Flea-Borne Pathogens and Their Impact on Infectious Diseases
A Special Issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2026) | Viewed by 1068
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
A range of infectious diseases affect millions of people each year. These pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, are transmitted to humans and animals through the bites of infected arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, lice, and fleas. While many vector-borne diseases are well known, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Lyme disease, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact of diseases specifically transmitted by fleas.
Flea-borne diseases, including Bartonella infections, Rickettsial diseases, and plague, substantially contribute to the burden of vector-borne illnesses. These diseases can lead to debilitating conditions, disabilities, and even death. The impact of flea-transmitted pathogens is far-reaching, placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems and economies worldwide.
Climate change, urbanization, and globalization have exacerbated the spread and intensification of vector-borne diseases, including those spread by fleas. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have expanded the geographical range of vectors, while increased travel and trade have facilitated the introduction of new pathogens to previously unaffected regions, potentially including flea-borne pathogens.
Controlling vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by fleas, requires a multifaceted approach. This includes vector control measures, such as insecticide spraying and habitat modification, specifically targeting flea populations and other vectors. Disease surveillance, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are also essential. Public health education and community engagement are crucial for preventing the spread of these diseases, emphasizing the importance of flea control and awareness.
In conclusion, flea-borne pathogens represent a significant challenge to global health security. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated effort involving governments, international organizations, researchers, and communities to implement effective prevention and control strategies, with specific focus on flea-related illnesses.
Prof. Dr. Francisco José Márquez
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- vector-borne pathogens
- infectious diseases
- public health
- epidemiology
- fleas
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
