing proportion of emerging infectious diseases globally.
- Key ecological and evolutionary factors driving the emergence of these diseases remain underexplored.
- Understanding these drivers is crucial for predicting and mitigating future outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on global patterns of emerging vector-borne zoonotic diseases (VBZDs).
- To identify key ecological and evolutionary dimensions facilitating VBZD emergence.
- To explore the impact of changing global conditions on VBZD emergence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and synthesis of published data on VBZDs.
- Analysis of disease transmission vectors, causative agents, and identified drivers.
- Assessment of geographical distribution and correction for sampling bias.
Main Results:
- Ticks (Ixodidae) and mosquitoes (Culicidae) are the predominant vectors for emerging VBZDs.
- Rickettsiaceae bacteria and RNA viruses (Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae) are the most common pathogens.
- Land use change is the most frequent driver, though often unknown, highlighting a research gap.
- Africa exhibits the highest prevalence of emerging VBZDs after correcting for sampling bias.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in understanding the emergence of VBZDs.
- Interdisciplinary research integrating ecological, evolutionary, and epidemiological approaches is vital.
- A deeper consideration of evolutionary processes is needed to anticipate future VBZD emergence patterns.
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