Vector–Pathogen Interactions Under Environmental Change: Ecological, Molecular, and Epidemiological Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Vector-borne pathogens are driven by their interactions with arthropod vectors, which determine the pathogen lifecycle with infection, development, transmission and infectious disease dynamics. These interactions are shaped by a complex interplay of biological, ecological and molecular processes, many of which remain poorly understood, particularly under rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Climate variability, land-use transformation, agricultural intensification and urbanization are altering the ecological context in which vector–pathogen interactions occur. These changes can influence vector lifecycle, competence, feeding behaviour, microbiome composition and physiological responses, thereby affecting pathogen transmission in ways that are often nonlinear and context-dependent. At the same time, shifts in biodiversity and host communities may further modulate these interactions, creating new epidemiological scenarios across natural and anthropogenic landscapes.

Recent advances in molecular biology, omics technologies and ecological modelling have opened new avenues for investigating the mechanisms underlying vector–pathogen interactions. However, there is a critical need to integrate these approaches within a unified framework that connects molecular processes with ecological dynamics and epidemiological outcomes, particularly within a One Health perspective.

This Special Issue aims to advance the understanding of how environmental change influences vector–pathogen interactions at different levels and how these changes translate into altered transmission dynamics and disease risk. We particularly encourage contributions that provide mechanistic insights into the biological processes controlling these interactions, integrating molecular, ecological and epidemiological approaches.

We welcome original research articles, reviews and short communications addressing topics including, but not limited to:

Mechanisms of pathogen acquisition, development and transmission within vectors;

• Effects of environmental change on vector competence and pathogen dynamics;
• Vector microbiomes and their role in pathogen interactions;
• Physiological and behavioural responses of vectors influencing transmission;
• Vector–pathogen interactions across gradients of biodiversity and land use;
• Molecular and omics approaches to vector–pathogen interactions;
• Ecological and predictive modelling of transmission under environmental change;
• Integrated surveillance and control strategies targeting vector–pathogen ecosystems.
• Evolution of vector-pathogen interactions.
• Development of control interventions driven by vector-pathogen interactions, including probiotics and vaccines.

This Special Issue seeks to foster an interdisciplinary perspective, connecting Ecology, Parasitology, Epidemiology, Molecular Biology and Environmental Sciences, with particular emphasis on research applied to public health, veterinary health and biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Rodrigo Ferreira Krüger
Prof. Dr. José de la Fuente
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• vector–pathogen interactions
• vector competence
• pathogen transmission
• environmental change
• disease ecology
• vector microbiome
• ecoepidemiology
• One Health
• molecular interactions
• control interventions