Models of spatial analysis for vector-borne diseases studies: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose significant global health challenges for humans and animals.
• Understanding vector ecology and spatial distribution is vital for assessing and managing VBD risks.
• Environmental and climatic factors critically influence the emergence and spread of VBDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify models, variables, and factors influencing the emergence and resurgence of VBDs.
• To analyze how these factors affect the spatial distribution patterns of VBDs at local and global scales.
• To synthesize current knowledge on VBDs in relation to environmental and climatic influences.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Literature search performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SciELO (2010-2020).
• Search terms included spatial analysis, VBDs, climate, ecologic factors, and species distribution models.

Main Results:

• Interactions between climate, biotic/abiotic, and non-climate factors are complex and location-specific.
• VBDs are highly susceptible to climate and environmental variations, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• The study highlights the variability in VBD case studies regarding variable selection, geographic, and temporal scope.

Conclusions:

• Generalizing VBD geospatial knowledge is challenging due to inherent case independence.
• Increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events necessitate a focus on climate's role in infectious disease incidence.
• This review provides broader observations applicable to various VBD models, moving beyond individual case analyses.