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A digital repository of samples from arthropod vectors
Davide Colombo1, Alejandro Nabor Lozada-Chàvez2, Andrea Matucci3
1Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Pathogens and Global Health
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors in Europe necessitate robust monitoring. A new digital repository, RAV-IT, facilitates sharing of vector samples and metadata to advance research and control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Arthropod-borne diseases are increasing in Europe due to environmental changes.
- Effective prevention relies on vector monitoring and control, as treatments are limited.
- A national initiative in Italy generated numerous field samples for vector-borne disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a digital repository for sharing arthropod vector samples and metadata.
- To support research and control initiatives for vector-borne diseases in Italy.
- To foster collaboration among scientific institutions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a relational database named RAV-IT.
- Aggregation of data from seventeen Italian institutions.
- Inclusion of metadata alongside nearly two thousand vector samples.
Main Results:
- The RAV-IT repository is now accessible online (https://mosqit.unipv.it/).
- It currently houses approximately two thousand vector samples with associated metadata.
- The repository is open for data contribution from any user.
Conclusions:
- RAV-IT enhances resource sharing for scientific research on arthropod vectors.
- This initiative is crucial for advancing the understanding and control of vector-borne diseases.
- The repository promotes collaborative efforts in entomological surveillance.
