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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
10:35
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
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Reptile vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan1, Miguel Angel Mendoza-Roldan2, Domenico Otranto1,3
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
Summary
Reptiles harbor zoonotic pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors like ticks and mosquitoes. This review explores reptile-borne diseases, their ancient origins, and host-vector-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Herpetology
Background:
- Reptile vector-borne diseases (RVBDs) involve bacteria, protozoa, and viruses transmitted by arthropods.
- Reptiles' ancient evolutionary history facilitated co-evolution with vectors and pathogens.
- Zoonotic RVBDs have ancient origins, with protozoan hemoparasites linked to early Cretaceous sand flies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern originating from reptiles.
- To discuss host-vector-pathogen interactions in the context of RVBDs.
- To highlight the role of reptiles as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles and research.
- Analysis of host-vector-pathogen interactions.
- Synthesis of information on RVBDs and their transmission.
Main Results:
- Reptiles are reservoirs for diverse zoonotic pathogens, including protozoa (e.g., Leishmania, Trypanosoma) and bacteria (e.g., Aeromonas, Borrelia, Rickettsia).
- Arthropod vectors include ticks, mites, mosquitoes, and sand flies.
- Reptiles' long evolutionary history supports complex pathogen transmission cycles.
Conclusions:
- Reptiles play a significant role in the epidemiology of zoonotic vector-borne diseases.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for public health and disease prevention.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate reptile-associated zoonotic disease transmission.
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